bug management?

scbelle · Post by **scbelle** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:38 am

Here is my problem. I really cannot afford the expensive flea/tick/mosquito treatments like Frontline or Advantage. Can anyone reccommend something that I can get at Wal-Mart or Petsmart? I have used Hartz and Sargents products for years for my cats without problems (spot on, not collars), but I do not know how well they do for dogs. We have pulled three ticks off of Katie since Feb when we got her, but that was when there was a bit of a gap between treatments.

Thanks!

Fundog · Post by **Fundog** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:18 am

Skin So Soft (from Avon) is reputed to be an excellent insect repellent, without the DEET, and it even smells pleasant-- not like a typical bug spray. If you got the oil version, rather than the lotion, you could put some on Katie's coat. The other advantage to that is, it will help burrs and twigs and things just slide out of her coat real easy if you ever take her into dense cover.

However, I confess I have never actually tried the Skin So Soft as an insect repellent for myself, so I can only go by what others have told me.

As another aside for anyone who doesn't know this: the reason the commercial insect repellents with DEET work is that the DEET interferes with the insects' landing/navigational system: they can't land when they get into proximity to someone wearing the DEET spray. If they can't land on you, they can't bite you.

maximoo · Post by **maximoo** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:40 am

I have found that petcarerx.com has the best prices on flea & hrtwrm meds. It is much cheaper in the long run if you buy the 12 pack. Plus there's usually a 20% off code on the home page. The local stores and vet offices chrg much more.

Mattie · Post by **Mattie** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:55 am

I find that Avon Skin so Soft does work, when we have lots of bugs around I use the shower gel, then rub in some cream. I carry round a spray of oil to top up as well.

Many times I have been sitting outside a pub, the bugs are eating everyone else but leaving me alone.

pmcrae71 · Post by **pmcrae71** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:47 pm

My mother in law uses skin so soft for her dust mop. He has some dry skin issues and her vet recommended she use that for his dry skin and it also keeps flies, fleas, ticks and mosquitos off of him. She won't use anything else on Harley

Fundog · Post by **Fundog** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:39 pm

Well that settles it then: I'm looking for an Avon lady near me!

pmcrae71 · Post by **pmcrae71** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 6:55 am

Good luck, hope it works well for you.

scbelle · Post by **scbelle** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:32 am

I had heard that Avon stuff works for people tho haven't tried it myself. For those of you who do use it on your four legged friends, how often do you apply it? Katie is outside some everyday for walks and on her tether when it is not too hot or raining. I really do not want to have to apply it every day.

Thanks again!

springermomx3 · Post by **springermomx3** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 4:49 pm

Please do not use Hartz products...

I use Best Shot Flea Fly & Tick spray.. works well.
http://www.petedge.com/Best-Shot-Fly--F ... fe417a3945

Mattie · Post by **Mattie** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:50 am

A lot of people with horses use it, I did myself when I had one and it worked. At one time it was recommended for Pot Bellied Pigs, don't know if it still is.

I put it on when I see the flies starting to buzz round again.

MaiasMom · Post by **MaiasMom** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:52 pm

I thought about trying it for the posse instead of Frontline, I don't really like to use that. So I will be going to Eastern Washington where there are ticks and deerflys and see if it works. I know it works for me so this will be an interesting test. I will let you know how it works out. Deerflies are really nasty, they actually take a bite out of you and it bleeds.

At home I use and forgive my spelling, diamatiouse Earth (used in swiming pool filters). Since I have a fenced yard and other animals can't get in, I put it on the lawn. it grinds the little bugs up. We have fleas in Western Washington and ticks in Eastern WA. Since the posse has so much room to run over there this is not a good option for me and need to use Frontline. They have long hair and it's really hard to see ticks that might get on them.