Fleas can be quite a nuisance in your home. They are persistent, and dealing with them can be frustrating as a pet owner. Yes, chemical treatments may seem like the most effective solution out there. However, there is the possibility that they could come with some adverse interactions for your pet. Plus, it may have side effects that can cause panic and alarm.
For this reason, natural alternatives can be used to help with flea control. One of them is diatomaceous earth. A major benefit is that it’s non-toxic and can be effective against fleas, especially when applied in areas indoors or outdoors. How does diatomaceous earth help with fleas? Let’s answer that question and more right now.
What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth (or DE for short) is a fine, white powder substance that is derived from fossilized remains of diatoms embedded in sedimentary rock. Yes, you heard right: it’s made from diatom fossils, which were small fossilized aquatic organisms that have existed millions of years ago. Their skeletons were high in silica content and have formed deposits that can be mined and ground into DE powder, which seems to be one of the more natural solutions for flea control.
Two types of DE are available on the market. One of them is safe for humans and pets, while the other isn’t. You’ll want to use the food-grade diatomaceous earth when applying it to handle flea infestations or simply prevent them from happening. Thus, you’ll want to study the labels of diatomaceous earth bags or containers so you don’t accidentally choose the filter-grade version that is unsafe for pets and humans.
It should also be noted that DE can be effective for pest control, especially if you are dealing with bed bugs and other small household pests.
How Does Diatomaceous Earth Help with Flea Control?
It’s harmless for humans and pets, but it can kill fleas. This often triggers the question of, “How does diatomaceous earth help with fleas?” The physical properties of DE are one of the key factors since each particle has microscopic jagged edges that are sharp and abrasive. Since they are microscopically small, it’s harmless to you and your four-legged friends, while fatal to insects, including fleas.
A flea comes in contact with DE particles, resulting in its wax-like exoskeleton being scratched away. Over time, fleas will begin to dehydrate and die. In short, fleas don’t have a resistance to DE in the same manner that they do with certain pesticides. If applied correctly, it can be a long-term and very effective approach to killing fleas and preventing future infestations.
What Are the Benefits of Using Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas?
Plenty of pet parents may opt for diatomaceous earth for fleas for numerous reasons. If you are looking for alternatives to chemical solutions, you’re making a smart move. These benefits include the following:
- Chemical-Free Approach: Diatomaceous earth does not contain chemicals. However, it’s a physical substance that can be an excellent alternative to synthetic treatments that can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment as a whole. Not to mention, such chemical solutions can harm children and sensitive pets.
- Safe for Pets and People: Only use food-grade diatomaceous earth when applying it on your property or indoors (if necessary). Of course, it may be a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing something new to your pet’s environment.
- Effective Against All Life Stages: Some flea treatments can only kill adult fleas while not being able to kill larvae or newly hatched fleas. However, DE can kill fleas, including flea eggs, regardless of the life cycle, further proving that it is the most effective choice.
- Odorless and Non-Staining: DE leaves no odors, nor does it stain. You can easily sprinkle it on carpets, bedding, or pet crates. The best part is you won’t have to deal with any long-term damage.
Not only do you know how diatomaceous earth helps with fleas, but it can also yield plenty of benefits, especially when it’s safe for your home environment and those that live in it.
Where Can You Use Diatomaceous Earth in Your Home?
Using diatomaceous earth with fleas also comes with the benefit of versatility, meaning that you can use it in areas of your home, both indoors and outdoors, to create a flea-free zone every single time. Let’s take a look now at some of the best places where DE can be applied:
- Pet Bedding: Wash your pet’s bedding like you regularly do. Afterwards, sprinkle a light amount of DE on the surface. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it.
- Carpets and Rugs: If there is one thing that fleas enjoy, it’s warm and dark places. The fibers of your carpet are perhaps one example of where they love to hide. Sprinkle light amounts of DE over your carpet and allow it to sit for 24 to 48 hours. Afterwards, thoroughly vacuum the carpet. Repeat this weekly during flea season.
- Furniture and Upholstery: This includes sofas, chairs, and wherever your pets may be lounging in your home. Treat these in the same way as you do with the carpets and rugs. When applying a fine layer of DE, please make sure you do not overlap.
- Cracks and Baseboards: Fleas and their eggs make small crevices in their domain of choice, including cracks and baseboards. What you’ll want to do is use a soft-bristled brush and apply DE into the cracks and the baseboards where fleas and eggs can be found.
- Outdoor Perimeter of Your Home: Yes, fleas can enter your home from the outside. It may be ideal to apply it along the perimeter of your home, especially in entryways such as basement windows and doorway thresholds.
- Outdoor Play Areas: Let’s not forget the outdoor play areas if you have one set up for your dog. Fleas may find a way to get to this area in particular, so they can hitch a ride on your pet and gain entry indoors.
Simply put, the more areas you apply DE, the better. You’ll want to ensure you are able to apply a fine amount depending on the area.
Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe to Use on Pets?
Yes, diatomaceous earth is safe to use on pets. Again, food-grade DE should only be applied. You can directly apply it to their coat, but it must be done so with extreme care. Aside from using only food-grade DE, here are some critical guidelines that you need to follow accordingly:
- Avoid contact with the mouth, nose, and eyes, as it can trigger possible respiratory irritation or allergies.
- Make sure it’s applied in an area that is well-ventilated to prevent inhalation.
- Use a small amount and gently rub it into the coat.
- Never apply it to animals who have skin issues or open wounds.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet if you are unsure of what to do with DE, especially if it applies to applying something directly on the skin and fur of your pet. If they have allergies or sensitivities, it’s best to err on the side of caution and consider safer options.
How Often Should You Apply Diatomaceous Earth?
Using diatomaceous earth regularly as part of a home treatment may require a regular application schedule. You may want to consider following this structure:
- Initial Treatment: Apply once and leave it for 48 hours.
- Weekly Follow-Up: Reapply once a week for a period of 3 to 4 weeks (e.g., during flea season).
- Maintenance: Use monthly as a preventative measure, but increase its frequency during flea season (spring and summer).
After each treatment, be sure to vacuum thoroughly so you can be able to remove remaining powder and any dead fleas. Simply put, you have a good idea of how to kill fleas without having to risk any harm to humans, pets, and the environment around you. Plus, you have a good idea of when to apply it, so you are reducing flea infestations (if one already exists) or preventing one from happening in the first place.
Also, if DE is applied outdoors, just leave it as it is. Nature will take care of the rest, so there is no cleaning on your part. Indoors or outdoors, fleas don’t stand a chance against DE if applied properly regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Use Regular Insect Killer for Flea Control?
It may be a bad idea to use an insect killer for the purpose of flea control. The reason for this is that it can be a chemical treatment that may cause adverse health issues for your pets, such as respiratory irritation. This also applies to flea bombs and flea traps that may contain chemical ingredients.
Should I Call Professional Pest Control for Fleas?
You may consider professional pest control if a flea infestation is way out of hand. However, it may not be a good idea if the infestation is small. Keep in mind that professional pest management services can be costly.
Natural Flea Control with Diatomaceous Earth
Fleas can be treated with ease using diatomaceous earth. It can be one of the most effective natural flea control solutions that can be used to get rid of current infestations or prevent them from happening. Either way, don’t forget to find the best food-grade option that is safe for you and your pets. Under The Weather understands that pet safety is a priority, and we make sure of this by including natural ingredients in our products, from our bland diet foods and chews. If you are looking for something that can improve your four-legged friend’s daily life, be sure to check out what we have today.
