Ways to Control Ticks and Fleas in Your Yard

Few things can be more frustrating for a pet owner than an infestation of fleas or ticks. You have probably already gone to great lengths for tick control and treat fleas like the enemies they are, yet year after year the pests return to cause your beloved pet pain. Vacuuming the house and car from top to bottom doesn’t seem to work, nor does washing all the blankets and pillows repeatedly. Time and again you find the blood sucking parasites sneaking a ride on your four-legged baby.

 

While treating indoor problems, homeowners often forget that when dogs and cats go outdoors and run through the grasses and shrubs, they can pick up the pesky pests. Lurking in the shadows and hiding from the sunlight, fleas seek low structures near the ground. On the other hand, ticks hide in tall grasses or woody branches that allow the pests to access a passing food source easily. For that reason, if you truly wish for tick control and eliminating flea infestations, you may need to address the yard at the same time you treat your home.

 

Mowing and pruning are typically a good first step in reducing the pest numbers. By reducing debris, leaves, and litter, you remove their hiding places. Also remember rodents carry fleas, so clean around garbage cans or bins.

 

After cleaning the yard, you may want to try some natural solutions. Natural microscopic worms called nematodes can be applied with a sprayer. They seek out the fleas and kill them quite quickly. Additionally, nematodes live for several months and continue to stay active. Another option is diatomaceous earth. It can be spread over the yard and works by drying the fleas out. Both solutions are safe for children and pets.

 

Love your pet by protecting them. Tick control and flea elimination can be easier than you believe. By taking a few simple steps each spring, your yard can become parasite free.