Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that can cause many problems for people and pets.
Not only are they annoying, but they can also carry diseases.
If you have a flea infestation on your deck, it can be challenging to get rid of them.
In this blog post, we will discuss why fleas love to hang out on decks, and we will provide some tips on how to get rid of them.
Fleas On Your Deck? Here Is Our Guide
What are fleas, and what do they look like?
Fleas are tiny, brown insects that jump around and can bite humans and animals. They usually live on animals but can also live on humans and in homes. Fleas can be a nuisance and can cause problems like skin irritation from their bites.
What do fleas look like? Adult fleas are about the size of a grain of rice and have long hind legs that they use to jump. They also have a hard, flat body covered in tiny hairs. Flea’s eggs are white and about the size of a dust particle.
Flea larvae are small, worm-like creatures that hatch from flea eggs. They are white or light brown and have no legs. Flea larvae live in dirt and debris, where they feed on flea eggs, skin cells, and other organic matter.
Pupae are the last stage before fleas become adults. Pupae are cocoons that fleas build around themselves. They are light brown and about the size of a pinhead.
Inside the pupae, fleas develop into adults and emerge when they are ready to mate.
How do fleas get on your deck in the first place?
Fleas can get onto your deck in various ways- from your pet, other animals, or even the environment itself.
Fleas are tiny and can quickly jump onto your deck, so it’s essential to be vigilant in keeping them under control.
Any fleas on your deck will probably have hitched a ride on a cat or another animal.
What are the signs that you have a flea infestation on your deck?
If you notice that your pets are scratching more than usual, or you are finding fleas on their bodies and spend a lot of time on your deck, you likely have a flea infestation.
Other signs that you may have fleas include seeing the parasites jumping around or finding their droppings.
How can you get rid of fleas on your deck with pesticides/chemicals
If you are experiencing a flea infestation on your deck, using pesticides is likely the best solution.
There are many different types of pesticides available. Be sure to read the label and follow all instructions closely.
It is also important to remember that pesticides should only be used as a last resort, as they can harm humans and animals.
If you have pets or kids, keep them away from the area while applying pesticides.
When using pesticides, always remember to take safety precautions to avoid contact with the chemicals. In addition, be sure to apply the pesticide in a well-ventilated area.
Once you have applied the pesticide, wait for the area to dry completely before allowing anyone or any animals to come into contact with it.
Follow the instructions given with the pesticide.
How can you get rid of fleas on your deck naturally
If you have fleas on your deck, there are a few things you can do to try to get rid of them.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a natural flea killer. You can buy it online or at most hardware stores. Make a boric acid powder by mixing one part boric acid with three parts flour.
Sprinkle the powder on your deck and around areas where fleas are likely to congregate, such as in cracks or crevices. Reapply the powder every few days until the fleas are gone.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is another natural flea killer. It works by dehydrating the fleas. You can buy diatomaceous earth online or at most hardware stores.
Sprinkle the powder on your deck and around areas where fleas are likely to congregate. Same as Boric Acid, reapply the powder every few days until the fleas are gone.
Soap and Water
One of the most common and effective ways to get rid of fleas is simply washing them away with soap and water. This will remove the fleas from your deck, but it will also kill any eggs that may be present.
Vinegar
Fleas hate vinegar. Make a spray with vinegar and water and spray directly onto fleas and areas where you have noticed fleas on your deck.
Light Traps
One of the most effective ways to get rid of fleas is to use light traps. These devices attract fleas with a heat lamp and trap them on a sticky pad.
You can purchase light traps at most hardware stores or online. Be sure to place the traps in areas where fleas are most active, such as near your pet’s bedding or in areas where your pet spends a lot of time.
Check the traps regularly and dispose of the fleas.
You should not use light traps if there is a danger of the device getting wet!
What should you do if the infestation is severe or if it persists after treatment?
If you have a persistent or severe flea infestation, you may need to call in a professional exterminator. They will be able to help you identify the source of the problem and get rid of the fleas for good.
It comes at an additional cost; however, sometimes, it is worth it.
Tips for preventing a future flea infestation on your deck
The best thing you can do it reduce the chances of getting fleas on your deck is to treat any pets you have for fleas. Speak to a vet and decide which flea treatment you should use.
It would be best if you also cleaned your deck regularly to clear out any fleas or eggs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to get rid of fleas on your deck, you can try a few different strategies.
The first step is to make sure that you are dealing with fleas and not some other type of pest.
Once you’ve confirmed that it’s fleas, the next step is to take action. Follow the tips on this page to get started.
