What is the best way to get rid of fleas in your backyard?

– Ray

Considering their four-stage life cycle and the fact that one flea can produce a trillion offspring in less than a year, getting rid of a flea infestation can be quite a challenge! Thankfully there are many methods and products for killing yard fleas. In the lawn and garden (and even indoors), one suggestion is pennyroyal– grow the mint-like plants for a natural flea repellent, or mist areas with a few drops of essential oil in water.

Another natural solution is diatomaceous earth. Available at your local garden center, this fine powder contains the microskeletons of fresh and saltwater diatoms (a form of algae).

The tiny, sharp silicon particles destroy the exoskeletons of insects, including fleas. It is important to follow safety precautions when killing fleas with diatomaceous earth. Be sure to buy garden-grade, rather than crystallized pool-grade, to reduce the potential health risks from inhalation. Wear an appropriate dusk mask when sprinkling it around your yard, and keep pets indoors until the powder has settled.

There is also a large selection of commercial insecticides on the market for lawn use. If you decide to go that route, be sure the product contains an Insect Growth Regulator, which will make any surviving fleas sterile.

With any repellent or insecticide product, whether natural or chemical, keep in mind that it will affect beneficial insects as well as pests – there is no way to target just fleas.

Good luck with your project,


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    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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