Do I Have Fleas in My Yard?

The first step in tackling a flea infestation is to clean your yard. Fleas prefer dark, moist areas where they can breed. Therefore, you should trim back bushes and remove piles of leaves. Also, bag up the grass clippings to reduce flea numbers.

Fleas love moist areas, so if you overwater your lawn, it creates a breeding ground for fleas. Another option is to sprinkle cedar chips on your lawn to deter fleas from laying their eggs. Pennyroyal, a member of the mint family, is also a good flea repellent. However, this plant can be toxic for cats, so be careful when applying it around animals.

One way to detect fleas is to wear a pair of white long socks. These socks can be hung over grass and weeds to identify fleas. Fleas tend to avoid sunlight during the day, so white socks can help you identify them easily. Fleas are most active during dusk and sunset. They lay their eggs and move around more at these times.

Fleas can also live on wild animals. If your yard has dead or dying animals, chances are that they brought their fleas with them. The animals can also carry fleas from their food and trash.