aww, fleas are so gross. I use Frontline, it doesn't smell NEAR as strong/bad as Advantage and it has worked better. Gonzo has never had one flea/tick, and I hope he never does!! Thats the worst! good luck, I hope the herbal remedies work. . if not, Frontline is only about $30 a pack, and you could apply one to each dog which lasts 3 months.