Table of Contents
Flea overview
Can my pet catch fleas from my garden?
Other places pets can catch fleas
How to treat fleas
How to prevent fleas
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Can my pet catch fleas from grass in my garden?
- By Sarah
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- October 11, 2024
- 5 MIN READ
Fleas are one of those pests that seem to pop up out of nowhere, and cause absolute chaos. When this happens, as pet parents, our first thought tends to be, how has this happened? It’s not always straightforward trying to find how your pet has got fleas, but this answer could be right under your nose (and by this, we mean outside your back door)...
Flea overview
Fleas are small, wingless insects that survive by feeding on the blood of their hosts—usually your pet. They are notorious for their incredible jumping ability, with some species able to leap up to 200 times their body length! This makes them well-equipped to move between hosts or jump onto pets as they pass by.
Typically, fleas live their lives through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult fleas need blood to reproduce, and they often find this through pets, but eggs and larvae can be found in many environments, including carpets, furniture, and yes—outdoor areas like grass, gardens, and even soil.
If your pet scratches excessively, develops small red bumps, or you start noticing tiny black specks in their fur (these could be flea dirt), it’s likely fleas have found their way into your home. So, where do these little nuisances come from, and could they be lurking in your garden?
Can my pet catch fleas from my garden?
The short answer is yes—your pet can catch fleas from the grass in your garden, but there is more to it. While fleas do live in outdoor spaces, they are typically more comfortable in areas where they can find regular hosts, like pets, wild animals, or stray cats.
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Here’s how it happens:
An adult flea may hop onto your pet when they brush against grass, leaves, or shrubs where the flea was lurking. Fleas can survive in your garden for a while, particularly in shady, damp areas, but they need to find a warm-blooded host to complete their life cycle.
Fleas don’t necessarily come into your garden out of nowhere, wild animals or a neighbour’s pet can introduce fleas to your outdoor space. Fleas in your garden can also come from your own pet. If your pet is carrying fleas, the tiny blighters can drop off your pet when they’re outside (especially if your pet is not on routine preventative treatment), and can lay eggs in the soil or grass, turning your lovely garden into a flea breeding ground.
While not all grassy gardens will be a hang out spot for fleas, those that provide optimal conditions (shade, moisture, and nearby animals) are likely to be a place your pet will get fleas.
TIP! Fleas love the warmer weather so keep an eye on your pet in the garden during summer months.
Other places pets can catch fleas
While your garden might pose a risk, it’s far from the only place your pet can catch fleas. Here are a few common flea-ridden areas:
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Other pets: One of the most common ways pets pick up fleas is from other pets. Whether it’s a playdate at the park or an accidental meet cute with a neighbourhood cat, fleas can easily transfer between animals.
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Indoor carpeting and upholstery: Flea eggs and larvae can easily hide in the fibres of carpets, rugs, or soft furnishings, especially if you’ve had a previous flea infestation. These eggs can hatch, turning your living room into a flea haven.
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Wild animals: Animals like squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs, or even birds that come into your garden may carry fleas, and those fleas can jump ship onto your pet.
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Parks and walking trails: Places where lots of pets congregate can be a flea paradise. arks, walking trails, or even boarding kennels can pose a higher risk of flea transmission.
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Your neighbour’s cat or dog: If your neighbours have pets, they could bring fleas into your garden if their animals roam outside. Fleas don’t respect fences or boundaries!
How to treat fleas
If your pet has caught fleas—whether from your garden or elsewhere—don’t panic! Fleas are common and, with the right approach, 100% treatable. Here’s what to do:
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Flea treatment for pets: The first step is to treat your pet. There are numerous options available, including spot-on treatments, like Itch Flea treatment for Dogs and Itch Flea treatment for Cats which kills adult fleas infesting your pet within 24 hours and halts all other life stages.
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Clean your home: Fleas don’t just live on your pet; they can also infest your home. Wash your pet’s bedding, toys, and any soft fabrics they regularly come into contact with (no less than 60 degrees folks!). Hoover carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly to remove any eggs or larvae, keep this up regularly for up to 2 weeks after infestation. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the dust canister after each clean to prevent reinfestation.
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Flea comb: Use a fine-toothed flea comb to help remove fleas and flea dirt from your pet’s coat. While it won’t eliminate fleas on its own, it’s a great help to spotting fleas on your pet and grooming out dead fleas (killed by the treatment).
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Treat indoor and outdoor areas: If you suspect your home is harbouring fleas, it’s wise to treat it. Flea sprays can be applied throughout your home to kill fleas, eggs and larvae. Try the Itch Flea Home Spray for Homes to treat a full blown flea infestation in one blast. To treat your outdoor space, flea repellents and plants that deter fleas can reduce the chance of infestation. Focus on shaded, moist areas where fleas are most likely to thrive.
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Repeat treatments: Fleas have a quick life cycle, and it can take several weeks or even months to fully eradicate them from your home. Routinely using flea treatment on your pet and in your home will keep fleas out of your life, for good!
How to prevent fleas
Preventing fleas in the first place is always better than treating an infestation after it’s happened. Here are some top tips to keep fleas at bay:
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Regular flea treatments
The most effective way to prevent fleas is to keep your pet on a regular flea treatment schedule. This could be a monthly spot-on treatment, like Itch Flea Treatment which can be delivered straight to your home, every month, for free.
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Anti-flea garden
Fleas thrive in damp, shaded areas, so one of the best ways to make your garden less tempting to them is by keeping it well-maintained. Mow your grass regularly, trim back hedges, and clear away fallen leaves or grass clippings.
TIP! A well-ventilated, sunny garden is far less likely to become a flea haven.
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Discourage wild animals
To reduce the risk of fleas being introduced into your garden, try to discourage wild animals from frequenting your space. This might involve securing your bins, using fencing, or avoiding feeding wildlife that could attract flea-carrying creatures like squirrels or hedgehogs.
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Regular grooming and flea checks
Groom your pet regularly, especially after they’ve been outside or played with other animals. Use a flea comb to check for fleas and their eggs, particularly around the neck, belly, and base of the tail. The sooner you spot fleas, the easier it will be to prevent a full-blown infestation.
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Wash bedding frequently
Washing your pet’s bedding (and any soft furnishings they regularly use) is another key part of flea prevention. Regular cleaning reduces the chance of flea eggs developing into larvae and adult fleas.
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Hoover often
Fleas love to hide in carpets, so vacuuming regularly helps remove any flea eggs or larvae before they have a chance to develop. Pay special attention to areas where your pet likes to rest.
So, can your pet catch fleas from the grass in your garden? Absolutely. But by staying on top of preventative treatments, keeping your garden tidy, and regularly checking your pet for fleas, you can significantly reduce the risk. Fleas are pesky, but with the right approach, they don’t have to become a major problem for you and your furry friend.
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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