Pest Control That Does Less Harm: How to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks in Your Yard Naturally
Fleas and ticks pose serious risks to your family and pets, but harsh chemicals aren’t your only option. If you’re looking for how to get rid of fleas and ticks naturally, there are effective, eco-friendly solutions that help protect your loved ones while keeping your home and yard safe.
At Borst Landscape & Design, we specialize in organic and integrative landscape management solutions to keep your yard healthy and pest-free—without relying on harsh chemicals.
Call us today at (201) 785-9400 or contact us online to learn more about our safe, natural flea and tick control methods!
Understanding Flea and Tick Infestations
Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid environments and often hide in tall grass, shrubs, and leaf piles. These pests latch onto passing animals and humans, leading to infestations that are hard to control. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, while ticks patiently wait for a host before latching on.
Because these pests reproduce rapidly, preventative yard management is essential for long-term control.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks in Your Yard
1. Implement an Integrative Landscape Management Approach
Integrative Landscape Management (ILM) is a sustainable way to reduce pests naturally by creating an environment that discourages their presence. The key elements include:
- Encouraging Biodiversity: Attracting beneficial insects and wildlife that prey on fleas and ticks.
- Optimizing Plant Selection: Using native plants that repel pests naturally.
- Reducing Pest Habitat: Keeping your yard clean and well-maintained to eliminate hiding spots.
A well-planned landscape discourages pests without the need for synthetic pesticides.
2. Maintain a Well-Groomed Yard
A cluttered, overgrown landscape is the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. Keep your yard pest-free by:
Mowing your lawn regularly – Shorter grass reduces tick habitats.
Removing leaf litter and debris – Fleas and ticks love shaded, moist environments.
Trimming shrubs and bushes – This prevents pests from transferring to humans and pets.
Stacking firewood neatly – Keep woodpiles dry and elevated to deter flea and tick-carrying rodents.
Save time by partnering with a landscape maintenance service.
3. Encourage Natural Predators
Many animals feed on fleas and ticks, offering natural population control. For example:
- Opossums: These misunderstood creatures eat thousands of ticks per week!
- Birds: Species like robins and wrens feed on fleas and ticks. Install bird feeders and nesting boxes to invite them in.
- Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic organisms feed on flea larvae in the soil, naturally reducing infestations.
By working with nature, you can reduce flea and tick populations without harmful pesticides.
4. Use Organic and Natural Pest Repellents
Instead of synthetic insecticides, opt for natural flea and tick repellents that are safe for pets and children.
Organic Yard Sprays
Cedar Oil Spray – One of the best natural tick and flea repellents, cedar oil disrupts the nervous system of pests while being harmless to humans and pets.
Neem Oil – Acts as an organic pesticide that repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Essential Oil Sprays – Lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary are natural flea and tick deterrents.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
✔ This all-natural powder kills fleas and ticks by dehydrating them upon contact.
✔ Sprinkle food-grade DE in problem areas, including pet lounging spots and garden beds.
5. Plant Flea- and Tick-Repelling Plants
Certain plants emit scents that naturally deter fleas and ticks. Adding these to your landscape provides long-term pest protection:
Lavender – Repels fleas and ticks while adding beauty to your yard.
Rosemary – This hardy herb naturally repels pests and can be used for cooking!
Lemongrass – Contains citronella, a natural flea and tick deterrent.
Chrysanthemums – Produce pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that repels fleas and ticks.
Mint – A fast-growing plant that repels fleas and other insects.
Plant these around patios, walkways, and pet areas for maximum protection.
6. Introduce Organic Lawn Treatments
To further discourage fleas and ticks, consider natural lawn care solutions that strengthen your yard’s ecosystem:
Compost and Mulch Smartly – Use natural mulches like pine bark instead of wood chips, which can harbor ticks.
Organic Fertilization – Healthy grass reduces pest-friendly bare patches.
Aerate and Dethatch Your Lawn – Improves soil health and prevents flea larvae from hiding.
7. Create a Tick-Free Barrier
Fleas and ticks don’t like dry, sunny areas. You can keep them away from your home by creating a barrier between wooded areas and your yard:
Use gravel or wood chips to create a 3-foot-wide barrier around the perimeter of your yard.
Install fencing to keep deer, rodents, and stray animals—common tick carriers—out of your yard.
Avoid dense ground covers like ivy, which create tick-friendly environments.
8. Use Pet-Safe Flea and Tick Prevention
Your pets can bring fleas and ticks into your home, so natural pet protection is essential:
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse – A diluted spray repels fleas and ticks.
Herbal Flea Collars – Infuse collars with essential oils like eucalyptus or citronella.
Regular Grooming – Brush pets and check for ticks after outdoor playtime.
9. Use a Professional Organic Pest Control Service
If fleas and ticks persist, consider professional organic pest control services. At Borst Landscape & Design, we specialize in:
- Organic tick and flea yard treatments
- Pet-safe pest control solutions
- Sustainable landscape management
We customize treatments to your yard’s needs while ensuring safety for your family, pets, and the environment.
Protect Your Yard with Natural Flea and Tick Control Solutions
So, how do you get rid of fleas and ticks naturally? A flea- and tick-free yard doesn’t require harmful chemicals—with integrative landscape management and organic pest control solutions, you can keep your outdoor space safe, healthy, and enjoyable.
If you need expert guidance, Borst Landscape & Design is here to help. We provide natural, eco-friendly flea and tick control services tailored to your property’s unique needs.
Call us today at (201) 785-9400 or schedule a consultation online to create a naturally pest-free yard!
Photo by Erik Karits