How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally Forever
First let me say that this is NOT a replacement for your pet’s monthly flea preventative. Our fur babies still need that stuff to be completely protected. That being said, the best way that I have found to get rid of fleas naturally in your yard are nematodes. My mom has been using this stuff for almost 20 years and she has never had a problem with fleas. I can say for sure that this stuff works even when the flea preventatives fail…and I have had them fail.
So what are nematodes? Well they are technically roundworms. Roundworms are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in the soil throughout the world. They are parasitic to over 200 insect pests like fleas and even grub worms. Different varieties are sold to attack the specific pest you may have. Don’t be scared by the word roundworm though; most dogs and cats who are regular vet visitors don’t ever have an issue with them so it’s not dangerous. It’s mainly kittens and puppies that need to be careful. As for the danger to humans, well don’t eat dirt and you should be fine. I’m not a doctor, but common sense says wash your hands like mom taught you and keep yourself clean. Unless you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system I’d say it’s not going to cause a problem. If you are really concerned, talk to your doctor before you order anything.
Needless to say, when we bought our current house, the yard was a little overrun with weeds because it was a foreclosure.
The yard also backs up to an open field and park. Therefore, we are exposed to more nature and with that comes fleas. We had all of our animals on flea preventative when we moved in, but to my horror I found a couple fleas on my white poodle Buddy.
As he was getting doused by flea spray, my fiance was on the hunt for these nematode things I told him about. My mom had always bought them at the local feed store, because my parents live out in the country. Unfortunately, for us city folk, we couldn’t find them anywhere…even at feed stores 50 miles away!
Finally, an online search led is to Arbico Organics. This company could ship the nematodes in a cooler and have them on our doorstep in a couple days for only $30.00. This may seem expensive at first, and the website says you should apply them 2-3 times per year, but in my experience and my parents (who have used them for 20+ years) applying them once a year is all that’s needed. They also have a guide to help you determine how much you need for your size yard. Our yard isn’t extremely large so we only ordered the garden size.
| Package Size | Quantity | Treatment Area | Shipping Method |
| Backyard Size | 5 million | 1,600 sq. ft. | 2nd Day |
| Garden Size | 10 million | 3,200 sq. ft. | 2nd Day |
| Farm Size | 50 million | 1 Acre | 2nd Day |
| Small Ranch Size | 250 million | 5 Acres | 2nd Day |
| Large Ranch Size | 500 million | 10 Acres | Next Day |
Source: Arbico Organics
Once the nematodes arrive all you have to do is mix them with water in a garden sprayer and apply them to the yard like you would any fertilizer. The only rule is that you should apply them when the weather is a little warmer (over 45 degrees). Arbico Organics recommends the following application procedure:
“It’s easy to apply nematodes. Simply mix nematodes with water and apply using a watering can, hose end sprayer, backpack or pump sprayer or through irrigation or misting systems. Before applying, make sure the soil is moist. Lightly water again after application. Since nematodes are alive and sensitive to light, apply them early in the morning or at dusk. Use beneficial nematodes whenever pest larvae or grubs are present, during the spring, summer and fall months. As pest larvae feed on plant roots beneath the soil surface, severe damage can be done before you realize you have a pest dilemma. If adult insects are present, their eggs, nymphs, larvae and pupae will soon be developing.”
That’s it! Once you’ve applied these little boogers they immediately start reproducing and attacking their host fleas. It takes about a month before the fleas virtually disappear. With continued use you should never see a flea from your yard again!
Linked Up at:
Link it or Lump it, Masterpiece Monday, Thrifty Thursday, Create it Thursday, Fluster Buster
Thanks for sharing! We haven’t had a problem yet, but that doesn’t mean we won’t! Definitely pinning this to keep in mind. Have a great day!
That’s good; fleas are one problem I wouldn’t wish on anyone!
I was given a dog as a gift a few days ago and i have never cared for an animal. Anyways i wondering if I could use the flea solution inside of the dog’s room inside of my home.
Awww congrats! What kind of dog? First, I would suggest taking it to a vet if you haven’t already. That way you can get everything checked out and get him/her on the monthly flea preventative and heart worm meds. As far as the nematodes are concerned, they are strictly for outdoor use. They thrive in soil and are meant as a biological defense against fleas outdoors to prevent your pup from bringing them inside the home. Having the puppy on a topical monthly flea preventative (like Frontline Plus that can be purchased at your vet or online) should keep them from infesting your house, as well. If you already have a flea issue inside, unfortunately you have to attack it from many angles (outside with nematodes; on the dog with flea meds; with flea bombs or sprays inside the house) and it takes time. The household insecticides are quite potent and would cause you and the pet to have to leave home for the day. So hopefully with a visit to the vet and treatment outside with nematodes you can stop a problem before the weather warms up and the flea population gets into your house. Find a vet you “click” with too so you can call the office for any new pet-parent questions — that always makes me feel better when I know help is just a phone call away. Good luck with your new baby!! 🙂
Slice four lemons peel & all place in a pot in 2 quarts of water, bring to light boil and simmer for an hour. Cover, Turn off the heat and let sit for at least 24 hours. Strain through a fine basket strainer (NOT COFFEE FILTERS). Squeeze the liquid from the lemons as best you can. Use in a spray bottle to apply directly to pets and massage in. Also use on furniture and around the house, cracks crevices etc., I’ve found it to be very effective with our cats. Also can be used to keep fleas off doing yard work. The lemon oil kills the fleas and eggs before they hatch. Adding peppermint oil (a few drops enhances the affect. NO TOXIC CHEMICALS! Frontline can cancer in animals.as most of the toxic poisons do.
Thank you! I was so happy when I received him. He is an Yorkshire terrier I named him Tyra, lol the only thing I have set up for him is his outfits and bows. No one told me that I had to have him on a vaccine I am going to try to find him a doctor ASAP, thanks for telling me. So the flea solution you mentioned is for outside use and i can use an indoor flea spray solution inside the home to prevent diseases like fleas and such. I hope I can find him a doctor to help me with these things. I also hope that the doc can also tell me how to get him to listen to me and how to behave because he is not behaving at all, :(.
I use Serresto collars on my dogs and never ever have any fleas or ticks! Collar lasts for 8 months.
You have a Yorkie. They can try the patience of the most experienced dog owners. Consistency is the best. They know they are cute and will test you daily. Once trained they a a joy and a very loyal friend.
Interesting. I’ve never heard of this. I do know that beneficial nematodes work as a preventative to gopher destruction. No grubs and bugs for gophers to dig for, so they move on to greener pastures as it were.
Please be cautious when using indoor flea controls. Some of them are quite toxic. There are some natural remedies that you might also try (do a web search).
You definitely need to find a good vet to discuss things with. As for behavioral issues, I don’t know how old this dog is that you’ve been given, but dogs need guidance and training. You might consider taking an obedience class. They’re not terribly expensive, and you and your dog will learn some valuable lessons. You might also want to do some online research about dog ownership. Having and caring for a pet can be very rewarding, but it’s also a very serious lifelong commitment.
I couldn’t agree more Carolew. Those flea bombs and sprays are really bad and should ONLY be used with extreme caution and as a last resort. Prevention is key.
I too was surprised to learn about all nematodes do, but according to Arbico’s website they are quite miraculous little critters. Thanks for sharing Carolew!
I use cedarwood and lavender essential oils mixed in water. Spray dogs and their indoor bedding. Homeopathic, not toxic and my dogs have been flea free for 3 years.
I will for sure be ordering the nematodes thanks for the suggestion Amanda. Now Sonya, I am not a dog expert but what I do know is that sometimes dogs misbehave when the owner dresses the dog or names the dog a name that is not suitable to it’s gender. That is not always the case but I have witnessed this several times.
I think I am going to go ahead and order the namotades for my back yard. I also scheduled him his first vet and spa appointment which i am beyond excited for. I talked to a dog therapist and she told me that maybe my dog is misbehaving because he doesnt like me and that makes me sad :/. Well I hope she is wrong.
The dog therapist never should have told you that your dog doesn’t like you. Geez what’s wrong with her. Dogs misbehave for a variety reasons. Age (puppies) they don’t know any better, they haven’t been taught what is acceptable behavior. Past owners-not following through with training. Spoiling him, letting him get away with everything, then not understanding why he won’t behave when you need him too. Sometimes it could be medical (not always) One of the biggest reasons is small dogs are spoiled and thus are not mad to listen. If you have a VB account check out Harrisburg Great Dog Program there are alot of great tips and video’s to help you out and there is also the opportunity to private message the trainer and ask specific questions. Consistency in training is a big key. I wish you luck and hope you two click soon.
Dogs must have at least a year and sometimes two to adjust to you. I’ve rescued a lot of dogs and they just need time and patience. Suddenly you’ll start having moments when you’re walking them and you’re both in perfect synch. They’ll cuddle up to you inbred and make your heart skip a beat. You won’t even have to say what you are getting ready to say. They read your expressions and body language. It is then you’ll know you can’t live without each other. I’ve had some dogs that needed much longer. You have no idea what they’ve been through before you.
Just breathe and be patient. Lots of “good boy!” And calm voice.
Wow! I am shocked to hear that a dog therapist would tell you such a thing!! I would sure change to someone else who is more positive and ready to help if this was what happened to me.
What a great post! I’m going to have to get some for our yard… IF the snow ever melts! Better safe than sorry! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Teri! 🙂
Amanda, hi! just want to tell you that we have had our share of fleas over the years in our backyard. I can’t wait to try this stuff. I like the idea it is organic. luv your site and keep the ideas coming. have a happy day!!!
Thanks Patricia! Glad you stopped by!!
Would they also work for chiggers?
Possibly. I haven’t ever used them for chiggers, but I am sure the manufacturer could tell you. Her is the link to their contact page:
http://www.arbico-organics.com/category/contactus
OMG, Sonya.I’m not sure you should even have a dog. It is not a little person! You need to know how dogs behave and what is required to care for them! He’s totally dependent on you for his complete care and all you can get excited about is a spa appointment??
My dog is on Trifexis and is pretty much flea-free. However, my house is on a crawl space and I think some sort of critter gets under the main bathroom because every spring we get some fleas in that bathroom. Typically, I order some spray that I have to apply several times to make sure they are gone but I would feel much safer with this more environmentally friendly option. Would it work if I sprayed this on the ground under my house? I can’t get under there, but there is a vent close to the area I would need to spray.
Hi Alyson. Sorry it took me a while to respond – I was in the hospital for a week after our son decided to arrive almost a month before his due date!
Yes, I think that it could work under your house as long as there is adequate grass and dirt. Good luck!
What about if you have chickens. Will it still work if the chickens are out or will they destroy the nematodes.
Hi Cori. Thanks for visiting my site! I am unsure about chickens…my advice would be to contact the manufacturer (Arbico Organics) directly.
Since California is in a draught this year, will the nematodes survive in these dry conditions?
a better alternative in California (particularly in southern California) is Diatomaceous earth. Organic, with no worms and only needs to be applied once a year.. usually around spring. It is also safe to use indoors on carpets, just apply and vacuum.
This is probably a stupid question but, are these completely safe for the dogs? Do they need to be on a worming pill or are these completely different worms. (mine are on worming pills anyway but just curious) Thanks!
Not stupid at all! Actually, it’s really important for dogs to be up to date on shots. I can only speak to my experience, but with three decades of use and dog ownership between my mother and I, we have never had a problem with any of our pets getting sick. With that said I always wait a few hours after application before letting the dogs back outside.
Can my dog be outside while doing this?
I would advise against that; I believe the directions say all pets need to be Away from the area during application.
So what if you have a farm with a barn and there are chickens and other birds, cats, goats, llamas…etc. Can these animals contract round worms from this stuff??? Obviously they are not all on a worm preventative. They are farm animals.
Hi Crystal,
I can’t speak for the company, as I am not a representative for them, I am only a satisfied user. If I were you, I would contact Arbico Organics and ask them directly, just to be safe. Take care.
My dog has sensitivity, so a much better solution is food grade diatomecius earth (I hope I spelled that right).
I have a cat fence and my cats live in my backyard. They also have their own house. Since they are out all the time do I need to be concerned if I use this
Amanda, do you know if they eat ticks? A worm/insect that eats ticks that you can breed on your grass would be ideal.
(I know pheasant eat ticks, but that’s not as effective as a lot if insects/worms. They just pass through the yard…need something that STAYS, & doesn’t require me going out to take care if it:feeding/sheltering.)
I don’t know about ticks, unfortunately. Check out Arbico Organics, the manufacturer’s website, or give them a call – they’re always really helpful. 🙂 Take care!
Shampoo your dog with Suave Essentials Daily Clarifying Shampoo (it’s the blue shampoo) Walmart under $1.00 will kill flees on your pet. And there hair comes out so fluffy. I love it.
Are you still using this shampoo? Does it have a fragrance? I am allergic to all soaps, shampoos and anything with fragrance.
We have free range chickens, will they eat these? I want to kill fleas not feed my chickens…
Hmmm…I doubt it, because they aren’t really visible once they are in the soil…I would check with Arbico Organics to make sure.
I’m in the process of purchasing the one for fleas but also have a problem with ants.. I noticed they’re two different kinds do you think one would work for both critters
Hi Amanda. Thanks for this information. I have my lawn treated to prevent weeds. I’d like to try this but I’m wondering will these treatments will kill off the nematodes?
I’ve never experienced any decline in the effectiveness, but to be sure I’d call Arbico first.