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8 Best Flea Killers for Your Yard in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Hand tools for spraying insect repellant

8 Best Flea Killers for Your Yard in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Hand tools for spraying insect repellant

When the seasons change, it can pose a big issue for indoor/outdoor pets and their homes. Even if your animal only goes out for potty breaks, they can still bring in pesky fleas. If you’ve experienced fleas in the past, you won’t want to repeat the problem again.

It’s time to get ahead of things. As the weather gets colder, these parasites are looking for a warm body to call home. Flea treating your animals is always a good idea, but making your yard totally undesirable is even better. Here are eight of the best flea killers we found for your yard this season.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Yard Spray Adams Plus Flea and Tick Yard Spray
  • All-life-stage flea killer
  • Hooks directly to the hose
  • It kills a list of other yard pests
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer
  • Kills 100+ insects
  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Simple sprinkling application
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray Concentrate Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray Concentrate
  • No harmful ingredients
  • Safe for children and pets
  • Can use product year-round
  • Best for Kittens
    Safer Diatomaceous Earth Safer Diatomaceous Earth
  • Indoor/outdoor use
  • A terrific option for young to old pets
  • Dissolves exoskeleton and dehydrates bugs
  • TERRO 3 lb Ant Killer Plus TERRO 3 lb Ant Killer Plus
  • Works within 24 hours
  • Targets other yard pests
  • Very effective for adult fleas
  • The 8 Best Flea Killers for Your Yard

    1. Adams Plus Flea and Tick Yard Spray – Best Overall

    Adams Plus Flea and Tick Yard Spray

    Amount: 32 fluid ounces
    Active Ingredients: Permethrin
    Application Type: Spray

    Of all the other picks, Adams Plus Flea and Tick Yard Spray was our favorite overall. It is practical and easy to apply to the yard, making this process quick and painless.

    The active ingredient in the best flea killer for yards is permethrin, comprising 2.5% of the total makeup. In addition to killing fleas, it also takes care of other pests like mosquitos, spider mites, whiteflies, termites, ants, crickets, aphids, and beetles.

    This is an all-life stages formula, which kills all four stages of fleas—from eggs to adults. The liquid comes out in a spray through the attached nozzle. You hook up your hose and generously spray the contents onto your lawn.

    The sprayer is a little difficult sometimes, so you might run into the issue of seeing a defective nozzle. But otherwise, we really think it’s the best flea killer for yards and for most households.

    Pros
    • All-life-stage flea killer
    • It kills a list of other yard pests
    • Hooks directly to the hose
    Cons
    • Possibility of a defective nozzle

    2. Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer – Best Value

    Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer

    Amount: 10 pounds
    Active Ingredients: N/A
    Application Type: Sprinkle granules

    If you’re looking for value, check out the Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer. It is the best flea killer for your yard for the money. Plus, it’s very effective in ridding your lawn of over 100 species of other yard-dwelling pests.

    Rather than spraying this product, it comes in fine granules that you generously sprinkle on your lawn. Because it’s such a broad range product, it’s not certain if this product kills fleas in all life stages, but it is quite efficient at killing live adults.

    You must keep children and pets off the lawn after the application until it has been watered and dried.

    The back of the bag states clearly that there is a money-back satisfaction guarantee. So, if you don’t love this insect killer, you can contact the company to make it right.

    Pros
    • Satisfaction guarantee
    • Simple sprinkling application
    • Kills 100+ insects
    Cons
    • Unclear effectiveness on flea larvae and eggs

    3. Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray Concentrate – Premium Choice

    Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray Concentrate

    Amount: 16 fluid ounces
    Active Ingredients: Cedarwood oil, sesame oil, sodium lauryl sulfate
    Application Type: Spray, nozzle not included

    Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray Concentrate works beautifully for lawns, even though it’s a little high-priced. This product is incredibly safe to use as long as you follow the instructions listed. We think you’ll find the upsides of this product worth the extra money—especially considering it’s concentrated.

    This product contains no harmful ingredients. It’s made entirely of naturally derived ingredients that are safe for both children and pets. The primary ingredients include 40.42% cedarwood oil, 8.74% sesame oil, and 3.5% sodium lauryl sulfate. It has a pleasing cedarwood scent.

    Wondercide works effectively for all life stages of fleas, including many other pests. You can use this product year-round for optimal results. This product is perfect for both prevention and maintenance.

    Even though it’s a terrific product, you have to buy the sprayer separately, which incurs an even higher startup cost.

    Pros
    • No harmful ingredients
    • Safe for children and pets
    • Can use product year-round
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Must buy sprayer separately

    4. Safer Diatomaceous Earth – Best for Kittens

    Safer Diatomaceous Earth

    Amount: 4 pounds
    Active Ingredients: Diatomaceous earth
    Application Type: Sprinkle powder

    Safer Diatomaceous Earth works on fleas and a whirl of other backyard bugs—including repelling bed bugs. It’s very effective in destroying the exoskeleton of bugs, ridding them altogether.

    You don’t have to worry about the contents of this package. It’s 100% diatomaceous earth in a resealable bag and nothing more—no hidden ingredients or harmful chemicals. Also, insects cannot build an immunity to this substance, so you never have to worry about it losing potency.

    Another perk is that you can use the product both indoors and outdoors. It’s perfectly safe for those in and around your house, with the exception of bugs with exoskeletons. Follow the instructions on the back for optimal results.

    Bugs die from dehydration after ingestion of this product—killing them within 48 hours. However, it is totally safe for pets. So, it will make a great option if you have young, vulnerable pets like kittens running around the backyard. However, it is a fine powder, so it can be a little messy.

    Pros
    • A terrific option for young to old pets
    • Dissolves exoskeleton and dehydrates bugs
    • Indoor/outdoor use
    • Bugs never gain immunity
    Cons
    • Can be messy

    5. TERRO 3 lb Ant Killer Plus

    TERRO 3 lb Ant Killer Plus

    Amount: 3 pounds
    Active Ingredients: Lambda-cyhalothrin
    Application Type: Spray

    TERRO 3 lb Ant Killer Plus is specially designed for ants, but it also works for fleas and many other yard pests. This treatment comes in granule form, so you can lightly sprinkle it onto your lawn as instructed.

    This type of killer is outdoor only, and some caution should be used when applying it. These granules kill pests in 24 hours, so it’s a super-effective formula. It comes in a shaker bag, so you can apply it to your lawn without having to separate it out.

    The active ingredient in this insecticide is lambda-cyhalothrin. After you apply the granules as directed, you should lightly water the area and allow it to dry. Since it has a chemical compound, please use caution with pets and children.

    It is unclear whether this product kills flea eggs or larvae.

    Pros
    • Very effective for adult fleas
    • Targets other yard pests
    • Works within 24 hours
    Cons
    • Uncertain about effectiveness on flea larvae or eggs

    6. Black Flag Flea & Tick Killer

    Black Flag Flea & Tick Killer

    Amount: 32 fluid ounces
    Active Ingredients: Nylar
    Application Type: Spray

    Black Flag Flea & Tick Killer is a super terrific product that does what’s intended. Since it targets fleas specifically, it contains just the right formula to kill them and end the cycle. Plus, you kill disease-carrying ticks in the meantime.

    This product contains a chemical called Nylar, which ultimately ends the flea life cycle—from egg to adult. It kills fleas continuously for up to 12 weeks after the initial application, which we find impressive. So, you can guarantee you’re getting to the root of the problem.

    This concentrate fits directly to your hose, and you can activate the spray with a convenient switch. It was easy to use, and directions were simple to follow. Make sure to use the product directly as intended or can end up killing more than just fleas.

    This product is guaranteed or your money back.

    Pros
    • All-life-stage flea killer
    • Works for 12 consecutive weeks
    • Fits directly to hose
    Cons
    • May be harmful to other creatures living in the yard

    7. SPECTRUM BRANDS Cutter Backyard Bug Control

    SPECTRUM BRANDS Cutter Backyard Bug Control

    Amount: 32 fluid ounces
    Active Ingredients: Lambda-cyhalothrin
    Application Type: Spray

    The SPECTRUM BRANDS Cutter Backyard Bug Control is an honorable mention. It targets mosquitoes and fleas, but it’s also efficient for other insects in the line of fire.

    This is an open-end sprayer attaching directly to your hose. The concentrate and water mix on the way out to coat the lawn for optimal results. You won’t need to worry about pre-mixing anything beforehand. Altogether, it can cover up to 5,000 square feet of your lawn.

    This product formula works up to 12 weeks after the first application. You can use it on all outdoor surfaces to combat insect problems, keeping them at bay and out of your yard. The active ingredient in this product is lambda-cyhalothrin.

    This product can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Always make sure to use exactly as directed to ensure safety for your pets and children.

    Pros
    • Covers up to 5,000 square feet of lawn
    • Can use on all outdoor surfaces
    • Open-end sprayer for easy application
    Cons
    • Chemicals can be dangerous to people and pets

    8. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray

    Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray

    Amount: 32 fluid ounces
    Active Ingredients: Peppermint oil, clove, sodium lauryl sulfate
    Application Type: Spray

    We found the Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray to be very pet-friendly, so we have to give it credit. This product is 100% made in the USA and aims to create very safe products for pet owners.

    The active ingredients in this formula are 0.6% peppermint oil, 1.4% eugenol, and 3.45% sodium lauryl sulfate. All oils are 100% certified natural.

    It’s very straightforward like many other products. You can just add your garden hose to the attachment and spray away. This concoction is meant to kill fleas at the source—plus mosquitos and ticks.

    This formula isn’t dangerous to plants, pets, or children when used properly. While we love the natural aspect, we didn’t find it to be as effective as some other products we tested.

    Pros
    • 100% certified natural
    • Kills fleas at the source
    • Safe for plants, pets, and children
    Cons
    • Not as effective as some flea killers

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    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Flea Killers for Your Yard

    Fleas can be a highly problematic pest to deal with. It seems like you never know it’s an issue until it’s an issue. When we enter warm months, fleas just want a warm body of your domesticated dogs or cats to latch onto.

    Not only do you have to treat your indoor cats for fleas, but you also might have to think bigger. Treating your lawn is a way to make sure fleas go away and stay away. It’s better to get to them before they get inside your door.

    man treating lawn with insect killer

    Buying the Right Flea Treatment for Your Yard

    Types of Flea Killers

    Chemical Sprays

    Chemical sprays use a concoction of harsh additives to combat and kill yard insects. Companies come up with their own formulas to target specific pests. Typically, they come in concentrated form and need to be mixed with water or attached to your garden hose.

    While they are usually very effective, you need to be mindful to protect your plants, pets, and kids from the substance.

    Natural Sprays

    Natural flea killers use a combination of gentle ingredients that kill fleas but keep pets safe. Sometimes, they might not be as effective as chemical compounds, but they are much safer.

    Like chemical compounds, you can attach them to your hose or mix them with water for optimal effectiveness.

    Chemical Granules

    There are products on the market: loose granules that soak into the area to rid bug issues. When used as directed, these granules attack the insects; however, they are formulated to reduce the populations from your yard.

    Dust

    Dusts, like diatomaceous earth or Sevendust, can cover plants and grasses to remove pests. The same works for fleas.

    Active Ingredients

    • Lambda-cyhalothrin — a common pesticide found in many insect killers.
    • Permethrin — this antiparasitic is an effective flea killer, more often found in lice applications.
    • Nylar — this substance stops the growth and development of insects.
    • Peppermint oil — fleas are naturally repelled by peppermint oil.
    • Clove — clove has an active ingredient called eugenol that kills fleas and other pests.
    • Sodium lauryl sulfate — this is a surfactant that is found in many herbicides and pesticides.
    • Diatomaceous earth — this natural compound works by deteriorating and dehydrating exoskeletons of pests, including fleas.

    Warnings to Consider

    If you choose to buy a chemical-based flea treatment for your yard, make sure you use it exactly as it’s intended. Sometimes a great product can lead to a lot of trouble if you aren’t careful.

    Some owners prefer to use more natural approaches as opposed to chemicals if they have small children or pets playing in the area. The choice is ultimately yours, but be very mindful about possible contact and how your product could harm another living being.

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    Conclusion

    In our opinion, we enjoyed the Adams Plus Flea and Tick Yard Spray because we think it would work best for most pet owners. It does contain chemical compounds, so you need to follow the instructions to ensure the safety of your children and animals. However, this spray is very effective and affordable on most budgets.

    If you want savings, look at the Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer. It is very powerful, killing up to 100+ insects on your lawn. Not only will your yard be flea-free—you won’t have to worry about many insects invading your space. Plus, it’s light on the wallet.

    With high hopes, these reviews led you to the best flea killer for yards that will work best for your lawn and flea problem.


    Featured Photo Credit: CAT Foto, Shutterstock

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