Just the thought of fleas makes most people itchy without even seeing one. Surely, they’re unpleasant, but did you know they can actually be dangerous to your pets? Because they are parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts, fleas can transmit lyme disease and other dangerous illnesses. The most common symptoms of fleas are severe itching and red, swollen bites on the skin. These sores can cause a secondary infection, so treatment should begin immediately.

Here are 5 natural ways to manage and prevent fleas:

1. Herbal flea spray

You can easily make a homemade flea spray using lemon juice. Fleas dislike citrus and many pet owners swear by it. To make your own spray, boil two cups of water, add one thinly sliced lemon, bring it to a boil, and let it steep overnight. Bottle the concoction in a spray bottle and then spray it on your pet’s fur, avoiding the face and eyes. Another homemade version uses apple cider vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with half vinegar and half water then spray on the fur and let air dry.

2. Rosemary

There are also flea deterrent plants you can plant around your home and use as flea deterrents. Try a few drops of rosemary oil on the fur around the neck and on the back of your animal. Another method is to boil fresh rosemary in water for 15 minutes and let it steep for a few hours, or overnight. Then put your pet in the bathtub and pour it over their fur and massage in gently. Let the fur air dry.

3. Diatomaceous earth

Flea deterrent plants also include diatomaceous earth. It should only be used around the house and yard, not on the pet. First, vacuum the areas where your pet spends most of their time. These areas should be vacuumed daily, then sprinkle the DE all over the furniture and carpet. Leave on overnight and vacuum well the next day. Make sure you empty the vacuum bag outside when you’re done, otherwise the pesky critters can crawl out and make their dreaded comeback.

4. Natural flea bath

DIY flea baths include using dish soap and warm water. Get your pet’s fur wet with warm water in the bathtub, apply two to three teaspoons of dish soap and gently scrub the fur, making sure to get to the skin. Add more soap as needed to keep it sudsy and avoid their eyes. Another tip is to lather up the neck first to create a barrier because the fleas will try to escape to the head once you start scrubbing. Wait about five minutes and rinse well. Use a flea comb after the bath to remove all dead fleas.

5. Baking soda

Other DIY flea baths use baking soda and water. Mix three tablespoons baking soda into a quart of warm water. After wetting the fur, massage the solution into the fur, leave it on for five minutes and rinse. It should leave their coat soft and shiny.

The key to avoiding a flea infestation is to treat the pet and the sleeping area immediately upon finding evidence of fleas. Treat all the pets in the house at the same time. If you see your pet itching frequently, inspect the fur right away. Using these natural remedies instead of commercial flea shampoos is safer for your pet and your family.