Killing Fleas in Your Yard

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An Important Part of Home Flea Control

If your pet spends most of it’s time outside, then you may need to treat these areas as well. If you’re not sure if you have fleas in your yard, you may be able to tell by walking around the area while wearing white athletic socks, pulled up to your knees.

If fleas are present in your yard, you should be able to see them on the socks, in contrast to the white background. If there do appear to be fleas present, you can treat them with the same sprays described in the home flea control section. Be sure to use a yard spray that contains chemicals to kill both adult fleas and their eggs and larva.

Don’t worry about treating your entire yard. Focus on the areas used most by your pet, such as kennels and doghouses, along fences, and next to building foundations. Natural flea killers, such as diatomaceous earth, can spread around these areas to kill fleas without toxic chemicals.

Sunlight kills fleas, so concentrate your efforts on shady areas. You can treat your yard with insecticides, or you can use natural methods first. Nematodes (microscopic worms), and other natural methods can be very effective. Simply flooding infested or suspect areas with water can be quite effective. See our natural flea control page for more information.

Some plants have the ability to naturally repel fleas as well. Pennyroyal is known to be particularly effective in repelling fleas. Plant this pleasant-smelling herb around kennels or other areas your pet frequents. Once you have the plant extablished, the leaves can also be used as a natural insect repellant.