Is Fennel a Natural Flea Repellent?

Description

• Cultivated in the United States, fennel, also known as sweet fennel, fenkel or wild fennel, grows to a height of approximately 3 to 4 feet. Fennel plants present finely divided leaves that are linear or awl shaped. The leaves are soft and feathery. Gray-colored compound umbels present small, light yellow flowers. The fruit or seed are oblong, green or yellow-brown in color. The seeds exhibit five prominent dorsal ridges. The tiny seeds have a flavor similar to anise, slightly sweet with a bitter aftertaste. Fennel is rich in vitamin A and is used to flavor soups, sausages and sauces.

Flea-Fighting Features

• Traditionally, organic gardeners have planted fennel near dog kennels and horse stables to repel fleas. Dried fennel, placed inside a dog house or used within the stuffing of dog beds, is effective in deterring flea infestations. A word of warning: Fleas aren't the only things repelled by fennel. Allelopathic fennel is not friendly to most garden plants. Fennel causes plants to bolt or inhibits their growth. It actually kills many other plants in close proximity. Dill is the only garden plant that is compatible with fennel.

Powder Form

• An effective flea powder can be made from dried, crushed fennel. Grind fennel to a fine powder in an electric blender or coffee grinder. Store it in an air-tight container. Sprinkle the powder on the coat of your pet after bathing it with an organic pet shampoo containing fennel. You can also simmer fennel in water and use the cooled water as a rinse for dog and cat baths.

Fennel and Horses

• Fennel added to bedding straw is beneficial in repelling fleas and flies that are bothersome to horses and livestock. Fennel, planted around corrals, horse barns and stables, repels fleas and prevents infestation. Sprinkle dried fennel on horse blankets.