How to Make a Homemade Flea and Tick Killer for Your Yard

Finding fleas and ticks in your yard is common for the average household, especially those with pets. Luckily, learning how to create a homemade flea and tick killer for your yard will eliminate them and keep them from returning. Let’s take a look at how to create a natural flea and tick killer, plus how to prevent these pests from returning.

Why Do I Have Fleas and Ticks in My Yard?

Fleas and ticks typically find their way into your yard through animals. If you have pets like dogs or cats, finding fleas or ticks outdoors is rather common. However, you may also notice these insects even if you don't have pets, as any wildlife, like deer and rodents, can enter your yard and deposit fleas and ticks.

Wildlife, particularly rodents, are often drawn yards because they have a place to hide. If your lawn is overgrown or you have messy plants, wildlife uses that as a hiding place. With their stay in your yard, they can bring along fleas and ticks.

How Much Does Making a Homemade Flea and Tick Killer Cost?

Mixing a homemade flea and tick killer is a relatively low-cost option. You can create a solution with water and popular natural deterrents like neem oil, apple cider vinegar, cedar oil, and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients cost less than $20 each. The only product you will need is a spray bottle to apply the solution, and those typically cost less than $10. Overall, you could spend about $40 to create the homemade solution.

If you opt to use nematode or diatomaceous, the cost will be higher between $25 to $50 for each bag of the natural repellent. 

Signs of Fleas and Ticks Outdoors

If anyone in your family has flea or tick bites, that's usually the first sign the pests are present. Noticing the bites after spending time outdoors tends to indicate the location of the fleas and ticks. You can determine which bugs are biting by inspecting how the bite looks on the skin. 

Flea bites are typically much smaller than a normal bug bite. Tick bites often feature a bullseye appearance, indicating where the tick burrowed its head. A tick bite may also develop into a dark scab.

With pets, the symptoms can be different. You may notice a change in your pet's behavior, such as scratching or restlessness. They may have bumps on their skin and, in some cases, experience hair loss.

How to Make Homemade Flea and Tick Killer

There are a few homemade flea and tick killer recipes you can put together that are safe to use and effective at getting rid of fleas and ticks. 

Apple Cider Vinegar and Neem Oil

Neem oil is one of the most effective flea and tick prevention products. As a natural product, it will not cause harm to you or your yard. Mixing the oil with apple cider vinegar will yield the best solution. 

In a spray bottle, mix 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of neem oil, and 2 cups of water. You can spray the solution directly on the bugs as you see them or onto furniture and clothing to keep them at bay.

Cedar Oil

Using cedar is an old and effective way to repel fleas and ticks. In a spray bottle, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of cedar oil with 1 cup of water. Spray the perimeter of your home and property to keep the bugs away. As an alternative to the cedar oil solution, you can use cedar chips around the edge of your yard or in landscaping to rid bugs.

Eucalyptus Oil

Another oil that's effective at eliminating all types of bugs, including fleas and ticks, is eucalyptus oil. Mix 4 teaspoons of eucalyptus oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle and spray the perimeter of your yard. The oil is safe to use on the skin, so you can choose to apply the oil to the skin if you'll be spending time outdoors and wish to keep the pests away.

Other Plants and Herbs

In addition to cedar and eucalyptus, other plants and herbs effectively kill fleas and ticks, which include lavender, mint, and sage. While you can choose to mix these essential oils with water, you can also plant these items in your yard or garden to deter pests naturally.

Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic eelworms that feed on the larvae of fleas, ticks, and other pests. Nematodes are safe and harmless to humans, pets, and the environment. You can find this natural solution at most home improvement stores or local nurseries. To use, mix the nematodes with water according to the directions on the package. Spray the solution in a shaded area to control fleas and ticks.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock with a soft texture that can be crumbled into a fine powder. The powder, typically white or off-white, absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of the exoskeletons of many species of insects. Removing this layer is fatal to pests because it prevents their bodies from absorbing water, causing them to dehydrate. Use natural-grade diatomaceous earth and wear a dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves to protect yourself. 

How to Prevent Outdoor Fleas and Ticks

As a homeowner, you want to create an unwelcome environment for any fleas, ticks, or wildlife carrying them. Here are some ways you can prevent outdoor fleas and ticks.

Build a Fence

Since one of the most common ways fleas and ticks encroach on your yard is through other wildlife, you want to take steps to keep unwelcome visitors out. The best way to do that is by building a fence. Especially if you live in a more rural area, you want to protect yourself from wildlife, such as deer, from carrying pests to your property. Fence installation cost can be expensive, ranging from $1,750 to $4,500, but it can prove beneficial in protecting your home in many ways.

Maintain Landscaping

When the grass, bushes, and other vegetation in the yard become overgrown, it creates the perfect environment for ticks and wildlife carrying fleas. The overgrowth allows them to hide from the sun. Keep your yard trimmed nicely so as not to invite pests in. If you lack the time to keep your lawn properly maintained, hire a local landscaper to take care of it for you.

Keep Debris Off the Lawn

In addition to maintaining your landscape, avoid allowing debris to clutter, as this also is a great place for fleas, ticks, and wildlife to burrow. You should keep leaves, compost, and other debris off the lawn or in a safe, enclosed space.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

As a first measure to controlling fleas and ticks in your yard, using a homemade solution can be effective in solving your problem. However, if the homemade solution isn't proving effective and you don't notice a change, you may have an infestation that requires the help of a professional.

Hire a local exterminator to get rid of them, and then practice continual prevention to keep them at bay. Flea extermination cost ranges between $75 to $400 per treatment. On the other hand, tick treatment services cost between $50 and $150, both service costs depending on the size and location of the infestation.