Tuesday, February 27, 2018

5 Potty Training Mistakes You’re Making With Your Puppy

Potty training a puppy or new rescue is not easy. It takes dedication, consistency and lots and lots of patience. As dog parents ourselves, we know avoiding mistakes can save you a ton of time in the long run, not to mention lead to better results. Here’s 5 common potty training mistakes you’ll want to avoid. 

 

Not Using a Crate or Kennel

Puppies need constant supervision—it’s both essential to properly training a pup, and a natural part of their maturing process (in nature puppies were traditionally guided around by older members of the pack). All of which is to say that a crate or kennel is an important tool for training young dogs, including potty training. By helping channel your dog’s natural instinct to keep their living space free of accidents, a crate can really speed up the house training process. Remember: the more accidents your pup has in the house, the more likely they are to use the bathroom inside again. Kennels can also be instrumental in helping pups develop their “hold time” between bathroom breaks.

 

Expecting Too Much Too Soon

Consistency is arguably the most important element in house training a new pup. Because it can take up to several months to fully potty train a dog, patiently sticking to your training routine is absolutely essential. It’s not uncommon for new puppy parents to experience a few days or weeks without accidents and then prematurely assume their puppy is house trained. But by breaking the repetition of your routine too soon, you can undo lots of the work you’ve put in to train your fur baby. Until you’ve had a month or two without accidents, chances are your pup isn’t quite house broken yet. If you stay consistent and keep using positive reinforcement, you’ll get there before you know it.

 

Not Properly Cleaning up Accidents

Not thoroughly cleaning up accident stains can come back to bite you in the long run. Simply cleaning up an accident until it’s no longer visible is not always sufficient. Our pups have powerful noses, and if they can still smell an accident spot, there’s a good chance they’ll revisit that area when they need to potty again. To prevent that from happening, trade in the traditional soap-and-water for a deodorizing enzyme-based cleaner. Also, avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as such formulas can actually mimic the scent of urine, which will likely cause you more headaches in the future.

 

Using Potty Pads

Unless you’re limited by living in a high rise or have mobility concerns, potty pads are probably not a good idea. In fact, they can actually prolong or interrupt the potty training process. Potty pads have a way of confusing our pups by establishing a routine that says it’s OK to potty indoors sometimes. Oftentimes puppy parents will notice that when they remove the potty pads, their pup continually has accidents where the pads used to be. This is because the dog has been taught that a certain space indoors—where the potty pads were located—is fine for elimination. If you’re hoping for a speedy potty training experience, skip the pads.

 

Punishing for Accidents

This is the big one. This is the mistake almost every puppy parent makes at some point, and it’s the one that can be most damaging to your dog and their training. Keep in mind, your puppy is brand new to the world, accidents are going to happen. Rubbing your dog’s nose in urine or feces or spanking them isn’t going to make accidents happen less often. Such actions will likely only serve to confuse or scare your dog. Remember: our pups have short term memories and they’re unlikely to connect such disciplinary measures with the accident they had a few minutes ago. Positive reinforcement that incorporates praise and reward is the best approach to a well-trained puppy.

 

Bonus Tip!

One of our favorite potty training tips here at Cedarcide is simple and easy: Use a bell. By hanging a bell on the door and training your pup to use it you’ll always know when your dog needs a bathroom break. Check out this link for more info on using this strategy

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

The post 5 Potty Training Mistakes You’re Making With Your Puppy appeared first on Cedarcide.

Friday, February 23, 2018

What You Need to Know About Mange

Cedarcide blog post image, What You Need to Know About Mange

What is Mange and What Causes It?

Mange is a skin disorder caused by parasitic mites. There are two types: Demodectic mange (also known as red mange) and Sarcoptic mange, sometimes called scabies. Demodectic mange, the most common type, is less severe than Sarcoptic mange and is not contagious. It’s an inflammatory response to a mite that lives on the skin and hair follicles of nearly all dogs, usually without causing problems. However, a compromised immune system or an unusual spike in the mite’s population can lead to irritation—this is Demodectic mange. While complications and further infection occur in rare cases, Demodectic mange normally resolves fairly quickly without requiring treatment.

Sarcoptic Mange, however, is highly contagious, and can affect dogs, cats, pigs, horses and even humans (human infestation is known as scabies). It’s caused by a mite that burrows into the skin, resulting in intense, often painful itching. Skin damage, hair loss, and scabs are all common in Sarcoptic mange. Complications are more common with this type of mange, and it’s usually much harder to get rid of, as it’s easily passed between people, pets and places that have become infested with the scabies mite. 


What Are the Symptoms?

Mange symptoms vary somewhat depending on the type. Hair loss is more common with Demodectic mange, for example, and Sarcoptic mange tends to cause more intense itching, and is normally located on the ears, face, legs and elbows. But in general, the following symptoms are seen in both forms of mange:

  • Hair loss and bald spots
  • Scabs
  • Sores
  • Redness or crusting of the skin
  • Moderate to severe scratching
  • Restlessness


How Can I Prevent Mange?

Methods for preventing mange will depend on the type. Demodectic mange can normally be prevented by keeping your pet clean and healthy. Basic hygiene and a balanced diet are almost always sufficient (in general, choose fresh, organic options over pre-packaged foods). Sarcoptic mange is another issue entirely. Many of the same methods used to repel fleas and ticks can be used for scabies mites—such as regularly cleaning bedding and practicing basic pest prevention. Again, Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious, so limiting possible points of exposure is essential. Similarly, if your pet contracts scabies mites, you’ll need to isolate them, to keep them from infesting other animals and your home.

 

What to Do if Your Pet Has Mange

First thing’s first: take them to a veterinarian. A vet will use skin scrapings to verify a mite diagnosis. Also, a vet visit is important to rule out and prevent secondary infections from taking hold. When at all possible, natural methods are our preferred approach, as they can be both effective and non-toxic. However, never employ natural options instead of consulting a vet, do so only in conjunction with their professional advice


4 Natural Tips for Dealing Mange
:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is said to both soothe mange-damaged skin and help control the mites that cause mange. Gently apply directly to affected areas. Just be mindful that an oily pet can easily leave oil spots on carpet, furniture and bedding.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is said to relieve itching and kill mange-causing mites. Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties can also help regulate pH levels, which will in turn aid in the healing of damaged skin. You can apply ACV directly to affected areas using a spray bottle, or if the issue is widespread, you can apply all over as a post-bath treatment. Allow the ACV to air dry. Do not use on pets with raw or otherwise damaged skin.

Natural Bug Repellents 

Natural, pet-friendly bug repellents, like Cedarcide Original, can help keep mites at bay. Apply to both your pet and yourself before enjoying outdoor activities, like visiting the dog park or hiking, to deter biting pests—including mites, fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

Honey

Honey is said to help clean and relieve the sores caused by mange. Apply it directly to affected areas using a cotton ball or other gentle applicator.


Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our 
Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

5 Surprising Ways Apple Cider Vinegar Can Benefit Your Dog

For years, apple cider vinegar has been all the rage among natural lifestyle advocates for its many health benefits and uses throughout the home. But did you know apple cider vinegar can benefit your dog, too? From skin health to fresher breath, here’s 5 surprising ways apple cider vinegar can improve your pup’s life.

 

Dandruff

Nothing distracts from a shiny, healthy coat like doggy dandruff. Plus, if your pup has dandruff, it’s likely they also have itchy skin—and that’s no fun. A topical application of apple cider vinegar can lessen or temporarily eliminate canine dandruff, and by combating itchy, dry skin, it can also help prevent it from returning.

Mix a solution of 50/50 apple cider vinegar and water. After bathing your dog as normal, apply this solution to your pup’s fur using a spray bottle. Then, massage the spray into their coat using your hands. Do not spray on or near your dog’s face—use your hands to apply the solution to these sensitive areas. Be aware: If your pooch has any open wounds or scratches, the apple cider vinegar may irritate these areas. It might be best to wait until such issues have healed before using this approach.


Prevent Ear Infections


Does your dog suffer from recurring ear infections or itchy ears? Apple cider vinegar can help. Mix a solution of half purified water with half apple cider vinegar; then, soak a cotton ball with the mixture and use it to gently clean your dog’s ears and ear flaps. (Use a cotton ball not a q-tip to avoid potentially damaging your pup’s inner ear.) This solution works to keep the ear clean (and therefore help prevent infection) by removing dirt and other pollutants. It also helps stifle the growth of bacteria and fungi, known causes of ear infection.

If your pooch’s ears are red, swollen or have open wounds, the apple cider vinegar could sting these areas; it’s best to wait until such issues have been resolved before trying this solution.

Relieve Hot Spots 

Almost anything that causes skin irritation or itchiness can result in a hot spot. Once started, the skin only gets itchier, and unfortunately scratching further aggravates hot spots. Apple cider vinegar not only addresses many of the root causes of hot spots, but also helps relieve general skin irritation and itchiness. Mix one part purified water with one part apple cider vinegar; then, soak a cotton bowl with this solution and use it to dab the affected area.

Reapply daily or as needed until the problem improves. However, never use this method on open wounds or raw skin, as the apple cider vinegar could cause pain in these areas.

Breath Freshener



Fowl puppy breath can make it hard to spend quality one-on-one time with your dog. After all, a stinky mouth is not exactly conducive to cuddling. By adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food bowl each day, you can help fight the bacteria that causes bad breath. You should notice fresher breath in as little as a couple days.

Mange

Caused by mites, mange is an extremely itchy skin condition that often results in loss of hair and skin damage. Apple cider vinegar can help with both the mites and the irritation. Simply dilute apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle or bucket (roughly 70% ACD to 30% purified water) and thoroughly wet the affected area with the mixture. Do not rinse off the solution, let it air dry instead (excess moisture can be removed with a towel). Repeat daily or as needed. Having your pet stand in the bath will make the process much less messy.

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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Monday, February 19, 2018

As puppy parents, we’re more informed than ever before—especially when it comes to our dogs’ diets. The traditional, kibble-based diet most pet owners have been using for years is not the ideal way to feed our pups. Kibble is almost always high in starch, carbohydrates, chemical preservatives, and other processed ingredients that should be avoided. Canines, which are natural meat-eaters, do not benefit from carbs and starches, mostly because they did not evolve to properly digest them. Not to mention that kibble lacks many of the vitamins, enzymes and minerals essential to canine health. In essence, raw feeding is an attempt to supply our dogs with the diet their bodies evolved to fit. It’s also meant to return dogs to a fresh, all natural and nutrient-rich diet. Raw feeding can get complicated (and messy). So, if you’re new to the raw feeding movement, here’s 5 common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

Before adopting a raw feeding diet, we suggest consulting a veterinarian. Working closely with a vet knowledgeable in raw feeding is essential to creating a diet that meets the unique needs of your individual dog. For in depth info on the philosophy behind raw feeding, watch this three-part series on the subject by wellness veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker. For tips on beginning a raw feeding routine, read this primer on how to get started.

Not Balancing the Diet

One of the biggest complaints lodged against raw feeding is that it can lead to an imbalanced diet. Raw feeding is not throwing a lump of raw meat in a food bowl and calling it a day. It takes research, dedication and planning. Raw meat alone does not make for a well-balanced diet. To meet all the necessary nutritional requirements, you’ll need to include a wide range of foods, from bones, organ meat, and fish, to vegetables, fruits and possibly even supplements. The specifics, of course, will vary depending on the type, size and health of your dog.

Not Customizing the Diet

As any puppy parent will attest, each and every doggy is different. Which means, in most cases, their raw diets should be different, too. Some pup’s have sensitive tummies, some have immune system and inflammation issues. Some struggle with joint pain. Your dog’s medical history and current health should inform the way you shape their raw diet, as you might be able to improve preexisting health concerns through your raw feeding approach. The supervision and guidance of a veterinarian with raw feeding experience is invaluable to properly customizing your pooch’s diet.

Ignoring Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and veggies aren’t always necessary when raw feeding your dog. However, they can help add variety, vitamins and flavor to your pup’s food bowl. Additionally, they offer health benefits that a solely animal-based diet usually lacks. Like prebiotics—which foster healthy gut bacteria—antioxidants, and fiber. Just make sure your chosen fruit and veggies are pet-safe, and that you remove pits and any other inedible portions before handing them over to your dog. Also, because dogs have a tougher time digesting these foods than humans, we suggest juicing or slightly steaming them before feeding.

Forgetting Supplements

As mentioned, imbalance is a common issue with raw diets, especially for those puppy parents new to the process. Insufficient calcium levels, for example, are not uncommon. Adding supplements to your dog’s raw diet is one way to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Which supplements you’ll want to add will depend on the health and specific needs of your dog. Ground eggshells and oyster shells, for instance, help add calcium, while including fish oil can provide omega-3 fatty acids. Issues like joint problems may also be relieved through supplements.

Not Monitoring Fat Consumption 

One of the easiest mistakes to make when raw feeding is giving too much fat to your pooch. Fat is healthy, of course, and they need plenty of it. But like every living thing, they don’t need too much of it. If there’s too much fat in your dog’s diet, they’re probably missing out on other necessary components, like vitamins and minerals. Which, in the long run, can cripple your dog’s health. As a general rule of thumb, cheaper meats are usually more fatty, whereas higher quality organic meats are richer in protein. Again, the specifics will depend on your pup’s unique dietary needs, but 10% fat is a good starting point for balancing out your dog’s raw diet.


Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our 
Facebook page and let us know what you think!

The post appeared first on Cedarcide.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

What You Need to Know About Dog Ear Infections

If you have a dog, chances are you’ll face an ear infection sooner or later. Dog ear infections are common. In fact, they’re arguably the leading cause of veterinary visits in the U.S. They’re painful for our pups, and have a nasty habit of recurring, again and again. But what causes canine ear infections, and what are the symptoms? The following guide will help answer these questions, and provide some natural ways you can help deal with this common problem at home.

Remember: There’s no substitute for a professional veterinarian. We suggest consulting a vet before attempting holistic approaches on your own, if only to rule out other possible health conditions, and to verify that you are in fact dealing with an ear infection.

Causes

There are a variety of issues that cause ear infections in dogs. These are the most common:

  • Anatomy: certain breeds with hanging ears, like spaniels and retrievers, are more prone to ear infections than others.
  • Bacteria: this is the most common cause of canine ear infections.
  • Parasites: mites sometimes infest canine ears, especially in puppies.
  • Lifestyle: dogs that frequent the outdoors or commonly swim tend to experience ear infections more often, sometimes due to water or grass seed that’s become stuck in the ear.
  • Fungus: fungi, like yeast for example, can sometimes lead to infection.
  • Diet: poor and imbalanced diets are sometimes the source of recurring ear infection.

Symptoms

Here’s what to look for if you suspect an ear infection:

  • Frequent shaking or tilting of the head that favors one side.
  • Red or brown discharge
  • An odd, almost sweet, odor coming from the ear
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Scabs on the outside or inside of the ear
  • Constant rubbing or scratching of the ear
  • Trouble keeping balance

Natural Approaches

The following natural approaches are said to help prevent ear infections, or provide relief from the symptoms:

Towel Off

After swimming, hiking, camping, or any activity that takes you and your pet into the outdoors, make sure to towel off your pup’s ears. Gently dry both outside and inside your dog’s ears. This will help prevent bacteria and fungi from reproducing in the ears.

 

Natural Ear Washes

While not effective after an infection has occurred, natural washes and rinses can be helpful in preventing ear infections. A couple of drops of olive or coconut oil will do the trick. This gentle approach will help soften any extra earwax so that it can be removed naturally from the body, or by a quick wipe with a towel. Frequent rinsing can actually make ears more prone to infection, so wash sparingly (approximately once a month).


Switch Up Your Pet’s Diet


 

A few changes in your pup’s diet can help make them less vulnerable to ear infections. Dogs with high starch diets, for example, tend to suffer more ear infections, likely due to the extra yeast their diet exposes them to. Grain-free diets can help eliminate this issue (some vets suggest cutting out chicken, too). In general, aim for a diet that’s low in starch, preservatives, processed foods, and that’s as natural and raw as possible.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another natural approach for preventing ear infections. Mix a solution of half purified water with half apple cider vinegar; then, soak a cotton ball with this mixture and use it to gently clean your pup’s ear and ear flap. Make sure to use a cotton ball not a q-tip, so as to avoid potentially damaging the inner ear. This solution will help remove dirt and pollutants from the ear, as well as stifle the growth of unwanted fungi and bacteria. Just don’t use this solution if your pup’s ear is already swollen, red, or has open wounds or scabs; the acidic nature of the mixture will likely cause them pain if they already have these symptoms.

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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Friday, February 9, 2018

9 Tips for Dealing With Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Does your dog bark or howl excessively when you leave? Do they chew and scratch up furniture while you’re gone? If these behaviors coincide with constant potty accidents, and intense panting and salivation, you might be facing separation anxiety. Whether caused by past trauma, learned behaviors or inexperience, separation anxiety can happen out of nowhere. This issue should not be taken lightly or ignored, as your dog could easily hurt themselves or others while you’re away. Following up our post on dog anxiety, we wanted to go a little further to help those puppies and puppy parents facing this more serious issue. Here’s 9 tips for coping with canine separation anxiety.

 

Exercise

This one applies to most forms of anxiety in dogs. While exercise should be a part of every dog’s daily routine, it’s particularly useful when dealing with pups with anxiety—especially larger dogs. It’s important your dog has time to wind down between the end of their exercise and when you plan to leave the house (60 mins should be sufficient). Otherwise, exercise can have the opposite effect of increasing your dog’s energy levels, making them more prone to bouts of anxiety. 

Exercise Restraint

Many pet owners make a big ceremony of leaving and going. It makes total sense of course, we miss our pups when we’re gone, so we say our goodbyes when we leave and celebrate when we return. But this pattern can have a negative effect on dogs prone to separation anxiety. It communicates to your pup that leaving is a big deal, and so they react in kind. Instead, behave as if coming and going is nothing special—make no fuss when you leave, and do not immediately greet your pup when you return.

If like most pet owners you find it hard not saying goodbye when leaving, simply give your pooch an extra special goodbye an hour or so before you actually leave instead.


Practice Time Apart

If your pup struggles with time apart, start them off small. Begin by leaving them alone for 5 minutes, then gradually build up to something like 20 or 30 minutes. Continue increasing the time in this fashion until they can withstand an entire workday alone. It will take some patience on your part—but you can do it!

 

Consider Supplements

There are several herbal remedies said to help soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety—including German chamomile, Kava Kava, yellow jasmine and passion flower.  However, before trying any such holistic options, we recommend consulting your vet. For more info on herbal solutions to separation anxiety, click here.

 

Create a Safe Space

Whether using a crate or a quiet room, a safe space can work wonders for pets with separation anxiety. The space should be comfortable, calm, and filled with your pup’s favorite things—like toys and their preferred bedding. By creating a soothing environment that’s familiar to your pup, you can help relieve some of the anxiety they feel when you leave.

Leave a Trace of Yourself Behind

Familiar settings go a long way toward comforting anxious pets. Including an item that carries your scent—a toy, a blanket, an article of clothing—is a smart way to make things even more familiar for your pooch.

 

Don’t Punish Your Dog 
Think about it: Your pup isn’t intentionally disobeying, they’re stressed, and trying to find ways to cope with that stress. Punishing them will not help the situation, and you might emotionally harm your dog in the process.

 

Don’t Just Leave the TV On
While dog-specific music can alleviate the symptoms of dog anxiety, leaving the TV on every time you leave the house is not a solution to separation anxiety. At best, it’s a band aid that deals with the symptoms while ignoring the underlying causes. If you’ve trained your pup to associate the TV or radio with your presence, then continue to use this approach in conjunction with other methods. But this should not be your primary way of dealing with your dog’s separation anxiety.

 

Visit the Vet
If all else fails, it’s time to visit your vet. They can help you explore new strategies for dealing with separation anxiety, and share what other options might be available for your pup. It’s also crucial to rule out any possible medical conditions that could be contributing to your dog’s behavior.

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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Tuesday, February 6, 2018

What You Need to Know About Ear Mites


What Are Ear Mites?

While there are several kinds of mites that can live in your cat or dog’s ears, “ear mites” usually refers to a specific type, Otodectes cynotis (an infestation with this mite is called “otodectic mange”). These nearly microscopic parasites can live deep inside the ear canal or on the more external portions of the ears. Their life cycle lasts approximately 4 weeks and they feed primarily on wax, oil, and skin debris. Ear mites typically cause inflammation and irritation, but significant damage to the ear and secondary infections may occur if left untreated. If your pup scratches hard enough they may also rupture blood vessels inside their ear flap, a condition known as aural hematoma. Surgery is usually required if this occurs.

How Do Pets Get Ear Mites

Ear mites are spread by contact with other animals infested with ear mites. Unfortunately, these parasites are extremely contagious, especially in younger cats and dogs. If your pet has been around other animals with ear mites, chances are they now have them, too.

 

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ear Mites

The following signs and symptoms are common with ear mite infestation:

  • Frequent shaking of the head
  • Frequent scratching near the ears, neck and head
  • Unpleasant odor
  • Black or red crusts on the outer ear
  • Ear inflammation
  • Abrasions on or around the ear
  • Dark, waxy discharge

 

What to Do if Your Pet Has Ear Mites

Because ear mites can be easily confused with common ear infections, it’s advisable to visit a veterinarian if you suspect ear mite infestation. As with any pest issue, prevention is always the preferred route as far as treatments go. Regular ear cleanings can help prevent ear mites, as can naturally sourced bug repellents applied before and after potential points of exposure—in other words, any time your pet is contact with other animals. From medications to natural alternatives and home remedies, there are several ways to approach the treatment of ear mites. Before attempting any treatments on your own, we urge you to consult your vet to see what options are right for you and your pet.


Advice for Cedarcide Customers

Here’s a tip we often give Cedarcide customers to help control ear mites: Dab a cotton ball with Cedarcide Original and gently massage it throughout your cat or dog’s ear.  Make sure to treat both the ear and the ear flap, but be careful not to treat down into the ear canal, as Cedarcide Original is not recommended for internal use. 

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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Thursday, February 1, 2018

How Cedarwood Oil Kills Bugs

Cedarcide blog post image, How Cedarwood Oil Kills Bugs

In case our name didn’t give it away, cedarwood oil is the driving force behind our pest control products here at Cedarcide. So naturally, the obvious question is: How does it work? How does cedarwood oil (aka cedar oil) kill bugs? While the answer can get a bit technical, there are 6 basic ways cedarwood oil works to kill and repel pests like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, mites and more. Here’s a simple outline of each one.

Dehydration

Most bugs are extremely sensitive to moisture loss, which is bad news for bugs that come into contact with cedarwood oil. Cedarwood oil is extremely effective at leaching moisture from insects and other bugs, leaving them dried out and eventually dead.

It Disrupts Their Pheromones

Pheromones are chemicals that many bugs use for navigation, mating, searching for food, as well as to regulate bodily functions. Cedarwood oil disrupts these pheromones which not only disorients the insects but interferes with their fundamental bodily processes like breathing. The disorientation helps repel insects and other bugs, the interference with their bodily mechanisms kills them.

It Dissolves Them

Insects in earlier life stages—eggs, larvae, pupae—are extremely vulnerable, so vulnerable in fact that cedarwood oil can dissolve them on contact. In adult insects, arachnids and other bugs, cedarwood oil helps dissolve their exoskeleton. This allows the essential oil to penetrate their shell, hastening the oil’s pest control effects.


Emulsification

Emulsificationor the breakdown of fat particles, is another way that cedarwood oil works to control bugs. Like many organisms, bugs require fat to live. By helping disintegrate this fat into smaller, more fluid parts, cedarwood oil attacks bugs from the inside out.

 

Suffocation

As mentioned above, cedarwood oil can interfere with bugs’ capacity to breathe. Unlike mammals, bugs breathe through openings located on the surface of their bodies. When faced with the lethal effects of cedarwood oil, bugs attempt to limit their exposure by closing these openings, which prevents them from breathing. In other words, the bugs suffocate themselves.


It Messes With Their Body Chemistry

Like most every living thing, bugs must maintain a specific chemical balance to stay alive. Any drastic changes in this balance can have deadly results. Cedarwood oil neutralizes the acidity within bugs’ bodies, effectively throwing this balance out of whack. As a result they cannot properly function, and shortly die.

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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