A flea infestation in the lawn is an unfortunate yet common disadvantage of pet ownership. Flea bites on animals and humans can be more than merely bothersome. Fleas can spread tapeworms to dogs and typhus to humans. Eradicating fleas on our treasured animals and around our houses is a billion dollar industry. Pet owners in the USA spend more than $5 billion annually on flea therapies because of their animals and approximately $350 million for professional pest control. Insecticides will quickly eliminate adult fleas in the yard, but additional control procedures are essential to rid the lawn of fleas eternally.
Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless insects with a laterally flattened body. They are approximately 1/8 inch long and are generally gold or reddish-brown. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), despite its title, is a frequent pest of cats, dogs and other warm-blooded animals. Fleas often congregate in places around the lawn where pets spend most of their time. They jump onto animals and humans and quickly spread to other places. After a blood meal, fleas lay eggs on their host. The eggs drop off the animal and onto the ground. In a few days, the larvae hatch and feed on plant litter and feces from adult fleas. After more than a week, the larvae spin cocoons and pupate. Adults emerge from the cocoon when conditions are warm and moist.
Chemical Treatments
Insecticidal sprays containing pyrethrin kill adult insects. More fleas frequently emerge after an application, but this does not signify that the insecticide did not work. It simply suggests that the chemical did not target the eggs, larval or pupal stages of the flea. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) like pyriproxyfen and methoprene target the larval stage of the insect and prevent it from becoming an adult. Treating the lawn having an adulticide followed later by an IGR is the quickest permanent solution to a flea infestation. Focus the treatments in places frequented by your own pets, including doghouses.
Cultural Control
While proper timing and application of chemical therapies are effective against fleas, some basic practices will help eliminate the insects. Flea larvae require moist, shady conditions for success. Trim branches and foliage away from known flea areas to allow more sunlight. Flea larvae will quickly desiccate under sunny conditions. Regular watering of the lawn also can help eliminate larvae. Since the larvae feed on feces away from adult fleas, washing the droppings away eliminates their food resource.
Prevention
Stray or neighboring animals can easily reintroduce fleas to your lawn. To avoid further infestations once your lawn is flea-free, patch up holes in fences and create barriers along your property. Eliminate any temptation for animals to enter your lawn by maintaining garbage sealed and eliminating bird feeders and uneaten pet food.