If you have pets or someone sensitive to flea bites, fleas in the yard can be problematic. The first step is to treat the animals that spend a lot of time in the yard, whether that animal is a cat, dog, or something larger like a horse. By doing this, you are providing immediate relief to those that are suffering and ensuring that the soon-to-be-treated areas of the home and yard are less likely to be re-infested. Next, you can either treat the home or the yard, but whichever area the animals spend more time in is best. Even if you have a sprawling pasture, treating a flea infestation is relatively simple because the most effective strategy is to focus on shady areas and areas where the animals spend a good amount of time.
There are numerous ways to get rid of fleas on pets, but some are safer than others. Generally, flea collars are not recommended because it is suspected that they have the potential to poison the wearer in addition to fleas. Some people find that essential oils, baking soda, and other natural substances are enough to rid their pets of fleas. Ask a veterinarian what flea repellent is best for your animal, especially if it is a horse, goat, or similar large animal.
Once you have treated the animals, use a veterinarian-recommended insecticide to treat areas where the animals spend most of their time. Fleas in the yard are often found in an animal’s housing, bedding, and play areas. Open spaces in direct sunlight are unlikely to have enough fleas to warrant treating the area. If you do not wish to treat the area yourself, a pest control company can usually treat both the interior and exterior of a home. This option can be costly, especially if there is a major infestation that requires frequent follow-ups.
Next, if the animals spend time indoors, there is great chance the fleas in the yard have been brought into the home. Many flea insecticides are meant for indoors and can safely be used around pets. It is generally recommended to vacuum often and everywhere — including under furniture — to remove flea eggs and encourage pre-adult fleas to emerge from their cocoons sooner than they normally would.
It might take weeks of persistence to get rid of all the fleas in the yard and home. Unhatched fleas can live in poison-resistant cocoons for two to five weeks. If these cocoons are not vacuumed or destroyed in some other way, they need to come in contact with an insecticide soon after hatching. Otherwise, another infestation can occur.