How to Kill Fleas in the Yard

Dealing with a flea infestation on your own is not an easy task. If you’ve already removed them from your home, they may end up finding shelter in your dog’s favourite playground – the yard. Then your beloved pet can reinfest your home, making your efforts to get rid of them meaningless.

Even if your pet is regularly treated against fleas, they may still find a way to get into your home. Making your yard less appealing to fleas is just one more level of defence you can take against unwanted insects.

Important facts to know about fleas

Here are a few quick tips that you should know about before you start getting rid of fleas outside.

Fleas go through a complete metamorphosis, which means that you have to fight all 4 lifecycle stages at the same time. That’s why choosing a proper extermination method is of big importance. If your selected approach is unsuccessful and misses one of these stages, then these insects will continue to spread. Only about 10% of the entire infestation consists of adult fleas. 50% consists of eggs and the other 40% consists of pupa and larvae. Due to that reason, it’s notoriously difficult to kill fleas in the yard.

Signs of flea infestation in your yard

The first step to tackling your flea problem is to determine if you have any in your yard. Put on white socks, pull up to your calves, and walk around your yard. These little bloodsuckers prefer warm and moist areas that aren’t exposed to direct sunlight. Focus on those spaces, as well as areas around trees, fences, and dog houses. If your yard has fleas, you’ll easily spot them on the white socks.

Clean out the yard

To start, you need to make sure your yard is clean and well-maintained. Fleas are nocturnal creatures and they hate bright sunlight. To make your yard less appealing to them, you need to trim back bushes and trees to eliminate shaded areas. Cut the grass and clear out piles of dead leaves. They will try to find other favourable spots to hide, which will expose them to whatever treatment you choose to use, making your efforts to eradicate them even more effective.

Find the fleas’ favourite hiding spots

Fleas and their larvae can usually be found within 20 meters of your pet’s favourite areas. Try to spot any warm, shady spots around the yard where your pet likes to hang out; such as under the porch, below shrubs or along the fence lines. Your furry friend’s kennel is likely to be teeming with fleas, as well. Or you might have a pest visitor.

Natural remedies to get rid of fleas in the yard

Avoiding the use of chemicals to get rid of fleas in the yard might be your best option. Natural remedies are human and pet-friendly. But be aware that they don’t work in all cases. Sometimes the infestation may be too large and you will be forced to use chemicals.

Here are the best natural remedies that will help you get rid of fleas in the yard.

Beneficial nematodes

One of the safest and most effective solutions to deal with fleas in the garden is nematodes. They’re microscopic worms that feed on flea eggs, larvae, and pupae. They are a great extermination method for other insects as well, such as termites and mosquitoes. Beneficial nematodes are safe for humans, pets, plants, trees and grass. Make sure to spray them directly onto the areas fleas inhabit.

Diatomaceous earth

Another great natural material that can be used to control fleas outside is Diatomaceous earth. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets while it causes dehydration to fleas. Be aware that it’s recommended to use the food-grade version. Simply sprinkle it over areas where your pet spends their time, or any areas you suspect have high flea activity. Keep in mind that diatomaceous earth is not effective when mixed with water. So, make sure that it won’t be raining in the next few days. If it rains, reapply the solution.

Flea repelling plants

Flea-repelling plants is a great way to get rid of these bugs in the garden. Certain plants contain specific oils, compounds, and chemicals that fleas hate and will try to avoid. Be aware that these plants won’t kill the fleas. They will only repel them from getting inside your yard.

Plants that keep fleas away for good:

• Catnip
• Chamomile
• Citronella
• Chrysanthemums
• Lemon Grass
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Spearmint

Using insecticides to get rid of fleas in the yard

Dealing with fleas can be a huge pain. If you’ve already tried to get rid of them naturally but it’s been unsuccessful, we recommend turning to a professional pest control expert. They use a chemical-based solution, which will target and treat all growth stages of the flea.

How to prevent flea infestation in your yard

Once you get rid of fleas in your garden, you need to prevent a future return. Here’s how to make your yard less flea-friendly:

1. Build barriers around your house – If your yard has no fences around it, you should consider putting some. It will stop uninvited intruders, that may be carrying fleas with them, from coming to your yard.
2. Patch up holes in the fence – Fix holes or broken pieces in your fence through which other animals may be entering your yard.
3. Use cedar wood chips – Sprinkle them along fenced areas. It will repel any new fleas that may try to get into your garden.
4. Mow your lawn – If the grass gets too long, it will provide the fleas with a place to hide.
5. Remove clutter – Fleas hide and lay eggs in shady areas. Clear out spots such as under the patio, as well as piles of leaves and branches.
6. Don’t overwater the lawn – Fleas love moisture, so make sure you avoid giving them what they like.

Have you dealt with fleas in the yard? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below!