by Joe Bomb

Created on: August 15, 2009   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

Yard fleas are common in the United States. It's estimated that one in every ten yards have a flea problem Fleas are not just a problem for pet owners. There are many things out there that can breed fleas. Here are some reasons fleas infest yards;

1- Field Mice: Field mice are present in most large yards where a food and water source is present. Eliminate the food & water source and you can stop the mice from breeding, since they will leave to find food and water elsewhere. Fleas attach themselves to mice and the mouse will spread them throughout the property. Most probels occur in open garages, where pet food is left and mice can enter. The best way to rid them is to remove the pet food, cut off the water source and set traps. Once this is done, set a "Flea/Insect Fogger inside the garage. Remember to close all doors and windows while the fogger is activated and make sure you leave immediately. Do not allow pets inside while the fogger is activated. You may enter the are after about 4 hours has passed. Then clean the area.

2- Skunks, rabbits & stray cats or dogs: These other animals are also good carriers of fleas. They can spread them throughout your property very quickly. They often go unnoticed. Since fleas feed on the blood of the animal, then multiply quickly, it's important to rid your property of stray and wild animals.

3- Domestic Pets: House cats & dogs are easy targets for fleas. Simply walking a dog can infect them. There are a number of good flea treaments for pets available at pet stores. The smaller pet stores are better at assisting with this problem since they can interact with you more personally and suggest the best treament for your pet. Long hair cats & dogs are easier targets for fleas and the long hair makes it more difficult to treat.

Taking your property back:

Once your animal situation is under control, you can properly address the task of treating your property.

First, cut your grass. remove any items from the grass and keep people and pets inside. Next, with an agriculture spreader, empty enough lawn treatment granuals into the spreader hopper to cover the entire infected area. Empty one large box of Borax into the hopper as well. Wearing eye protection and a dust mask, long sleeves, pants and gloves, using a stick, gently mix the powder and granuals together. Then, on a low setting, begin to spread the mix over the grass as if you are mowing the lawn. Once you complete this, rinse out the hopper.

Next, to treat concrete driveways and walks, use use the common flea and bug killer that comes in the large plastic container. This type has pump spray. Use a wide spray and sweep the area, covering all infected areas. After this, make sure you discard your clothing and take a shower. Do not allow people or pets to enter the yard for 24 hours or whatever the manufacturer reccomends on the label. Make sure you read all instructions first.

This should help solve your flea problem and you will also notice less bugs in general.

Dampness, frequent rain and humidity are perfect breeding conditions for fleas, along with a stable food source. Make sure you check your local weather forecast prior to the application. You generally want a few dry days after the application. This will allow the treatment to kill the fleas and prevent them from spreading....

Good luck!

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