Garlic

Im' in Florida -- and yes, I've tried it (and I use garlic regularly for my dogs because I homecook -- probably a couple of tablespoons of minced garlic added to enough food for three dogs for a week). 

No, it didn't work for fleas -- and I've tried everything from fresh minced garlic to garlic capsules and garlic paired with brewer's yeast (which is typically how it's suggested to do it).  Yeast isn't smart to add when you've got a dog who already has known skin problems (which often include a yeast overgrowth) so I've not used yeast in years. 

Garlic is known as "nature's antibtioic" and it's good for a whole host of reasons.  But being really effective as a deterent for fleas? Not much.

However -- keep in mind you're in Washington and I'm in Florida and those two areas are poles apart in how many fleas are around us. so it might work better for you than for me.

I use garlic in my boys food.  I feed kibble, I add 1 fresh squeezed clove to a bowl of food that is then split equally between the boys.  We eat alot of garlic so it is no problem to have garlic around.  I have done this for the last 2 years especially during tic season.  I have not been bothered with fleas but the boys havent had tic problems.   I was using advantix and tried this to get away from chemicals.  They seem to like the taste and they watch me as I prepare it so they think they are getting people stuff cause they watch us put it on our food too.   There is a McCormick garlic/herb blend with no salt that I have used also but I prefer fresh.

I have had excellant results with the garlic supplement from a company called Springtime. You can get it in granules or tabs. The granular is priced very well (about $20 for a tub that lasts my 2, 50lb. dogs about 6 months)

I have used it for 2 years and have not had any fleas and not had to use any flea topicals.

It doesn't work as well with ticks in my opinion but my dogs have short, light fur so I just check them daily for ticks.

It has been a lifesaver for me! Fleas used to get so bad in the summer and the topicals are so expensive.

It also has other health benefits like digestion and skin/coat. My dogs look and feel great on it.