Diatomaceous Earth Natural Flea Control

 Diatomaceous Earth (often referred to as "DE") is an off white talc-like  powder that is the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. When  sprinkled on a bug that has an exoskeleton (such as bed bugs, ants or  fleas) it compromises their waxy coating so that their innards turn into  teeny tiny bug jerky.  But it doesn't hurt mammals.  We can eat it.  We  do eat it!  It's in lots of grain based foods because lots of grains  are stored with diatomaceous earth to keep the bugs from eating the  grain! Diatomaceous earth kills all bugs.  It has been reported to be the most  effective solution when fighting pests like fleas, ants and bed bugs. 

1. Cover -  All electronics such as DVD, computers, etc with sheet or plastic. Cover aquariums and remove all pets. Dust-sensitive individuals should not be present during treatment.
2. Vacuum -  All carpeted surfaces thoroughly prior to treatment in order to improve the effectiveness of Diatomaceous Earth. Remove cushions from furniture, clean and vacuum wells(area between cushions and cracks between cushions and frame.)
3. Apply D Earth Dust Sparingly To Flooring - Tilt container carefully as powder will flow freely. Treat one room at a time. Sprinkle powder lightly over all carpeted areas, including closet floors and under furniture. Pay special attention to your pets favorite resting and walking areas. 
4. Brush In Thoroughly - Slowly brush powder into carpet with a stiff broom. Brush in one direction to evenly distribute powder. Then, use a slow back and forth motion until no visible powder remains.
5. Baseboard Areas - Apply powder sparingly along baseboard areas and slowly broom into all cracks/crevices. Remove any excess powder with broom or vacuum.
6. Treat Furniture - Remove cushions from furniture. Sprinkle powder lightly into wells only. Work powder deep into wells with a hand brush until powder disappears. Remove any excess powder from furniture.

Lightly sprinkle dust around the perimeter of the yard or fence. Sparingly apply Diatomaceous Earth around the outside of any kennels or areas where pets rest/sleep. Diatomaceous Earth dust will need to be re-applied after any precipitation. Remember it does not take much dust to be effective and too much dust can be ineffective if it causes a barrier that pests will not walk through.

 Internal Parasites can be controlled by giving Diatomaceous Earth internally. It is very important to note that it must be food grade – the earth used in gardens and pool filters can damage your dog. Diatomaceous Earth can eliminate roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, tapeworms and hookworms within seven days of being fed daily. To be most effective, Diatomaceous Earth should be fed for at least 30 days, to catch all newly hatching eggs or the cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach.

Feed 1 – 15 lbs. ½ teaspoon daily - 16lbs. – 35 lbs. 1 teaspoon – 40 lbs. and over 1 table spoon

In a typical room, 5 percent of the fleas will be found on pets, 10 percent flea cocoons in the carpets, 35 percent flea larvae and 50 percent flea eggs, again in the carpets. Fleas feed on blood, and a flea can live without a blood meal for 100 days.
A female has to have a blood meal to lay eggs. In addition, it lays
eggs within 36-48 hours of having the first blood meal. A female flea can
lay 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. Temperature changes and humidity do effect the flea population. Optimal flea production occurs when the humidity is between 70% and 80% and when the temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees. Understandably, this is why fleas are always a nuisance in warmer climates

1. Can this product be used around pets and children?  Children and pets should not be in the treatment area during applications, but can come in immediately following application.
2. Can this product be used by pregnant women? Consult your personal physician.
3. Can I use this on my pet?  YES. This product can be applied to the coat of your pet to add an additional layer of pest control protection. After application your pets coat may feel coarse to the touch. Do not apply to puppies under 12 weeks old or on nursing mothers.
4. Will this stain my carpet or furniture? No. This product has a neutral Ph and no acidity. It has been tested and approved for use on stainmaster carpets.
5. Can I apply this to my carpets right after shampooing? Only if carpet and matting are completely dry.
6. Is it really necessary to move furniture and treat under beds?  Yes. It is very important . Pre-adult fleas will seek darkness and crawl under beds, furniture, etc.
7. What about tile/hardwood flooring?  Treat the baseboard areas and any cracks and crevices at flooring surfaces.

Important Considerations