Description
Fleas are tiny insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans, causing itching and discomfort. They are especially active during spring and summer. There are more than 300 species that live in the United States, with the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) and the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) being of most concern. Besides irritation, fleas can also carry pathogens that cause serious diseases such as typhus, plague, tapeworms and cat scratch disease.
Life Cycle
Adult females lay eggs in the fur and surrounding environment of their host. Eggs hatch in 2-5 days and larvae continue feeding and in 5-20 days spin a cocoon and enter the pupal stage. While in this stage they are protected from weather and insecticides for days or weeks. Warm temperatures and mechanical pressure caused by walking or vacuuming stimulate emergence from the cocoon. At normal room temperature, the entire life cycle can occur in 18 days. Adult fleas generally live 30-40 days on their host.
Beneficial Nematodes
The best nematode species for flea larvae are Steinernema carpocapsae, which is also found in the Lawn and Garden Blend. This species is most effective in soil temperatures between 66-88°F.
Beneficials nematodes are for outside applications. Do not use on pets or in the house on carpets. Treat areas of the yard where animals spend a lot of time. This can include shady corners, along fence lines, under decks and porches, in dog runs and kennels, and in garden beds and mulched areas. Apply beneficial nematodes when pests are in the soil. Spring is a good time to start. Continue monthly to break the flea life cycle.
Nematodes need enough moisture in the soil to move around and find the pests. Water before and after nematode applications and avoid applying them on a hot sunny day. For best results, apply nematodes during the cooler hours of early morning or evening, when UV exposure and soil temperatures are at their lowest. Refer to our Beneficial Nematode Tech Sheet for rates and further details.
Cultural Control Tips
Nematodes can assist with flea control, but it's important to treat the dog or cat as well as the house to ensure complete flea control. According to the US EPA:
- Vacuum every day to remove eggs, larvae and adults from the house.
- Vacuum the carpets, cushioned furniture, cracks and crevices on floors, along baseboards and in the basement.
- Steam clean carpets: the hot steam and soap can kill fleas in all stages of their life cycle
- Target areas where pets sleep
- Wash all pet bedding and family bedding on which pets lie in hot, soapy water every two to three weeks.
- If infestation is severe, discard old pet bedding and replace it with fresh, clean material.
- Use a flea comb to suppress adult fleas.
- Discuss with a veterinary professional flea control options for your pet.
- Consider allowing your pets to stay indoors as much as possible to reduce their chance of being bitten by fleas and ticks.
- Keep the lawn mowed and shrubs and trees trimmed. Flea eggs and larvae won't persist in hot and dry conditions but will migrate to areas of the yard with shade and moisture.
Flea Repellant Plants
Surrounding your yard with plants and flowers that chase aways fleas can help with the control. These include many herbs:
- Lavendar
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Artemisia or wormwood
- Lemongrass
- Yarrow
- Thyme