If you live in central Florida, you understand that domestic animals are simply a part of life. From the cows in the field to the exploding feral cat populations as more and more people pour into the state. And with many domesticated animals come fleas. So that’s why we’re going to talk today about Florida flea control and how you can get these insects out of your yard.
Florida Flea Control: Overview
Let’s start off with a simple fact. Flea season in Florida is year round. There’s a myth that fleas are only in the environment during warmer months of the year, but this isn’t true. Florida has a warm, humid, sub-tropical climate. Because of this, fleas feed and reproduce year round in the state. What’s worse is that the adults you see on your pets and in your carpets make up only about five percent of the total flea population. Other life stages such as flea eggs, larvae, and pupae infest many Florida environments. And to make matters worse, female fleas can lay up to fifty eggs every single day, so one can turn into an infestation in no time at all.
And more than three hundred species of flea exist in the United States. The various species are referred to usually by the host they’re found on. For example, dog fleas, human fleas, rat fleas, etc. In broad terms, however, even though fleas are different they’re very opportunistic feeders.
Cat fleas prefer the warm, fur-covered skin of cats where they can cling to the strands of fur. Dog fleas are the same way. Human fleas are different, preferring the conditions provided by humans, but they’re usually found in the wild.
Fleas lay lots of eggs – as many as 2,000 in their lifetime. The eggs roll off the host and spread easily. When they hatch, they can easily latch onto a host. However, it’s harder for cat fleas and dog fleas to reproduce on people, so the fleas are more likely to bite ankles until they can find a better fur- or feather-covered host.
Florida Flea Control: Keep them out of your yard!
Your lawn and garden can be a breeding ground for fleas, which can then easily find their way indoors. They can hitch a ride on you or your pet, or just leap in with their insanely far jumps. They’re hard to get rid of, and their bites can cause sores and rashes. If conditions are right, they can live up to two years.
It can be hard to spot fleas in the yard, as these reddish-brown, wingless, narrow-bodied pests are rarely bigger than 1/6 of an inch long. A simple way to determine whether you have fleas in your yard is to put on a pair of tall white athletic socks (pull them up as far as they will go) and walk around your yard, especially near spots your pet likes to frequent. If fleas are present, they’ll show up on your socks. (Afterward, seal the socks in a plastic bag and dispose of them.)
Flea prevention tips for your yard
For one, mow your lawn properly. Mowing too high gives fleas plenty of attractive places to hide. But cutting it too short will discourage the predators of this tiny insect. Mowing your lawn to about three inches in length is pretty close to ideal. Also, remove thatch when it falls. Thatch layers give fleas, their eggs, and their larvae plenty of room to hide. Dethatch your lawn regularly to prevent this.
Also, avoid overwatering your lawn. Fleas love moist, wet, humid environments. And most lawns only need about an inch of water a week, through rainfall or irrigation. And consider mulching with cedar wood. Fleas hate cedar, so choose cedar mulch for those areas (such as under a hedge, deck, or porch) where your pet likes to rest. You may also want to create a cedar mulch barrier around play areas or patios.
On top of that, make sure plenty of sunlight is hitting your lawn. Fleas like it dark, so increase the light your yard receives by doing some tree and shrub pruning. Remove low branches and prune thick canopies to allow sunlight to reach areas beneath.
And like with any pest infestation, reduce the amount of clutter in your home and yard. Remove places throughout the yard under which fleas can hide and lay eggs. Clear debris (think stone or lumber piles), stack and store pots neatly, and clean crawl spaces or other areas beneath your deck.
Florida Flea Control: Indoor Control Tips
To get rid of fleas around your home, you must take steps to control them at every stage. Obviously, if they came in on your pets that’s ground zero. Go to a vet and get them on a good flea and heartworm medication. But after that, you must turn your attention to your house, as flea eggs can still linger in other parts of your home and lawn.
Regular vacuuming is one of the best things you can do to combat fleas in the home. Regular vacuuming lowers the number of fleas and their eggs from carpeting, cracks in wood floors, and on curtains and upholstered furniture. It also catches them under furniture. Don’t forget to vacuum the areas where your pet sleeps and eats. Empty the vacuum cleaner bin or throw away bags in a garbage can outside right away so the fleas can’t sneak back in. For the parts of your home where you and your pets hang out the most, like the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms, vacuum every day. For everywhere else, do it once a week.
And don’t forget to wash your bedding in soapy, hot water. And don’t just wash your bed, sheets, and pillowcases either. Consider throwing in your pet’s bed, and anything they may wear like a sweater or harness.
And finally, if all of this has been done and you still find fleas or their eggs in your home, don’t be afraid to contact a pest control specialist.
