Like most things in life, outdoor flea control starts with knowing what you’re up against — and in this case, that’s the small but mighty flea. Here are a few key facts to help you navigate a flea infestation:

Are Fleas and Ticks the Same?

Although often discussed together, a flea and a tick are not the same thing. Fleas are somewhat oval-shaped with six bug-like legs, and ticks are rounder with eight spider-like legs. They also behave differently on your pet: While a flea will crawl around and bite various places, a tick buries its head in your pet’s skin to feast on blood.

Where Do Fleas Lay Eggs?

Flea eggs are particularly difficult to get rid of. That’s because, although a flea will lay eggs on its host, that host (usually a cat or dog) moves all around your home — which means flea eggs can fall off and end up inside your carpet, on your bed and outside on the soil. 

What Diseases Do Fleas Carry? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a single flea bite could carry all kinds of diseases, from plague to fleaborne typhus. Fleas can also transmit parasites like tapeworms to you and your pet.

How do you know when it’s time to pull out the flea treatment? Simple! Look for signs like these:

In Your Yard 

It’s difficult to spot adult fleas, flea larvae or even flea eggs in your yard. However, you can run a quick experiment on your own. Just put on a pair of white socks and walk around outside. Adult fleas will jump onto your socks, looking for a meal, and the white background will allow you to see their tiny bodies.

It’s important to remember that outdoor flea control is often your first line of defense against a flea infestation. That’s why it’s always helpful to have flea control solutions like flea killer or flea spray (as well as some white socks!) at your disposal.

In the House

Although you may have a hard time spotting a flea in your carpet or bedding, you probably have white surfaces where adult fleas might be easier to identify. You can also look for “flea dirt” — a buildup of flea feces that looks like soil inside your home.

On Pets 

If your dog or cat has fleas, you’re likely to notice your pet itching. You might also notice tiny red bumps on their skin, which is a sign that adult fleas have been feasting; flea dirt and flea eggs can also be present. If you part your pet’s fur and look closely, you might even see a flea or two scurrying for cover. But don’t worry — products like Capstar are specifically designed to kill and manage adult flea populations.

On Humans 

Unfortunately, fleas don’t just bite pets — they’ll hitch a ride on you and your family, too. If you notice red spots on your skin, itchy scalp or even adult fleas scooting around in your hair, you know you’re in the middle of a full-blown flea infestation.

You know the basics, you know the signs — now how do you get fleas and their eggs out of your yard once and for all? Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to mark outdoor pest control off your to-do list:

• Use flea spray. Flea spray is one of the most effective ways to treat your entire yard. Just make sure to read the label so you know how much to use and whether it’s safe for pets and kids to be outside during treatment.

• Start at the back of your property and work your way forward. Remember, outdoor flea control is your first line of defense — so to make sure pets don’t bring fleas right back in the house, start at your back fence and work all the way across your yard, through the house and to your front property line.

• Wash fabrics. Outdoor fabrics like rugs or seat cushions should be sent through the wash to remove adult fleas, flea larvae and flea eggs.

• Research natural flea and tick prevention. Many pet parents want to know they’re using flea spray or other flea control solutions that are safe and healthy for their furry friends, which means it’s important to brush up on the facts about natural pest control. The good news is that many of the most effective flea control methods also act as tick prevention solutions.

• Repeat flea treatment. Some flea control solutions recommend that you repeat treatment to make sure all fleas and flea eggs are eliminated. After all, it only takes two little pests to start another flea infestation.

Fleas are nobody’s best friend — and they certainly don’t deserve an invitation to your backyard barbeque. If you want to protect your home, pets and family from an unpleasant infestation, it’s important to start with outdoor flea control. Luckily, you have plenty of tools, solutions and tips to help you kick fleas to the curb.

Of course, it’s equally important to make sure your pets aren’t bringing new fleas onto the property, whether from going on walks or visiting doggy daycare. For help choosing the right flea treatment for your dog or cat, it’s always best to talk to your vet.

We’ve got everything you need to overcome a flea infestation inside, outside and even on your pets. Check out our lineup of flea and tick prevention solutions — and for all the help you need, head over to your neighborhood Pet Supermarket!