A monthly column for people who share their homes with four-legged friends.

Fleas and ticks are out of control this year! They're everywhere, hopping around like it's one big pest party. I'm sick of it. Time for them to vamoose!

I'm always interested in nonchemical approaches to everything in life, so I wanted to find out if fleas and ticks can be controlled naturally. The answer, it seems, is yes. However, there is no one "magic bullet" homeopathic approach to pest control.

There's lots of controversy over what works and what doesn't, what's safe and what's not, and what's effective against which parasites. Garlic can be effective, but the amount to give a pet is absolutely critical because garlic can be toxic to dogs and cats. Brewers yeast, neem and eucalyptus can be effective against fleas, but not ticks. And eucalyptus is toxic if ingested and can cause severe skin irritation in high concentrations. The list goes on, as do the pros and cons.

Basically, what I've learned is that natural flea and tick control is a commitment worth making, but it is a commitment.

The work begins with daily grooming. The best tool for the job is a fine-toothed comb that can literally pull fleas out of a pet's coat. It's also helpful to give dogs a monthly bath. Some people bathe their dogs more frequently, but the conservative recommendation is monthly. Shampoos with natural flea repellants such as neem oil can be used instead of regular shampoo. Cats are wonderful self-groomers; so daily combing should be enough for them.

Used as recommended, certain homeopathic sprays or water additives can also be helpful. Neem Protect Spray by Ark Naturals and Flea Relief by Dr. Goodpet are two that have been around for years and get consistently good reviews. They are safe for use with dogs and cats. It's important, however, to realize that these products are not as effective against ticks as they are against fleas.

As for other homeopathic approaches, like combinations of herbs and oils, it's important to consult holistic vets, or at least vets who are open to all-natural alternatives. There are things to consider such as weight, breed, and general health when determining what to use and how much of it to administer.

Perhaps the most important weapon against pests is a strong immune system. Animals with robust health tend to attract fewer parasites. Immune system strength is greatly helped by a wholesome diet and can be improved by the use of supplements. As with people, the closer a pet's diet is to whole food, the more likely the diet is truly healthy. Many raw food feeders, for instance, report fewer instances of pest infestation in their pets.

I wish I could have written that my research led me to the discovery of a miracle product, but it didn't. In the end, I'm afraid we're stuck with the same nagging problem … to use or not to use chemicals. Normally I would say absolutely not, but with Lyme disease so prevalent in our area, I'm not sure what's worse – the chemicals or the significant possibility of contracting Lyme. This ace reporter is stumped … with my stumpy little tail between my legs.

Albert, a Jack Russell Terrier, is Chairman of the Board of Wylie Wagg, a shop for dogs, cats, and their people, in Middleburg, Fairfax, Falls Church and Arlington.