Fleas are tiny insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, inflicting a painful bite in the process. For pet owners, these little parasites are not only a nuisance, but can pose a potential health risk. Fleas can spread disease and, in sufficient numbers, can draw enough blood to make the host anemic. Several methods of control are available to the homeowner to help control flea populations in a yard.
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Watering
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Flea larvae are extremely sensitive to water and drown easily. The larvae also feed on the dried fecal matter left behind by adult fleas. Watering increases the likelihood of drowning the larvae and also washes away their food source. For the most effective treatment, mow the yard first, then water the area thoroughly. Regular watering will break the breeding cycle by drowning the larvae, preventing flea infestations for increasing.
Pesticides
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Pyrethroid-based insecticides are recommended by the University of Florida Extension to treat yards for both adult and larval fleas. Focus on treating moist, shady areas where fleas and their larvae tend to migrate, saturating these areas thoroughly with the pesticide spray. An additional treatment two to three weeks later will kill and fleas that hatched after the initial treatment. Regular treatment every six months will help keep flea populations under control.
Biological Treatment
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While slower to act than other methods, you can employ the nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, as an organic method of flea control. These tiny round worms are predatory and actually feed voraciously on flea larvae, yet are harmless to people, pets and the environment. To apply this method, purchase the nematodes from a reliable source, then add them to water and spray them onto the infested area, Steinernema carpocapsae will remain in the soil and continue to feed as long as flea larvae are available.
Pet Treatment
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To prevent reinfestation of the yard when your cat or dog returns to an area treated for fleas, treat the pet as well. Several types of flea treatments are currently available, including pesticidal topical sprays, powders and liquids containing ingredients such as permethrin or Imidacloprid that deter and kill fleas can help to eradicate fleas on pets, preventing them from reinfesting your yard.
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