Fleas - Ask Extension
Hello,
New to Oregon from a place that didn't have fleas. Had a major infestation last year in all our pets (3 cats, 2 dogs). The outside ground wa...
Knowledgebase
Fleas #924276
Asked February 05, 2026, 9:43 PM EST
Hello,
New to Oregon from a place that didn't have fleas. Had a major infestation last year in all our pets (3 cats, 2 dogs). The outside ground was alive with them. I know they need a host, but in my yard they were thick. We had a person come spray in the afternoon to avoid killing all the pollinators. It took me 3 months to eradicate them. What may have been out of balance or what can i do to avoid infestation this year?
Coos County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for your question.
Wildlife of various species (raccoons, rats, mice, etc.) that visit your property could be a source/ host of fleas. They may be difficult to exclude from your property.
Your best bet may be to work with your veterinarian to devise a flea prevention program that will protect your animals long term and ensure fleas don't multiply in the house. Here is some information from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association - https://www.oregonvma.org/care-health/companion-animals/health-safety/fleas-treatment-prevention
Here also is an Oregon State Extension site that may be helpful with respect to getting rid of fleas on your pets and in your home - "Solve Pest Problems" - https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/insects-spiders/fleas.
Wildlife of various species (raccoons, rats, mice, etc.) that visit your property could be a source/ host of fleas. They may be difficult to exclude from your property.
Your best bet may be to work with your veterinarian to devise a flea prevention program that will protect your animals long term and ensure fleas don't multiply in the house. Here is some information from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association - https://www.oregonvma.org/care-health/companion-animals/health-safety/fleas-treatment-prevention
Here also is an Oregon State Extension site that may be helpful with respect to getting rid of fleas on your pets and in your home - "Solve Pest Problems" - https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/insects-spiders/fleas.
Thank you. I have read a lot about using nematodes also. My concern is if we don’t have fleas then what do they eat?
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Feb 12, 2026, at 1:37 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
They will move through the soil looking for other pests like fungus gnats, weevils, other larvae of pests.
