I love many things about spring and summer–but fleas are definitely not on the list. We lean on two natural ways to keep the flea population of our yard in check — so that we don’t have to worry about bringing fleas into our home (or having them jump from the yard into the catio!)
Although our cats are indoors-only, that doesn’t prevent fleas from finding their way into our home and on our cats if we don’t keep an eye on the situation.
As I’ve written about before, part of our property is a preserve for the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler. We’re very conscientious about the chemicals we use in and around our home, not only for our health and the health of our pets, but also for the safety of this endangered visitor. We only use natural products on our lawn including when it comes to flea control.
10 Worst States for Fleas
OK, it’s a dubious honor, but our home state has made the top 10 list of the worst states for fleas on cats, a list issued by Banfield Pet Hospital:
- Oregon
- Washington
- Florida
- California
- Alabama
- South Carolina
- Ohio
- Georgia & New York
- New Jersey
- Texas
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth (often called DE) is a natural way to prevent fleas in your yard and on porches.
A crushed rock, Diatomaceous Earth contains fossilized remains of diatoms, an algae. It doesn’t sound very threatening to the fleas, does it? Well, those diatoms have a hard shell that mechanically kills the fleas.
You can buy DE in garden centers—just make sure that you don’t buy the chemically-treated DE that is sold for swimming pool use.
Applying DE to your lawn is super simple: just sprinkle it like talcum powder. Be sure to wear a filter mask when you’re spreading the powder.
Beneficial Nematodes
Your garden center can also supply another natural yard treatment that’s great for preventing fleas (as well as ticks).
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic, non-segmented round worms. Unlike the round worms that you may be familiar with, these tiny fellows are safe for your family and your pets—and they are hard workers.
Nematodes are generally purchased on a small sponge filled with over one million live nematodes; you’ll then soak the sponge in water and spray the yard with the solution.
With these natural prevention methods you can scratch the flea problem from your to-do list!
Want to repel fleas indoors? Don’t miss our post on 5 Ways to Use Vinegar in Your Cat Home
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