Bugs That Eat Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless insects, and while they can't fly, they can jump. They feed on the blood of both pets and humans, and they account for one of the biggest expenses for pet owners. Fleas are not easy to get rid of once they have infested an area, but keeping the population under control before the problem occurs can help in the long run. Some insects prey on fleas, and by introducing these insects into your yard, you can successfully reduce the chances of fleas infesting your home.

Fire ants are typically seen as a hazard. They have been known to bite and leave a red bump that both itches and burns. One thing that they are beneficial for is their diet. In urban areas, fire ants feed on flea larvae as well as ticks, cockroach eggs and other pesky insects. Fire ants are easily identified by their bright red color and large anthill. While they do eat fleas, they are often just as big of a problem as the fleas.

Nematodes are a microscopic worm that work best in outdoor flea control. Nematodes work best for flea control in sandy soil, and to ensure a longer life for the nematode, you should irrigate the soil with about one-half to one-fourth of an inch of water both before and after you deposit them into the soil. The moist soil also lets the nematode move though the soil with ease in their search of fleas. Usually applied with a lawn sprayer, nematodes are usually effective in about 24 hours, reducing the flea population by up to 80 percent.

Lady bugs feed on soft bodies insects such as aphids, mites, mealybugs and fleas. A mature ladybug will normally eat about 50 to 60 insects a day, so they are extremely effective for pest control. You can find ladybugs at your local gardening store, and a pack of 10 will produce on average 10,000 lady bug larvae within 30 days.

Spiders will eat any insect that finds its way into its web. So while they do eat fleas, they are not the most effective way in getting rid of a flea problem.