Lawn Spray for Fleas & Ticks

Ticks feed on the blood of animals.

Fleas and ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of the host. They can bite humans and pets, and may carry dangerous diseases. Several lawn treatments are available for ridding your yard of fleas and ticks.

Significance

Not only is it necessary to treat your pets and indoor surroundings for fleas and ticks, it also is necessary to treat outside areas, such as animal enclosures and places where animals crawl and sleep. Spraying the lawn for fleas and ticks can help prevent reinfestation of your pets.

Identification

Adult fleas are approximately 1 to 3 mm long. Fleas are reddish-brown or black and wingless. Their white eggs are tiny, about 0.5 mm long, but can be seen with the naked eye. Flea larvae have sticky cocoons that attract dirt and debris.

Ticks have eight legs and are reddish-brown in color. They are approximately 1/3 inch long. Seed ticks attached to dogs turn blue in color before falling off from the animal.

Types

Effective lawn spray treatments for fleas and ticks can be purchased at most lawn and garden centers. The treatments include chemicals, such as permethrin, bifenthrin and deltamethrin.

References

• University of Florida: Fleas: What They Are, What To Do
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: TIcks
• University of California: Flea Management Guidelines

Resources

• Ohio State University Medical Center: Bites and Stings: Insects