The Type Of Mulch That Naturally Deters Fleas From Your Lawn

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Fleas are a type of parasite that none of us want to deal with. Unfortunately, they are drawn to not only our body heat, but also tall grass and even debris in our yard. While cleaning up our lawns can help to keep them at bay, it might not be enough. So how can we get rid of fleas naturally in our lawn? Having a natural deterrent such as mulch can be a great option.

Mulch is form of ground cover made from a variety of organic and inorganic materials. While not all mulch will keep away pests such as fleas, one that does is cedar mulch. This mulch is made from not only the bark of a cedar tree, but also trimmings from the tree. Pieces of the cedar tree are broken down into chips or shreds that can then be used decoratively around your lawn and certain plants. 

Natural cedar mulch has a number of pros going for it, including the fact that it's resistant to mold, even in humid areas, and the smell helps with flea prevention in your lawn. The oils produced by the tree can even kill fleas. This means you don't need to spray harmful chemicals to rid yourself of these pests and keep your yard looking good. Plus, the mulch is long-lasting and durable, as it doesn't decompose quickly. It can take a few years before you need to replace cedar mulch.

When choosing mulch for your yard, it's important to use cedar mulch that contains the natural oils of the tree. No matter which brand of cedar mulch you use, always check the bag to make sure that it has not been "de-oiled." If the product does not have the natural oils found in the tree present, it will not work to repel pests. The mulch you select should have a strong odor even in the bag.

Not only does the scent keep fleas away, but the oil can also cause fleas to become disoriented. The oils interact with fleas' pheromones, which makes them avoid the area. Cedar mulch is best used as a way to repel fleas from an area, but it won't necessarily work on a larger infestation.

On top of being a deterrent, cedar mulch can also kill fleas upon contact. Cedarwood oil can cause breathing problems, and fleas that come in contact with the oil will dry out, eventually dying. While the mulch itself might not contain enough oil to do this, you can add additional oils if needed.

The best way to keep fleas away is to spread cedar mulch in areas where you've had previous issues with these pests, as well as tall grasses and shaded areas that attract them. Consider using it around hedges, decks, and the outer edge of your lawn. You'll want to clean any weeds and debris before laying down a layer of mulch that's approximately two to three inches deep, just make sure it's not against the stems of any plants or the base of a tree. This can create a natural barrier between your yard and the fleas, as long as the smell of the cedar remains strong. Just be careful which plants you use it around, as it can have an acidic effect on your soil.

It's recommended that you not use cedar mulch around seedlings or plants that are just beginning to germinate. Another area where this mulch shouldn't be used is around vegetables, as this area is tilled more often and you could end up with the mulch in your soil. If you're trying to create a garden that's friendly to bees and other pollinators, cedar mulch is not recommended as it can create issues as these bugs try to travel between plants.

It is important to note that cedar mulch can cost more than other mulches that you might use around your lawn and garden. On Amazon a bag of Cedar Mulch from Mulchex that would cover approximately 3 cubic feet will cost you $49.99. A smaller bag from Mountain West can be found at Ace Hardware for $13.99 for 2 cubic feet of coverage. The fact that it takes longer to break down and it can keep away fleas certainly makes up for the price.