Fleas not only create an itchy nuisance to people and pets, but they also spread disease and tapeworms. Getting rid of fleas, especially in a dirt environment, is a difficult task that takes persistence. Using several chemical and natural methods helps you eliminate these pests from your dirty yard.
Instructions
1. Spray the area with an insecticide, coating the dirt evenly. Pick a sunny day with no forecasted chance of rain for this insecticide application. Be sure to let the area dry completely before reintroducing pets and children into the area, due to the toxicity of the pesticides. A thorough drying makes the area safe for children and pets.
2. Apply a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth over the dirt yard, especially within 2 to 3 feet of buildings and residential areas. Diatomaceous earth derives from ground, fossilized plants. Diatomaceous earth forms sharp spikes when ground and tears into the exoskeleton of the fleas, causing them to dehydrate and die. Do not allow pets to breathe the tiny particles of diatomaceous earth, as it can cause respiratory problems if inhaled.
3. Introduce beneficial nematodes into the dirt yard. The tiny, parasitic nematodes feed upon both flea larvae and adult fleas. Purchase these nematodes at a local garden center and apply then with a backpack sprayer or water can. These nematodes also kill other destructive insect larvae and do not harm beneficial insects.
4. Apply a mixture of 1 cup of cayenne and 1 gallon of agricultural lime to the dirt yard. The lime dehydrates the fleas, causing them to die; the cayenne helps deter new fleas from entering the area. Do not use the cayenne if pets inhabit the area, as it will cause burning of their nose, mouth and skin.
5. Water the dirt yard thoroughly for several days. Water drowns flea larva and damages flea eggs, preventing hatching. This remedy works best if the dirt yard receives several hours of sun each day, as fleas prefer moist shady areas in which to live.
6. Lay a large black plastic tarp over the dirt yard on a hot sunny day. The heat generated by the tarp kills any fleas, larvae and eggs underneath it. Fleas cannot live in heat over 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful, as this method also kills any plants and other insects in the area.
7. Call a local insect control company and make an appointment for someone to apply commercial pesticides to the dirt yard to kill the fleas. Remember these pesticides are toxic to humans and animals, and refrain from using this area for several days or weeks after application of the commercial pesticide.
Related posts
Keep your yard flea free with locally purchased items.Flea battles take place on three fronts: your home, your pets and your yard. A number of simple flea treatments are available locally at your...
Fleas are parasites that can latch onto humans and animals alike, spreading disease. Many people choose to attack the fleas before they can grow into adulthood and spawn more. By attacking the egg...
Are fleas a problem at your house? There are several homemade natural ways to repel fleas by using household products. You don’t have to use harsh chemical treatments to bring relief to...
Diatomaceous earth can eliminate flea and tick problems for your pets.Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of a type of hard-shelled algae called diatoms. While food-grade diatomaceous ear...
Outdoor pets can bring fleas indoors.If you have pets that spend time both indoors and outdoors, you likely will have to face a flea infestation at some point. Fleas can be difficult to get rid of...
