I have a article on making them yourself on this blog, under the Fleas category. Ugh! My friend suggested I might also find it useful in getting rid of roaches. Do you have a particular recommendation for us? This weekend our dogs came home from my in-laws farm completely covered in fleas so I went to work this morning. So we put mum into a big, lighted and carpeted walk-in closet. Thank you Thank you this product is amazing. I use garlic in my dogs food as a flea preventative and it seems to work well. I also purchased food grade de from my local feed store think horse supply. Well, it is. Let us all know how that goes . The beetles come in some very fancy colors including black, greenish-black, brown, metallic, white-striped, or yellow and orange striped. Don't confuse food-grade diatomaceous earth with the stuff used to filter pools. If the fleas really are in these areas, they will die. Some brands dont say food grade. Hi Mary! Transplanting seedlings that are mature and large is another excellent way to combat flea beetles. Let me know how it goes. DE is mainly for your actual house, not really for direct pet application. If there is no carpet do you think exterminator would be safe? What do you think? There is only 1 place that sells 300g Bug Killer Dusts which contains food grade DE. I sprinkled it all around the patio where she hangs out and when she would be eating Id sprinkle it on her back. How about my 2 year old son? My dog has recently caught fleas and we have had some hot whether which has resulted in the fleas multiplying like mad! Hi Jessie! Food grade DE is an ingredient in some nutritional supplements, touted for heart health, digestive issues, bone health, lowered cholesterol, and other health concerns. Secondly, since its not carpets, just leave it down for the full three weeks. My questionHow long before eggs hatch to reapply? You can stop the flea life cycle by using a IGR (insect growth regulator) spray. I needed a quick reminder on the application process and your site was perfect. And also the cats love to lay in my wardrobe. Is it because there are still eggs in my home? Last year the fleas were incredible, but after a really cold winter this years crop hasnt been too bad. In addition, people who handle diatomaceous earth on a regular basis can develop an incurable, chronic inflammatory lung disease called silicosis, says Dr. Reeder. I already have shoes dedicated to walking around the house so Im not too concerned with appearance or tracking and there is no dust. Hi Cindy, thanks for your lovely comment, it contains so much juicy details. For pet flea treatment, you can use a spot on or check out my best flea treatment for dogs article on this site for a few natural methods. Once that is done, sprinkle some DE on your carpeted rooms, and leave that DIY flea trap (again, I have a guide on this) out at night (it must be the only light). I purchased some DE food grade and applied it to the carpets and all of the dogs bedding/hang out spots. How long does it stay on pets? The whole thing clogged up and stopped twirling round I had to pull it all apart after a minute or so. Just want to be sure I got the correct product. Also it removes the dusting often created by using it in powder form which is beneficial to allergy/asthma sufferers. Its more of a home and garden type situation, says Dr. Chris Reeder, DVM, DACVD, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with BluePearl Pet Hospital in Franklin, Tennessee. Thanks, appreciate your kind words and I am very glad that you have followed my advise. Natasha, many times you mentioned dawn dish soap for killing fleas on the animals. Im constantly finding flea eggs and droppings EVERYwhere, mostly in hard to reach places where I cant properly clean. Thanks for the heads up, will definitely keep that in mind if anyone asks in the future. Thank you so much for your help!!! When using diatomaceous earth for killing fleas in your home, dont put any household fans or anything that creates a draft as it can blow the fine granules all over your home, making it a nightmare to clean. So! It does say Ant & Crawling Insect Killer, but it is only 77% DE with other ingredients added, so I dont think this would be the right brand of DE to buy. Tomorrow Im going to treat the bed, furniture and carpets as you suggest. The woman at the health food store recommended that I cut up some old nylons and put the powder in and sprinkle it lightly, not to just not waste it but also to ensure a fine and even coating. Should be fine honestly, but in future ideally use food grade because its 100% safe (even for consumption lol). If the DE isnt bothering you, you can just leave it down, will prevent any further infestations as well so that is a bonus. You inspire me . I too came across your site when looking for a flea treatment that actually worksand after tlalkin to others that had also used DE i decided to give it a try tonightkeeping fingers crossed!! The only way I find a flea is visual inspection by hand and I always catch the little buggers. My 2 house cats AND Boo were treated with a medication called Revolution which you place between the cats shoulder blades. With some careful planning, preventative measures, and an action plan in place, you wont have to worry about the safety of your precious broccoli and eggplants. Diatomaceous earth can irritate the nose and nasal passages if breathed in, says Glen Ramsey, board-certified entomologist and technical services manager with Atlanta-based Orkin. What is best for vacuuming. Thanks! So if you could help me with this I would so appreciate it. It wont hurt them, dont stress. Found the De at our local farm feed & supply store (widely used on farm animals & their sleeping areas). On the main floor, we have hardwood w/ area rugs and in the basement, we have tile. I did one bedroom and the hallway and closed the door. I know that you (or your pets) are not going to eat it but it basically guarantees that its non-toxic in every way. Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it! Hi Erica, if you get food grade DE, it will not be harmful to your cats (they wont need to leave your apartment), just make sure that you apply it carefully so that it doesnt fill the air with dust hehe. All are bad at bathingwhen I try, I get scratched, bit, crying, and its exhausting. Have also used a product called IGR, which keeps the fleas from maturing and laying more eggsand lasts for 7 monthsso another thing you might consider. Contact with DE can cause skin abrasions, dryness, and eye irritation. Hope that helps, good luck! I have an article on this blog about it, find it under the fleas category and tell me what you think. It can be mixed with water in order to be sprayed into the environment. Thanks for helping out Michelle, really appreciate it. I bought a big bag of DE at amazon and sprinkled it all over my carpet on the living room, hallways and bedrooms carpet and left it there for at least 24 hours to be sure. Apparently it will pass through digestive system and can destroy parasites (like worms). You can dust her once or twice a week, just keep an eye on her skin because it can dry it out on some dogs. It wont help kill fleas though but its still very useful . Its been two hours now and I havent seen a flea. Hi Kerry, yeah that should be fine. As I said, I don;t have pets so this is new to me. Cedarcide is the product that I came across and it works. Besides being drying, why wouldnt it be good for pets that are smaller in mass? My question or questions are..is it safe for your pets to ingest? I have used food grade diatomaceous earth for the last 10 years successfully. And it is odorless so they dont freak out from a nasty smell. It will be alot of work. I use just the neem powder with water to make a paste for my own hair, rub into scalp, leave on for 30 minutes and wash out. And, the dog had been on the foot of my bed.) and brushing it in? Also I have set up a flea trap in my room. Bought a 10lb bag on amazon for 25 bucks, think i was ripped off but if it works ill be happy. We live on a farm having 3 dogs, 7 cats, and a pig named Petunia along with 47 goats. Neil is the problem in your house or outside? I would recommend it to everyone. DE will kill any larvae it comes into contact with but it will not kill the eggs. Whats the difference? Safe for Humans & Pets which should arrive in 2 days time. I have article on it, check it under the fleas category and let me know how that works out for you. This morning no signs of flea dirt, so maybe we are winning the war. This little subterranean creature loves to feed on fleas, their eggs, and larvae. What is the best way to go about treating an outside infestation? In the spring and summer I have to avoid physical contact with my little friend except for some petting on the head and stroking her back, and it makes both of us unhappy. Make sure you get the food grade one and ideally put it under your sheets. You could but I suggest rather using a spot on, it will be much more effective. If the infestation is bad, it is safe to use the Cheristin and have the collar one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, inhaling crystalline silica can cause a host of health issues like breathing difficulties, irreversible lung damage, and autoimmune disease. But I was looking for a little more information about the use of it being applied directly on the dog. Do you put it on and leave it (and if so does this harm them if they start to lick the DE/clean themselves? After getting wet from the grass/bushes reapplied. You can put DE in the cupboards and anywhere where you think fleas may be hiding. Hello After reading the article, I wonder if I can use DE with my smaller dogs. Good luck! As for the flea traps, put them out at night for the best results. Should I, could I, use this ON my two dogs and the house because I have it already? I am really picky about stuff even DE being around. Katrina. Hi Deborah! Readers, this is also beneficial for humans to take for many reasons. Let me know how it goes! Hi Krissy, I am sure that it will work just as well, let me know how it goes. These are the insect that are affected by DE; Ants, fire ants, caterpillars, cut worms, army worms, fleas, ticks, cockroaches, snails, spiders, termites, scorpions, silverfish, lice, mites, flies, centipedes, earwigs, slugs, aphids, Japanese beetles (grub stage), bed bugs, fruit flies, corn earworm, cucumber beetles, corn borer, sting bugs, squash vine borers, thrips, loopers, etc., etc. I recommend you try this process again, it definitely works. It is best used in conjunction with some DIY flea traps, put out at night (article on this blog), as well as a good spot on (such as Frontline) for your pets. Do I have to order my FOOD GRADE DE from AMAZON or online? Or do I need a lamp that produces heat? Sounds like you are making good progress and I am glad you are trying the natural route, I also prefer them over chemicals where possible. Hi Terri, thanks for your wonderful feedback, I really appreciate it. Is method dangerous for a vacuum equiped with a HEPA filterwill it kill the vacuum? Diatomaceous earth also known as diatomite works like a natural detoxifying agent within the body, killing parasites and viruses that can contribute to illnesses while also helping to clean the blood. How could this be? I hope that your comment encourages those that have not had a chance to use DE to give it a try Cheers! I am so glad to have found your article. I see several different ones online. Glad that you like them Provided you get food grade DE, she will be fine. I found one live flea in each room, does this indicate there are hundreds? I bathed my cat with Dawn dish soap too. Its a pleasure and I am glad you have had such good success with DE. Can you give instructions on how much to feed them (with their food). I am freaking out and would appreciate any advice. Help! Author Posts I put more DE down today after I seen them, I just thought they were gone, and I was so relieved, until today , Hey Ellyn! I read in a comment that it will dry out dogs skin. I do think advice should be given to use an old second hand vacuum if possible, or the regular one if youre thinking of replacing it anyway. What are your thoughts on that? I use DE on the dog bed. Does all the DE have to be cleaned up? Since their body needs this to survive, they die after a short amount of time. Will it decrease effectiveness? My basement has a concrete floor with 1 large rug and 1 small piece of extra carpet. Yarrow powder and Eucalyptus oil added also is beneficial. Natasha, first thank you for the great article and for responding to all the comments!!! (blocked off for now.) I dust under beds and under sofas, behind the TV and cabinets as these items are difficult to move and fleas love to live in such areas. Thanks for your questions . I just bought and applied some DE yesterday Natasha. Maybe just buy a cheaper bagger type vacuum? Do you know why? like sprinkling on the carpet. One of the cheapest places to get food grade DE is at a feed supply store. Ive done extra long shampoo sessions. I was so pleased to read your article. Make the bed with the newly-washed bedding and you should be OK. Be sure to vacuum the room daily while waiting for all the fleas to be killed. I have used it to rub on my dog and cats fur and I have put a little in their water I was just wondering fur wise would you know how long it would last on them? Cost from my own pocket. and apple cider vinegar to put on a cat? I seem to have an infestation there that is proving hard to eliminate, previously I had treated only the carpeted areas but i find that the concrete areas seem to be part of the problem as well. I called a professional exterminated but still have a bad case of fleas. The spores attach to the surface of the beetle, germinate, then infiltrate inside of the larvae and liquify its insides as a source of food for the fungus. Yes it is safe to do that, and I recommend that you do all the rooms at once (or well, maybe one per day is fine). Can I use it around my 2.5 month old puppy. No, you cannot mix water with the DE but I suppose you could wash it off, not recommended though as it will takes ages hehe. I hate pesticides, I fell like I have it all over me and like I am eating it for weeks after using it. 02/25/2010 are very very slim. I removed her from the room and placed her in a smaller room that had already been treated. Unless its VERY humid, the DE should be fine. I suggest that you get a plastic container (with a lid, in which you put little holes into) and after filling it, you apply the DE as you would use a salt shaker. We live in Tennessee. The places I need to apply it I would be walking over it all day and night. Hes been wearing the DE dust coat for a few days now, I flea comb him several times a day and Im still finding flea dirt. Thank you for the info I had my wife stop in at a TSC. They have been out of the house for about 5-6 days now visiting family. I have 5 indoor/outdoor cats and one dog. The place I bought it told it was very safe to use on them & the house. About 10. Thank you!! I let Boo in our kitchen briefly, he wanted to go down the cellar to eat & sleep, but with all the fresh DE down there, I was afraid he would get respiratory problems. My parents brought home a puppy and the poor thing is infested with fleas. Hey Tami! In all fairness, my cats had them on when they became infested. Hi Jennifer, thanks for your comment. Hi Dave! You can definitely add stuff like that (it would probably help) but its not absolutely necessary. My name is Natasha, and I have been helping people with their insect problems since 2012. 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