As a professional in the pest control industry, I’ve seen my fair share of flea infestations. The telltale signs are hard to miss – persistent scratching, irritated skin, and those tiny black specks known as flea dirt. While fleas are certainly a nuisance, the real concern lies in the health risks they pose, such as infections, anemia, and even the potential for transmitting tapeworms.
Many pet owners turn to commercial flea treatments in desperation, but these products aren’t without risks of their own. Over the years, thousands of dogs are believed to have suffered adverse reactions, including fatalities, due to exposure to certain flea control chemicals.
Before reaching for those harsh insecticides, I always recommend exploring natural alternatives first. One such option that has gained popularity is diatomaceous earth, a remarkably effective yet remarkably safe compound for removing fleas from both your home and your furry companions.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a type of fine powder sand that contains microscopic sea organisms, called diatoms. Over millions of years, these algae become fossilized in the earth surrounding bodies of water like rivers and oceans. The earth is then harvested for its high silica content, a naturally occurring chemical compound that has many uses in food, around the home, and in industrial settings.
There are two types of diatomaceous earth: food-grade diatomaceous earth and filter-grade diatomaceous earth. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is used as an anti-caking agent and an insecticide in food production. It can also be purchased for household use. Filter-grade diatomaceous earth is toxic and has varied uses, such as in water filtration.
How It Works
Since diatomaceous earth is a natural and non-toxic compound, it doesn’t work like most chemical insecticides. The silica particles in diatomaceous earth are sharp and abrasive, and when they come into contact with fleas, they cause tears in the pests’ exoskeletons. Then, the compound absorbs oils from the fleas, drying out and killing them.
This has been effective in treating numerous issues including adult fleas, flea eggs, cat fleas, bed bugs, cockroaches, and more.
How to Get Rid of Fleas with Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an effective way to control fleas around the home and prevent further spread once your dog has them. With a few easy steps, you can effectively remove all trace of fleas from your home in just a couple days.
If you choose to follow this protocol, make sure you purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for your family and pets. Filter-grade or pool-grade diatomaceous earth is toxic and should not be used around the home. Here are the strategies I use to get rid of fleas using DE around the home:
1. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth Around Your Home
Once you’ve acquired food-grade diatomaceous earth, sprinkle a layer over all areas of your home that could have been exposed to fleas. Try to identify all the areas where your dog likes to spend time. This might include the carpet, sofa, beds, pillows, and dog beds. Don’t forget hard-to-reach areas like under tables. You might even use DE to kill fleas in the yard.
I recommend using a duster or spray bottle to spray food grade DE around your home. This will help ensure you cover enough area to kill flea larvae and adult flea populations.
2. Let the Diatomaceous Earth Sit for a Few Days
Due to the nature of how diatomaceous earth kills fleas, it won’t work instantly. Give the compound a few days to do its job. The more time you let it sit, the more fleas will come into contact with the particles.
3. Vacuum the Treated Areas
After a few days, vacuum all the areas where you applied diatomaceous earth. In addition to vacuuming up the diatomaceous earth particles, you’ll be removing the dead fleas and larvae that have been left behind by the treatment. Make sure to use a shop vac since diatomaceous earth’s sharp particles will be tough on your household vacuum cleaner’s filter.
4. Reapply as Needed
For particularly bad infestations, you may need another diatomaceous earth application to effectively get rid of all traces of fleas. Carefully inspect your dog, the carpet, and any furniture for evidence of remaining fleas and larvae. If needed, repeat the above steps until all fleas are gone.
Safety Tips When Using Diatomaceous Earth
Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when using diatomaceous earth for flea control:
Handling Precautions
While diatomaceous earth is relatively low in toxicity, it’s still crucial to take proper precautions when handling it. Wear a dust mask or respirator to avoid inhaling the fine particles, as they can irritate the lungs if breathed in excessively. Protective goggles are also recommended to prevent eye irritation.
Application Guidelines
When applying diatomaceous earth, work in well-ventilated areas and avoid creating excessive dust clouds. Use a light hand when sprinkling it, as too heavy an application can make surfaces slippery. Target areas where fleas are likely to harbor, such as carpets, pet bedding, and cracks and crevices.
Pet Safety
Diatomaceous earth is generally safe for use around pets, but it’s best to keep them away from treated areas until the powder has settled. Avoid applying it directly to their fur or skin, as it could potentially cause irritation. Always consult your veterinarian before using any flea treatment on pets, especially those with existing respiratory issues.
Cleanup and Disposal
After treatment, thoroughly vacuum treated areas to remove any remaining diatomaceous earth particles. When disposing of the vacuum contents, take care not to create dust clouds that could be inhaled. Consider wetting the contents before disposal to minimize airborne particles.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to battling flea infestations, diatomaceous earth stands out as one of the safest and most effective natural remedies available. Its mode of action is physical rather than chemical, making it a far less hazardous option compared to many commercial insecticides on the market.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed diatomaceous earth’s impressive ability to eliminate fleas from even the most stubborn of infestations. And the best part? It achieves this without posing significant risks to children, pets, or the environment.
While persistence is key when using any flea treatment, diatomaceous earth’s ease of application and excellent safety profile make it an ideal first line of defense. So before exposing your loved ones to potentially harmful chemicals, give this remarkable natural flea control option a try. With proper application, you’ll be well on your way to a flea-free home in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you apply diatomaceous earth on your dog?
While diatomaceous earth works in flea prevention caused by your dog, you should never apply diatomaceous earth directly to your pup’s skin or coat. Even though it isn’t toxic, this chemical can irritate your dog’s eyes, nose, and lungs if accidentally ingested. However, there are some pet-safe flea treatments available from pet suppliers that contain diatomaceous earth and can be used directly on animals.
Is diatomaceous earth harmful?
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is not generally considered harmful to pets or humans. However, it may cause some irritation to the eyes and respiratory system if directly inhaled.
What are the benefits of diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is used for many benefits aside from flea treatments. It’s a safe and effective pesticide and preservative that is often used in many stages of food production. Around the house, it’s used as a stain remover, deodorizer, and garden pest remover. One study has even shown that diatomaceous earth can help support healthy cholesterol levels.
