Now Reading: Diatomaceous earth for flea control
-
01
Diatomaceous earth for flea control
Fleas aren’t just a nuisance for you and your pets. Flea bites can cause skin problems and other health problems in pets and people. Once you have a flea infestation, it is difficult to remove the pests from your home. This is mainly due to the life cycle of the flea. Fleas can be dormant in the pupal stage and are resistant to flea control methods until they become adult fleas.
Flea control products for cats and dogs can help keep fleas away from your pets and reduce the flea population in the environment. However, larger infestations require more attention to remove fleas, larvae, and pupae from your home. Many people turn to diatomaceous earth to reduce the number of fleas in their homes.
There are many environmentally friendly flea control products on the market, some more effective than others. Some of these are harsh chemicals and must be used with caution. Luckily, diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can help reduce fleas in your home.
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a powdered substance made from a soft sedimentary rock that occurs naturally in the environment. This rock is formed over time from the fossilized remains of single-celled organisms called diatoms, which naturally contain silica. Dead diatoms decay and fossilize over time, forming sedimentary rock deposits in water bodies. These deposits can be broken down and easily processed into fine powder.
Diatomaceous earth consists of silica and traces of other natural minerals. Each particle has microscopic, jagged edges that can irritate certain surfaces. It also has a natural drying effect. Under a high-powered microscope, diatomaceous earth particles look like shards of glass.
How diatomaceous earth works on fleas
Fleas and some other insects have exoskeletons, which are hard outer bodies or shells. When these insects touch diatomaceous earth, the tiny abrasive particles damage their exoskeleton, stick to their bodies, and absorb the moisture from their bodies until they dry out and die.
Adult fleas can die as early as four hours after contact with diatomaceous earth. The particles can also kill some flea larvae, but are not effective against flea eggs or pupae.
How to use diatomaceous earth to control fleas
Diatomaceous earth is easy to use and is considered non-toxic to pets and people. The goal of using diatomaceous earth for flea control is to minimize fleas in your pet’s environment. The powder should not be applied directly to pets unless specifically directed to do so by your veterinarian. Although it is not toxic, it can cause dryness and irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs. To keep fleas away from pets, use an effective flea control product specifically formulated for each type of pet.
Get food-grade diatomaceous earth (instead of filter-grade diatomaceous earth, which can be dangerous).
Wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from the drying effects of diatomaceous earth. Remove your pet from the area during application.
Sprinkle a generous amount of diatomaceous earth throughout the home, including carpets, rugs, hardwood floors, around baseboards and on upholstery.
Diatomaceous earth can be used outdoors, but you will need to use much more. Depending on weather conditions, the effects may not last long.
Leave the diatomaceous earth to work for one to three days. Restrict your pet’s access to the product if he or she insists on sniffing, eating, or rubbing against it.
Thoroughly vacuum all areas and then empty the vacuum container or bag.
Repeat steps one through five as recommended and consider alternative flea control methods if fleas remain in the home.
If you continue to see fleas on your pets or in the area, contact your veterinarian. You may need to put your pets on a more effective flea control program or change your strategy for controlling fleas in the area. If you have a severe flea infestation, you may need to have your home and garden treated by a professional pest controller.
Considerations before using diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is safe to use for pet bedding. However, prolonged exposure may cause your pet’s skin to dry out slightly. To better prevent fleas, wash your pet’s bedding in hot water once a week.
Because diatomaceous earth kills mechanically (and not chemically), fleas do not become immune to it.
Diatomaceous earth must be dry for it to work. Do not wet it or mix it with water to make a spray. Also note that diatomaceous earth is less effective in humid environments.
While diatomaceous earth can be a desirable option for those seeking natural flea control, its effectiveness is often considered limited. Diatomaceous earth is unlikely to kill all adult fleas and will not stop flea reproduction. Fleas that remain are still capable of biting pets and reproducing. Pet owners struggling with severe infestations or whose pets suffer from flea allergies should consider a more reliable option.
Related Posts
Stay Informed With the Latest & Most Important News
Advertisement
