How Do I Know If I Have Fleas in My Yard?
Fleas are small, wingless pests that feed on the blood of cats, dogs, and humans. They are three millimeters long and have flat bodies that are dark or reddish-brown.
Even though they lack wings, they have exceptional jumping abilities due to their legs and can jump as high as 11 inches. Flea infestations can easily become out of control because a female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs during her 100-day lifespan.
Fleas are brought into your yard by warm-blooded animals, and you may determine whether you have fleas if your pets are constantly itching and scratching. If you notice tiny insects on your pet's back or tummy, it could be fleas. If you're still unsure, walk about your yard with white socks and check if you can spot any fleas against the bright color of your socks.
Fleas are not just annoying, but they are also a source of diseases such as murine typhus and plague bacterium. Heavy infestations might cause your pet to scratch frequently, resulting in a roughened coat and, in some cases, nervous conditions. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms.
How Long Does an Outdoor Flea Infestation Last?
Getting rid of fleas is not a quick and easy process. Unfortunately, due to the life cycle of a flea, it could take weeks or even months.
A female flea's life cycle begins when she feeds for the first time on a host. When this happens, she immediately lays up to 20 eggs on the fur of the animal.
The eggs get embedded in the fibers of your carpet or in the yard where your pets spend most of their time. The eggs hatch into legless embryos or larvae that live on the mother's pre-digested blood, implying that they do not require a host to survive.
The larvae then mature into cocooned pupae, a stage that can span weeks or even months because the flea does not emerge unless it detects a possible host through a change in thermal energy, vibrations, or a surge in carbon dioxide levels.
Flea infestations can last for several months because fleas don't emerge fully grown until they have a host to feed on. Because female fleas produce eggs after they feed, the cycle can easily repeat itself.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Yard and Home
1. Mown Your Lawn
You want to make your grass uninviting to fleas while allowing natural predators to thrive. Long grass provides an easy and ideal hiding spot for fleas, but short grass deters spiders and ants, both of which prey on fleas.
2. Clean Your Yard
Putting up a natural barrier around the perimeters of your yard and home will help keep fleas at bay. Remove brush, shrubs, leaves, and rubbish from the edges of your yard to prevent fleas from hiding and laying eggs.
3. Use a Flea Treatment
Once you have cleared your yard, you can begin treating it. Sprinkle cedar wood chips along the perimeter of your property, especially along fenced-in sections.
The cedar will keep any new fleas away. Cedar is completely harmless for humans, pets, and plants, but it has insecticidal and fungicidal properties that repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.
4. Remove Wildlife
Fleas can be found on animals such as squirrels, skunks, rabbits, and others. It's important to keep these critters out of your yard by employing traps, avoiding birdseed, and making your yard less appealing to them. To safely remove wildlife from your property, contact a professional.
5. Make Sure Your Home and Pets Are Clean
Vacuum your home before applying flea treatment. Then, comb and bathe your bets using flea shampoos and conditioners to kill any fleas that have made their way to them. This will ensure that any fleas brought inside are gone.
6. Moisture and Sunshine
Fleas love moisture because it helps them thrive. As a result, you must avoid overwatering your lawn and plants.
This can attract fleas and provide them with a home, which you want to prevent. Fleas also enjoy the presence of darkness. Trim any plants and trees to let sunshine into your yard, which can repel fleas.
Rid-A-Bug Flea Extermination Services
Are you looking for a flea infestation solution in western North Carolina? Our targeted flea pest control service combines cutting-edge technology and strategies to help you reclaim your home.
We are trained to identify and treat flea infestations. Because each home is unique, we work with you to develop your flea treatment. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.