Your yard can get a flea infestation, especially in the areas your pet loves visiting. But it could be challenging to figure out if and when there are fleas present in the yard. Pets, wild animals, and other pests like rats can infest the yard space with fleas.

So for example, if your pet keeps scratching themselves or is restless, they could have fleas that they might have acquired from the yard.

 

Here are some signs that indicate there could be a flea infestation in your yard. Keep reading to find out more!

 

Can Fleas Live In Your Yard And What Attracts Them There?

Fleas are parasites that are fully capable of surviving outside. They can thrive in the yard as they are attracted by the pets who love playing there. They would be looking for new hosts, and the animal’s fur is ideal for the fleas to take a ride on.

 

These insects may be also attracted to the wood and debris laying around in your lawn as it is a great breeding ground for them. Wood piles that are improperly stacked in the backyard can draw fleas as they create clutter that attracts them. Thus, it is wise to keep your lawn tidy and free from debris that might host fleas.

 

In addition, overwatering the lawn might attract the fleas as they thrive in a moist environment. The grass at the bottom might not be exposed to the sun, thus becoming a perfect breeding ground for fleas.

 

How Did Fleas Get In Your Yard?

Mostly the fleas could infest your garden because of the wildlife spreading them. If wild animals such as raccoons, porcupines, rats, and mice access your yard, they might bring the fleas and leave the eggs or mature insects on the grass.

 

Also, if your neighbor’s backyard has grass infested with fleas, these pests might climb over in search of new hosts. If your pet gets the fleas when they go out for a walk, they might also leave flea eggs in the house and yard.

 

 

Do Fleas Live In Grass, Dirt, Or Garden Soil?

The fleas live in the grass, especially in the lower areas that are close to the soil and not exposed to the sun. The flea eggs can get attached to the grass at the bottom and hatch into mature fleas.

 

Fleas love moisture and could do well in the garden soil that’s moist and warm as they wait for a new host. If the grass, dirt, and soil are located in the shade, these areas could harbor fleas as they fear too much sunlight. Thus, it is wise to let the sun into every corner of the yard to keep fleas at bay.

 

Where Do Fleas Like To Hide In The Yard?

When outdoors, these insects prefer to live in the shade rather than in the sun. Thus, the fleas will hide and can be commonly found in dark areas of the yard which are not lit by the sunlight as they thrive in darkness.

 

Also, if you don’t mow your grass often and it becomes too long, the lawn would host fleas as they could lay their eggs at the base of the grass leading to more infestation. The ideal grass height could also attract spiders and ants that prey on the fleas, which as a result can reduce the infestation.

 

Again, as already mentioned, fleas would hide in the warm and moist grass, soil, and dirt as they do well in a warm and moist environment, and they could also hide in the yard clutter that doesn’t have access to the sun.

 

If you are still not sure where to look for fleas in the yard, you can wear white long socks and walk around the yard, alternatively, hang white socks above the grass, especially in places where your pet loves to visit. The fleas will jump onto the white socks, thinking this is a new host. This way you will easily spot the fleas as they become visible on the white socks.

 

What Time Are Fleas Most Active?

During the day, fleas avoid the sun so they are most active at sunset and least active at sunrise. At dusk, the pests would lay more eggs, respire more, and move around in the yard more.

 

Although the fleas are not completely inactive at any time of the day, they have increased activity at dusk and night. However, they could still produce feces and eggs throughout the day but not as much as they do at night.

 

 

How Long Can Fleas Survive In Grass?

Fleas can live in the grass without a host and undisturbed for about two to three months, depending on the condition of your yard. However, the female fleas might not lay eggs without a host, but after finding a host, they could lay many eggs within 48 hours.

 

They are hard to get rid of as they can survive for such a long time in the yard and house, and the few you see on your pet could be the tip of the iceberg. Thus, a long-term and simultaneous flea elimination strategy may be necessary.

 

 

Fleas are not only irritating but are also a source of diseases, so if you suspect a flea infestation, it’s best to involve a professional flea exterminator to eliminate the problem in your yard.

 

Contact American Pest Control in Athens, GA, as our pest control exterminators are highly trained to deal with flea infestations. They can identify the source of the infestation, eradicate the fleas, and advise you on how to avoid such infestations in the future. They will use also products that are safe for humans and pets.

 

 

Cockroaches are notorious pests, infesting households and different businesses, and scavenging for whatever food products they can find. These resourceful insects have a high survival prowess that keeps them for long without eating. In general, they feed on anything digestible and can stick around your home even if there’s no food available.

 

They usually find their way out in the complete absence of food, but such a situation would be highly unlikely because they can still survive on starchy substances around your home’s periphery. Besides, other survival techniques, including cannibalism, make them less prone to hunger and starvation.

 

The question of whether these pests leave your home when there’s no food in sight depends on whether there are any other sources available. Technically speaking, these insects feed on whatever they are able to digest. Things like human hair, cellulose-based paints, paper, cardboard, and wallpaper paints are their great food sources.

 

Can A Cockroach Survive Without Food And How Long Can It Live Without Food?

Cockroaches are one of the most invincible insects on the planet, if not the most. They can survive long enough without food but less without water.

 

When food is unavailable, they minimize their activities and use their body energy for basic survival functions. Since they are cold-blooded, the temperatures around them drive their body’s functions, and you’ll see them being active when the temperatures are high. Naturally, under these circumstances, they become more active while consuming less body energy. However, these insects hibernate during the cold weather to save their energy reserves, especially if food isn’t available.

 

Cockroaches can go for up to a month without eating. Therefore, don’t expect them to bid goodbye in a few weeks after you resolve to subject them to starvation.

 

This period can even be extended if they apply their survival techniques, including cannibalism. Females usually produce unfertilized eggs, which they feed on in case of starvation. Besides, they also feed on their nymphs, making them stay longer in a home even if food isn’t available.

 

However, one thing is for sure. They will eventually leave if their survival techniques reach a dead end, but don’t expect that anytime soon.

 

 

What Do Cockroaches Eat In Your Home And What’s Their Favorite Food?

Cockroaches feast on anything they find that is digestible and organic. This natural temperament makes them one of the most resourceful insects among the wider pool. While they consume every organic material, their most favorite meals include decaying food and waste.

 

Here’s a breakdown of what meals cockroaches can survive on in your home.

 

– Decaying food
As mentioned above, decaying food pieces found in garbage cans and kitchen corners are a cockroach’s favorite meal. It contains all the important nutrients they need for their body nourishment, including starch, protein, sugar, and even water-based fluids.

Cockroaches also explore areas outside a home to feed on decaying plant matter. This habit makes them more lethal as they only use a home for shelter if there’s no food inside.

 

– Cellulose-based paint and other starchy substances
Since cellulose-based paints are the new norm and most people are turning their attention towards them due to their sustainability and affordability, this increases the amount of food for the roaches.

In addition to these paints, cockroaches can feed on other starch-based substances, including paper, cardboard, paper bags, human hair, and glue.

 

– Feces
Pet potties or litter boxes at home are a cockroach’s food haven. Since they can’t differentiate between what’s disgusting and appalling and what’s not, they regard human and animal waste as excellent meals. Feces are organic substances that meet all their nutrient requirements and are great food sources for these insects.

 

– Human food
The dry and uncooked food items you store in cabinets and drawers provide meals for cockroaches. These pests can tear through plastic, paper, and foil to reach stored food.

However, water would need to be available as well since they can’t digest and process dry food alone. Water forms an essential part of their diet, and if not available, they won’t make it past a week or even days.

 

What Do Roaches Feed On If There’s No Food? Do Cockroaches Eat Their Dead?

In the absence of food, roaches usually turn to other organic sources for survival. As pointed out earlier, they’ll feed on anything digestible or starch-based, including paper, hair, feces, and decaying plant matter. However, if water is absent, these insects won’t survive longer than a week.

In cases of extreme starvation, cockroaches usually turn against themselves and feed on others of their type. They attack and kill the weakened ones to nourish their own bodies. Besides, females can lay up to 300 unfertilized eggs, which they largely use as meals. Adults also resolve to eat their nymphs in situations that prompt them to do so for survival.

 

Finding out that you have a cockroach infestation in your home or business can be very disturbing. These pests breed rapidly, and are difficult to locate, eliminate, and control without the help of a professional cockroach exterminator.

So if you suspect you have an infestation on your property, contact our local pest control experts at American Pest Control in Athens, GA, for a quote or to schedule a free inspection.