Botanical Bug Spray for Chickens
A homemade anti-flea and -tick spray for dogs that works beautifully on chickens, too.
My dog groomers turned me on to a homemade bug spray for dogs. They swore that if we sprayed our dog right before heading out for hikes in the woods, this spray would repel ticks and fleas. Well, it worked so beautifully, I decided to try it on the chickens! It seems to help them, too.

When spraying this on your chickens, be sure to avoid the head and eyes. Apply only to the back, chest, under the wings, and on their fluffy bottoms. All of these ingredients and a spray bottle can most likely be found at your local natural food store.
Botanical Bug Spray for Chickens
Use this spray when your flock (and your dog!) are out and about wandering the yard and gardens.
Ingredients
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops citronella essential oil
- 8 ounces distilled water
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a small light-proof spray bottle, preferably aluminum.
Shake well before applying to your dog or chickens.
Excerpted and adapted from A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens © Melissa Caughey.
Covering everything from feeding, housing, and collecting eggs to quirky behaviors and humane treatment, Caughey’s engaging advice helps children understand the best ways to care for their chickens. Spark enthusiasm with creative activities like chicken forts and a veggie piñata for the flock, and feed more than the imagination with egg-centric dishes like Mexican egg pizza.