In the last few years, there has been a national increase of flea and tick infestations due to warmer summers and milder winters. It is crucial that pet owners take the necessary steps to prevent pests and parasites from living on their pet, in their home, and in their yard. The goal is to get this done safely and without harmful chemicals.

What is Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth (D/Earth) is an all-natural, effective and safe pesticide. It is made with the fossilized remains of microscopic shells and crushed into a fine powder. D/Earth is a short and long-term solution to parasite and pest problems.

D/Earth has many protective uses. It can be used on and around household pets, plus it can be used to protect livestock, grain, and pet feed. Freshwater, food grade D/Earth can even be used to kill internal parasites. Simply place it in your animal’s food. D/Earth can also be sprinkled on or around animals to kill external parasites and pests, such as ticks, fleas, lice, bed bugs and any pest with an exoskeleton.

How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work

As the insect comes into contact with the powder, static electricity causes an attraction to the body. Once the powder attaches to the insect, the sharp edges of the fossilized particles cut through the waxy layer of the parasite’s exoskeleton. Then, the powder absorbs the body fluids from the parasite, effectively killing the parasite by dehydration. This process takes a day or two to take place.

Benefits of D/Earth

Because the bug is killed through physical action and not chemical action, bugs cannot become immune to D/Earth.

D/Earth is completely harmless to all animals, fish, birds, and the environment. It can be sprinkled on animals, on bedding, or around the kennel. Unlike chemical pesticides that can be harmful to your pet, D/Earth is an organic pesticide with no harmful side effects.

How Do You Use Diatomaceous Earth to Keep Bugs Away

Use it on the skin and coat or around animals during the parasite season. Use it internally to clear the digestive tract of impurities, worms and parasites, or use it as a digestive aid to “scrub” the digestive tract and help maintain regularity. You can also use it to treat your home and whole yard for parasites and pests. When used outside, D/Earth must be reapplied after a rain.

Note: There are two types of D/Earth, saltwater and D/Earth freshwater. It is very important to use the freshwater, food grade D/Earth when using it on animals or around livestock.

If you need help with how to use diatomaceous earth for fleas and other pests, call us at 800.786.4751.