How to Control Fleas and Ticks in Your Lawn

Fleas and ticks are among the most detested pests since they can spread diseases to both humans and their furry companions. They also tend to spread rapidly, and you could be facing an infestation that you bring home from the dog park or a hike. 

Best Ways to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks

Keeping them out of your lawn keeps them off your pet and out of the house. These tips are all perfect for handling one of the most preventable threats to your pet’s health.

Trim the Grass to the Right Height

Grass that gets too tall gives fleas and ticks an ideal hiding place. The right height for your grass will depend upon the type you have growing on your lawn. 

Usually, this falls within a range of 1½ -2” for the most common Arizona grass types. You’ll also want to follow the general rule of only mowing the top third of the grass to avoid harming your lawn. 

Remove Leaves and Debris

Tall grass is just one of many hiding places fleas and ticks will use to lay their eggs. They may also set their home up beneath leaf piles or fallen branches. 

If you’ve been doing some handiwork, store building materials such as stones and lumber in a shed or garage so that they don’t become a refuge for pests.

Pay Attention to Your Pet’s Favorite Spots

If your pet loves a special corner of your lawn or tends to lounge in the shade of a certain tree, then you can bet that fleas love the space, too. Pet pests tend to hang out within a 50-foot radius of your dog or cat’s favorite spot. 

Inspect this area regularly for signs of pest activity, such as larva or jumping fleas. Although the whole lawn will still need treatment, you’ll spot an infestation earlier by checking there. 

Spray the Fleas Away

Pet owners sometimes shy away from using pesticides, but they are the most effective way to get rid of the problem. We use animal-safe pest control treatments, and we take additional steps to protect your furry friends. 

We might ask you to keep your pet inside until the spray dries, or to remove your pet’s food and water bowls along with their toys, so that they don’t get hit by any overspray.

Let the Sunlight Reach the Ground

Like many insects, those that prey on pets prefer dark places where they feel safer. 

If you have large trees with overgrown canopies, pruning them can allow more sunlight to reach the grass. Trees that have overly rapid growth may need special treatment to prevent them from blocking the sun.

Address Other Pest Problems

Your sweet pet might not be the one to blame for bringing home unwanted insects. Rats and mice are common carriers of these parasites. 

Check for and close up any holes or cracks around your house. Then, eliminate common nesting sites outdoors to make your yard less attractive to flea-carrying wildlife.

How to Control Fleas and Ticks in Your Lawn Video

 

Fleas and ticks are a year-round concern in Arizona. While you might not see as many of them in the winter, it is important not to get overly complacent. 

If you spot your favorite pet scratching frequently, or think you see an insect, be sure to check it out. Treating even a minor infestation will stop it from spreading and protect your pet from developing a related condition, such as anemia or allergic dermatitis.

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