Fleas are a dreaded lawn pest. They can feast on your ankles, make your pets miserable, and eventually infiltrate your home. Most importantly, fleas carry diseases that can harm you and your pets. But how do you know if fleas are in your yard in the first place?
You may notice signs such as itchy bites on your skin after time outdoors, fur loss on your pet, or visible fleas on your clothes or inside your home. We’ll provide some visual cues and tests for identifying fleas, eggs, and bites.
1. Your Ankles Itch and Scratch
Yes, even humans can suffer from these annoying pests. Your yard might have fleas if you experience the following after being outdoors:
- Red spots on feet, ankles, and lower legs
- Spots are incredibly itchy and swollen
- Excessive scratching
- Secondary infections caused by scratching
Note that itchy bites may also signal other yard pests, such as chinch bugs, ants, and mosquitoes.
2. Pets Bring Fleas Indoors
If Fido or Mittens enjoy romping outdoors and they show any of the following signs, they’re likely picking up fleas out in the yard:
- Red spots often on the neck, belly, legs, or base of the tail
- Dry skin or loss of fur
- Excessive scratching
- Secondary infections caused by scratching
- Fleas or flea dirt on the skin
3. You Identify Adult Fleas
Adult fleas are visible to the naked eye. When you spot them in your grass, it’s a good indicator that they’re in other areas of the yard.
So, what do fleas look like? Adult fleas are dark, wingless, and generally reddish brown or black. Flea eggs look like tiny off-white ovals and can be difficult to spot. If you’re suspicious that you have a flea infestation, use a flashlight or magnifying glass to more easily identify them.
4. Fleas Infiltrate Your Home
Fleas are more commonly found on hosts but can be found in beds, carpets, floorboards, and other areas of the home. You can use a magnifying glass and either a flashlight or your phone light to help you spot flea eggs or adult fleas. If fleas are in your home, they are likely in your yard, too.
5. You Find Fleas With the White Sock Test
The white sock test is a simple but sure-fire way to know if you have fleas in your yard. Your body heat should attract the fleas, making them leap to your feet or ankles for a bite to eat. Follow these steps:
- Put on calf or knee-high white socks.
- Walk around any area you suspect there may be fleas, such as overgrown areas or near lawn structures that may give shelter to fleas.
- Once you’re done, check the socks for fleas. If they’re in your lawn or around your home, they’ll be visible on your socks.
FAQ About Fleas in Your Yard and Home
What plants repel fleas?
A variety of plants and their scents are known to be off-putting to fleas. However, it’s crucial to know which plants are safe for pets to keep your yard both flea-free and welcoming for your furry friends. Add some of these plants to your garden:
- Lemon balm
- Marigold
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Catnip (your cat will love this one!)
Can fleas live in your bed?
Yes. Fleas can infest many areas of your home, including beds and other furniture. Pets are usually to blame for bringing the fleas indoors and transferring them to the furniture.
If you notice itchy bites when you wake up in the morning, it may be another bloodsucker, the bed bug. Learn how to identify bed bug bites so that you don’t confuse the two.
How do I get fleas out of my house?
Controlling a flea infestation in your home can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Make sure you treat your pet for fleas and seek out a flea preventative to avoid future issues.
It’s important to wash anything that can be placed in the washing machine, including your pet’s bed, any linens, or curtains. Additionally, flooring should be vacuumed thoroughly, especially in areas with rugs or carpets. Dispose of the dustbin contents in an outside trash can.
Hire a Pro to Fight Back Against Fleas
When fleas attack, it’s important to identify them quickly so you can thoroughly eliminate the infestation. Use the white sock test and keep an eye on your pet’s behavior for the first signs of a flea presence. Keeping your lawn clear of debris and following proper lawn maintenance can prevent fleas.
However, if your flea worries aren’t going away, hire a local lawn care professional who can keep your turf mowed, lush, and flea-free.
Main Photo Credit: Edwin / Adobe Stock Free / License
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