Eliminate Fleas from Your Yard the Natural Way

This summer has been a long fight: me versus the fleas that have targeted my two beloved puppies, Madison and Bella. If you've experienced the flea struggle, you know that without eliminating fleas from your pet’s outdoor surroundings, they’ll just return to your freshly treated pet.

Eco-Friendly Methods to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Lawn

Avoid over-watering your lawn. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you can bet fleas are lurking nearby. Don’t over-water your lawn because fleas thrive in moist, shaded areas. Standing water can be a hotspot for them, and cutting back on watering not only helps control fleas but also conserves water, which is better for the environment.

Try nematodes. One of my favorite eco-friendly tools in the fight against fleas are nematodes. These tiny, natural creatures help clear your yard of fleas. Using toxic chemicals in your yard isn’t ideal for you or your pets, so try using nematodes, small worms that naturally feed on fleas. Beneficial Nematodes (microscopic worms) will eliminate fleas and other pests from your yard. Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes are non-segmented worms that target fleas, cutworms, sod webworms, and termites. While Steinernema carpocapsae thrive in cooler climates, Steinernema feltiae are more suited for warmer areas. Just mix the Grub-Away Nematodes (available at garden supply stores) with water and apply to areas with grub damage, using 10 million nematodes per 600 square feet. The package will give you the exact measurements to follow.

Use cedar chips. Cedar chips are a great natural defense outdoors. Fleas are repelled by cedar because they dislike the scent, making it an effective barrier. Head to the garden store and grab two large 0.5 cubic ft bags of cedar chips, then sprinkle them around the areas your dogs frequent. If you mow the lawn, do so before you lay down the chips; the mowing will help break them down into a fine powder that works even better.

Target the spots your pet frequents. Don’t stress if you have a large yard. For flea control, you only need to focus on the areas where your pet spends the most time. While it’s helpful to clean the front yard, it won’t have much impact if your dog spends its time in the backyard. Focus your efforts on the spots your pet hangs out, and treat those areas directly.

Sprinkle Borax soap by the door If fleas are sneaking inside or hanging around your doorstep, try sprinkling some 'Twenty Mule Team Borax Soap' on the grass near the door. However, be cautious with this treatment, as some pets may find the soap irritating. Many swear by this method, but others have reported it can cause irritation. The key is to experiment and adjust to find what works best for your situation.

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