Eucalyptus Trees

• Most of the species of eucalyptus are native to Australia. They are suited to warmer climates and grow quickly to a large size. The bluish green foliage and wide branches make eucalyptus a good shade tree, and the foliage is scented with an herb-like, pungent but pleasant smell. Eucalyptus oil is an effective anti bacteria, anti fungus and insecticide. The oil is used by veterinarians to treat influenza in horses, distemper in dogs and septicaemia in all animals. It is also an ingredient in many flea collars and treatments.
  
  

Fleas

• Fleas are most prevalent during the warmer months and are found both in the garden and in the home. A female flea can lay up to 600 eggs in her lifetime, ensuring a never-ending population of the pests as long as there is food. Fleas are only 1/16- to 1/8-inch long and feed on mammalian blood. The insect has disproportionately long legs for jumping and may jump up to 13 inches vertically. Adults can live for two months to a year without feeding but require a blood meal to produce eggs. The oil of Eucalyptus plants seems to repel the flea and is a useful nontoxic remedy to prevent these pests in your home.
  
  

Eucalyptus Oil

• The leaves of the eucalyptus are 0.12 percent essential oil. The oil is made up of a-pinene and p-cymene but also has cineole, a-terpineol and linanlol. Cineole is a component of citronella oil, which also has powerful and volatile properties. The properties of the oils are nontoxic unless taken in high quantities internally. What repels the fleas is unknown but may be a topical sensation when the oil contacts the insects stoma or may be some other sensory response.
  
  

Eucalypsus Globulus

• Eucalyptus globulus has the highest concentration of cineole of the eucalyptus. The plant is an introduced species to the U.S. and is commonly found in Hawaii and California. It is an ornamental plant, whose blooms are an important part of honey production. The height of this tree makes it impractical in the home landscape. It may grow 98- to 180-feet tall and is long lived. They produce the majority of their growth in the first 5 to 10 years. The most practical way to use this plant to repel fleas is to harvest wild stems and crush the leaves for the scent and oil.