When fleas invade your yard, it’s only a matter of time until they make their way into your house, especially if you have animals. These tiny and tenacious insects have a way of jumping on larger hosts that can transport them to new locations, such as your yard, where they set up camp and rapidly multiply. Your pets, as well as wild animals like raccoons and rodents, can transport fleas into your yard, as can outside plants, soil, and even your shoes.

Once in your yard, fleas thrive in shady, humid environments. They burrow in tall grass and dense vegetation, laying eggs at an alarming rate. Flea bites can lead to itchy bumps and irritated skin on humans and pets, and can even spread disease. For these reasons, you will want to keep a close eye on your yard (and pets) for any signs of fleas. Because, as problematic as they are outdoors, an indoor flea infestation will present a far greater challenge.

So, how do you get rid of these pernicious insects before they have the chance to enter your home? We spoke to pest control experts to find out. Read on to learn the best ways to make your yard as inhospitable to fleas as possible.

Fleas love shade and moisture, making your lawn the perfect hideaway. One of the best ways to scare them away is by regularly mowing your lawn and trimming bushes, shrubs, and low-hanging branches, says pest control expert Tony King. He explains that keeping the grass short allows sunlight to pass through to the ground, drying out flea-infested areas. Because flea eggs and larvae are sensitive to heat and dryness, keeping your lawn neat will disrupt the flea life cycle.

After trimming your lawn, make sure to remove leaf litter, woodpiles, excess leaves, and tall grasses, as fleas love moist, shaded hiding spots, says Trent Frazier, lead entomologist at Aptive Pest Control. Keeping excess yard debris to a minimal will help control unwanted insects.

Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that can treat harmful insects like fleas, grubs, and flea beetles. According to King, nematodes are one of the safest and most natural ways to control fleas. He advises buying beneficial nematodes at garden stores or online. "Mix with water and spread over your lawn, focusing on shady or moist spots," he says. "They enter the flea larvae and release bacteria that kill them within 48 hours."

You may have heard of diatomaceous earth (DE) but not understand what it is or what it does. According to King, diatomaceous earth is a powder made from crushed fossilized algae and works by dehydrating fleas and larvae. "Sprinkle a light dusting of food-grade DE throughout your yard where pets frequent, such as fences, shady areas, and under porches," he says. Remember to wear a mask when applying and make sure to reapply after heavy rain or watering. 

Commercial flea traps are available, but King says you can also make your own with a shallow dish of water, a couple of drops of mild dish soap, and a source of light, such as a small solar lamp or tea light over the dish. "Fleas are attracted to the heat and fall into the water," he explains. "This won’t eliminate the infestation by itself, but is useful for tracking flea activity and cutting down on the adult population."

If you want to keep fleas at bay, try cedar. Cedar mulch acts as a natural flea repellent, as fleas hate its scent. "Use cedar mulch around the perimeter of your yard, in pet beds, and under decks," advises King. "Cedar oil sprays can also be used as a spot treatment."

Perriseau recommends using gravel, cedar chips, or stones around fencing to prevent harborage areas for fleas and potential re-infestation. Because fleas struggle to survive in dry, exposed environments, this approach can help form a natural boundary to keep them out, adds Frazier.

Another natural approach to keeping fleas off your premises is to install flea-repelling plants, such as lavender, rosemary, or mint, around the perimeter of your yard. "These [plants] naturally deter fleas and add a pleasant fragrance," says Frazer. If you opt for mint, make sure to grow it in containers to keep it from taking over your yard.

One of the main ways that fleas get into your yard is through wildlife traffic, King says. When flea-infested animals enter your yard, "they deposit flea eggs, larvae, or adult fleas into the soil or grass," he says. Prevent wildlife from accessing your yard by sealing off crawl spaces, using fencing, and refraining from leaving pet food outside. This will deter common flea carriers like skunks and stray cats from entering the premises. 

You can also discourage these animals from coming into your yard by updating your fencing and making sure your garbage is secure so that wild animals know your property is off-limits, says Greg McKendall, CEO at Killer Termite and Pest Control.

When these methods are not doing the trick and you have health concerns about the presence of fleas, a targeted insecticide treatment from a professional pest control company can help get rid of severe infestations, Frazer says. Despite your best efforts, a professional pest control technician has access to knowledge and tools that you may not be privy to. "These people are often the best people to call when you need a flea-control solution that works because it addresses your unique situation," says McKendall. King notes that this is especially useful for heavily infested homes or homes with multiple pets.