It is not effective for flea control when used in this manner and could potentially result in lung damage if inhaled,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinary writer, editor and consultant based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Besides fleas, it can kill other hard-shell insects, such as cockroaches, ticks, beetles, and bedbugs. Only apply the powder to plants that are being eaten so you don't kill beneficial insects. to prevent canker worms, etc. If you have pets, the likely source of those fleas is their furry coats. 2. Generally, diatomaceous earth is harmless for pets. Steps to use diatomaceous earth for flea control. If there’s heavy wind or rain after you apply the powder, you might need to apply more once the weather’s settled. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. So, there you have it. Spay the DE into the lawn in a thin and even coat until you cover the entire lawn area, including the surrounding perimeters. Besides fighting fleas, diatomaceous earth has been used for a variety of industrial, farm, medical, and even food-based situations. So, if you are worried about using pesticides in and around your home, you are safe dusting your pets with DE. Yes, if you’re using diatomaceous earth for fleas on dogs, you can apply it directly to their coats (more on this in the next section). By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. And once it gets inside, the DE powder sucks all the moisture in their bodies, and consequently, dehydrating them to death. Make sure you're using food-grade diatomaceous earth. Your email address will not be published. This will aggravate the fleas and get them moving about in preparation for your natural flea powder attack. When you are shopping in-store or online, read the label carefully or verify the grade with the vendor. 3 Stand at one end of the area and turn the hand crank while walking slowly toward the opposite end of the lawn. It is effective because it cuts at the waxy layer that protects fleas. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. You can use the diatomaceous earth for fleas in these areas if you don't have carpet and leave it in place for several days before sweeping or vacuuming it up. In using the natural and non-toxic product diatomaceous earth, it is important to know how to spread it most effectively arond your yard and over the grass to get the maximum coverage and not waste the product and your energy. Diatomaceous earth or DE provides a natural way of dealing with fleas dwelling in your yard. Find products specifically for spreading diatomaceous earth powder at your local garden store or online. It is recommended for use only at night, on the ground, and in areas away from blooming flowers to reduce bee exposure. Other types of repellents may work better if your garden has a full infestation. Veterinarians generally advise against the use of diatomaceous earth for fleas on cats and dogs. It has the ability and power to kill all bugs, but it is primarily known to be most effective in eradicating pests, such as ants, bed bugs, and fleas. I’ve created this website to help people get rid of fleas and other pests in their home or garden. If you know the weather will be dry enough for at least weak or so, you can mix the dust with water and sprayed it on your yard. After 2-3 days, vacuum the area again to remove any dead fleas, eggs, or larvae.Apply diatomaceous earth a week later to help get rid of fleas for good. You can apply DE once a month or at least after each hard rain. Use the following instructions to treat your flea infested home with DE. Plan for it to take from 3 to 8 weeks to remove fleas for carpet – … Apply the dust on a dry day. Diatomaceous earth was discovered back in the 1830s when an old farmer found a hard substance that he initially mistaken it for limestone. How To Apply Diatomaceous Earth For Fleas. The more clutter you have in your yard, the more place fleas can take refuge. Yes, that is fine. If you are struggling with fleas, give diatomaceous earth a … Diatomaceous earth is an effective alternative to chemical agents and can be used as a natural pest control method, for a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle without chemicals that cause long-term irreparable damage to the environment and our health. The best time to apply this product is during dry weather because they only work effectively in dust form. It’s easiest to pour the 4 tablespoons (59 ml) into a jug of water, seal the lid on tightly, and then shake the container to get the powder to dissolve. You can mix the DE powder with water or dampen the lawn first, then apply the powder. The goal here is to let diatomaceous earth to retune to its dust form, which will be effective in killing fleas. Generally, diatomaceous earth is harmless for pets. It is a fine powder that comprises of microscopic remains of fossilized algae called diatoms. By using our site, you agree to our. Do not wet it down or mix it with water to make a spray. Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Ticks And Other … Required fields are marked *. Even though its applied externally, you should use diatomaceous earth food-grade for fleas on dogs since your dog may lick its coat. After the initial vacuum, you should sprinkle the dry carpet with diatomaceous earth and let it sit for at least 12 hours. Whether you have used the wet or dry method of spreading your diatomaceous earth outdoors, it is susceptible to moisture and reapplication is necessary after each rainfall or sprinkler system. Thanks for reading my article on using diatomaceous earth for fleas and I encourage you to share this article with your friends. 10 Easy Steps Strategy to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas the Correct Way. Usually, industrial-grade DE is not safe not only for pets but also for humans. Use Diatomaceous Earth. Make sure that your pet’s blankets and bed are lightly covered with the powder. Here is a quick demonstration on how to use my product Earth’s Answers No More Fleas for Cats and kittens. Hopefully, we have answered all of your questions about diatomaceous earth. Apply the dust on a calm day. The ancestors of today’s diatomaceous earth settled in bed on the floors of ancient but non-existent lakes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I have thought seriously of using the Diatomaceous Earth just never got around to ordering, in part, a concern for the kittehs, themselves, of ingesting. The light misting of water will help the diatomaceous powder to stick to the leaves of your grass. Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Pets? For better flea prevention, wash pet bedding in hot water once a week. If you're treating a larger area, such as your entire flower bed or garden, you'd want to use a garden pump sprayer. You can mix a quarter cup of Diatomaceous Earth with a gallon of water and then apply it to your lawn and/or the shrubbery that consists of pests. Here are a few easy steps that you can follow to get rid of fleas in your home using diatomaceous earth. When used in correct proportions, DE can be foolproof in controlling a variety of destructive pests in your garden. After all, it can control other external parasites besides fleas, including ticks, ants, and flies. If you know the weather will be dry enough for at least weak or so, you can mix the dust with water and sprayed it on your yard. Use both liquid and granule pesticides for a quick and long-lasting treatment. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas. In the real sense, diatomaceous earth causes the fleas to die because of lack of air and dehydration. This natural pesticide kills fleas while being completely safe to mammals. What types of insects does Diatomaceous Earth kill? Choosing the wrong grade of DE may compromise the health of your pets. Use a sieve or similar object to lightly dust the area with food grade diatomaceous earth. Apply it close to the ground, and avoid spreading it over flowers that are in bloom so that you don’t harm bees. Besides this, DE can also absorb fats from these insects, thus causing dehydration. As well, there is the issue of nematodes not being viable on arrival. When fleas invade your home, you should be well-prepared to battle it out because they are often too stubborn to get rid of. Choose food-grade DE powder for pet protection. If you have to spread it in light wind, opt for using a wet application to help keep the diatomaceous earth in place. Diatomaceous Earth is a very effective method. I show how I apply the powder to two of my cats. “Do not apply diatomaceous earth directly to your pet. Use the garden hose to spray a light mist on the grass and surrounding flowers or plants. Some believe that only pesticides and flea collars will chase away fleas, while others advocate for a natural approach because the chemicals in the former can harm your family and pets. Diatomaceous Earth offers another non-toxic way of getting rid of fleas in your yard. Some people have never used diatomaceous earth for pest control, and if you are not familiar with it, then you might want to look it up online for more information. References. The power of diatomaceous earth for killing fleas in the home and yard has been proven over the years and regardless of what you may have been told, it does work and its very effective. I think I’d be more inclined to use the Diatomaceous Earth rather then the nematodes, for me, more of a finacial decision, cost per area covered. When used appropriately, diatomaceous earth can kill off fleas within a few days. Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be applied to the affected areas by applying it with any type of dust spreader, normally available at garden centers. You can use a dust spreader to sprinkle DE into the infested areas. Give your pet a thorough bath, using a moisturizing shampoo. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. But it is critical that you use food-grade DE for pet applications. Last Updated: December 18, 2019 I will also use it for a little oak tree that is being planted. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. But it is critical that you use food-grade DE for pet … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,462 times. Learn more... Diatomaceous earth is a mineral powder that can help you get rid of fleas, cockroaches, ants, and dust mites. The light misting will help the powder to stick into your grass. You can apply it in wet or dry form—applying it in wet form allows it to cling to a surface easier, especially in the wind. Fortunately, you can easily treat your yard for fleas to kill them and keep them from coming back. Diatomaceous earth is a mineral powder that can help you get rid of fleas, cockroaches, ants, and dust mites. And when their bodies get cut, they eventually dehydrate and die. You can apply it in wet or dry form—applying it in wet form allows it to cling to a surface easier, especially in the wind. These can be rented at most home improvement centers. Whether you're applying it as a dry powder or mixing it with water to spray it on your yard, avoid breathing it in and only apply it to spots that need protecting. So, you need to also thoroughly clean your yard. After 2-3 days, vacuum the area again to remove any dead fleas, eggs, or larvae. Always use food grade DE powder for organic flea control. That’s why experts advise that you wear gloves when removing pests from your garden or pets using DE. This article has been viewed 32,462 times. For example, if you need to use diatomaceous earth on your entire lawn, using a large spray bottle will allow you to easily spread it. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If you decide to use diatomaceous earth in accordance with a flea treatment plan set up with your veterinarian, there are a few things you should know. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. How long do I leave diatomaceous earth on the lawn after application before watering the lawn? This substance can also block up and damages the fleas’ respiratory system. As mentioned before, diatomaceous earth is not only lethal to fleas, but it can also kill a number of pests. Use the same process for eradicating the home of fleas. Because of silica skeletons in DE, fleas and insects get tiny cuts when they crawl over soil treated with DE. This is a very useful & detailed article on how to use this product. Dusting all carpets in the house, then let it set not less than half an hour. If you don’t have a face mask, you can also wear a bandana or towel over your mouth to keep out the dust. Because diatomaceous earth kills with a mechanical method (rather than chemical) fleas will not become immune to it. Diatomaceous Earth is a very effective method for removing bugs and small critters from your garden. When you vacuum, you will suck up some flea eggs, larvae, and even adult fleas – but not all of them. The goal here is to let diatomaceous earth to retune to its dust form, which will be effective in killing fleas. Diatomaceous earth, made from the fossils of tiny aquatic organisms, is a common substance used to get rid of fleas, flea eggs, bedbugs, spiders, and a … Use a quality diatomaceous earth for best results, and avoid using DE that is labeled for pool and aquarium use, as it has been chemically treated and can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested. Dampen the lawn where you wish to apply the diatomaceous earth powder. This product can be now mined and used for different purposes. Use it by applying a 1-inch-deep by 3-inch-wide strip or band around garden beds or stands of plants that are vulnerable to slug or snail infestation. 1. Also can be used to treat the outside of your house. How to use diatomaceous earth safely. On top of this, check for infected areas and remove other clutter like leaves, wood, and molds of rock. What it does is that it punctures the fleas’ waxy exoskeleton using it sharp particles. Overall, diatomaceous earth is an effective, non-toxic alternative to chemical pesticides. Rub the DE powder with a hand broom or brush into the carpets to reach all hidden fleas inside carpet. Your email address will not be published. Spread your powdery diatomaceous earth on a dry and windless day. Alternatively, you can toss handfuls of dust to the infected areas. Remember that not all DE powders are the same and the ones used in swimming pool or charcoal filters are known to contain unnatural ingredients that may be carcinogenic. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Apply-Diatomaceous-Earth-Outdoors-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Diatomaceous-Earth-Outdoors-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Apply-Diatomaceous-Earth-Outdoors-Step-1.jpg\/aid9918319-v4-728px-Apply-Diatomaceous-Earth-Outdoors-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"