Fill a manual hand duster with food-grade natural diatomaceous earth. Alternatively, you can toss handfuls of dust to the infected areas. Diatomaceous earth is a superb insect killer that is both long-lasting and non-toxic. When you are shopping in-store or online, read the label carefully or verify the grade with the vendor. 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. 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. 3 Stand at one end of the area and turn the hand crank while walking slowly toward the opposite end of the lawn. But you may see the first results after 12 hours. The ancestors of today’s diatomaceous earth settled in bed on the floors of ancient but non-existent lakes. Dampen the lawn where you wish to apply the diatomaceous earth powder. It's okay to apply diatomaceous earth when the ground is wet after a rain shower, just make sure it's not going to rain heavily afterwards. This natural pesticide kills fleas while being completely safe to mammals. Give all your carpets a brush with a broom that has stiff bristles and a thorough vacuum. Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Ticks And Other … Here are the exact steps: Diatomaceous earth is usually categorized as a non-toxic insect repellant and is in fact recognized as a treatment in organic farming. These can be rented at most home improvement centers. Make sure you're using food-grade diatomaceous earth. Because diatomaceous earth kills with a mechanical method (rather than chemical) fleas will not become immune to it. Besides fleas, it can kill other hard-shell insects, such as cockroaches, ticks, beetles, and bedbugs. Diatomaceous Earth is a very effective method for removing bugs and small critters from your garden. Make sure that your pet’s blankets and bed are lightly covered with the powder. wikiHow's. If you’re applying it to leaves, remember to spray the bottom of the leaves as well. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,462 times. How To Apply Diatomaceous Earth For Dogs. As well, there is the issue of nematodes not being viable on arrival. For more tips, including how to make a shaker to sprinkle dry diatomaceous earth onto your plants, read on! If you're treating a larger area, such as your entire flower bed or garden, you'd want to use a garden pump sprayer. Spread your powdery diatomaceous earth on a dry and windless day. Give all your carpets a brush (stiff bristles) and a thorough vacuum. Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas. Diatomaceous earth or DE provides a natural way of dealing with fleas dwelling in your yard. Diatomaceous earthis a mineral powder that can be used to get rid of fleas, cockroaches, ants, and dust mites from your garden. Apply diatomaceous earth around the yard area. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. After all, it can control other external parasites besides fleas, including ticks, ants, and flies. Give your pet a thorough bath, using a moisturizing shampoo. Also can be used to treat the outside of your house. 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. If you inhale large amounts of this substance, it can cause coughing and irritate nasal passages, especially if you are sensitive to dust particles. When you vacuum, you will suck up some flea eggs, larvae, and even adult fleas – but not all of them. After the initial vacuum, you should sprinkle the dry carpet with diatomaceous earth and let it sit for at least 12 hours. How to apply, and inexpensively spread and treat areas of your house using Diatomaceous Earth. Plan for it to take from 3 to 8 weeks to remove fleas for carpet – … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While there is no single solution to fight the flea problem, this post will focus on a substance called diatomaceous earth (DE). Besides fighting fleas, diatomaceous earth has been used for a variety of industrial, farm, medical, and even food-based situations. Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be applied to the affected areas by applying it with any type of dust spreader, normally available at garden centers. Here is a quick demonstration on how to use my product Earth’s Answers No More Fleas for Cats and kittens. Usually, industrial-grade DE is not safe not only for pets but also for humans. After 2-3 days, vacuum the area again to remove any dead fleas, eggs, or larvae. Spay the DE into the lawn in a thin and even coat until you cover the entire lawn area, including the surrounding perimeters. But you should be keen not to overuse it. Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Pets? Diatomaceous earth is used in swimming pool filters and it is also used to kill a wide range of common garden insects, including fleas, ants and termites, cockroaches, and many more. Diatomaceous earth is a mineral powder that can help you get rid of fleas, cockroaches, ants, and dust mites. 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. 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. Veterinarians generally advise against the use of diatomaceous earth for fleas on cats and dogs. If you have pets, the likely source of those fleas is their furry coats. Because of silica skeletons in DE, fleas and insects get tiny cuts when they crawl over soil treated with DE. But riding your yard of fleas can be challenging sometimes, especially if you are not sure what tools to use or even where to start. In the real sense, diatomaceous earth causes the fleas to die because of lack of air and dehydration. I’ve created this website to help people get rid of fleas and other pests in their home or garden. Diatomaceous earth was discovered back in the 1830s when an old farmer found a hard substance that he initially mistaken it for limestone. Rub the DE powder with a hand broom or brush into the carpets to reach all hidden fleas inside carpet. So, there you have it. As mentioned before, diatomaceous earth is not only lethal to fleas, but it can also kill a number of pests. Diatomaceous earth also tends to be helpful for killing fleas outdoors, although the chances of killing all the fleas in your yard with this method are slim. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 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. Yes, that is fine. “Do not apply diatomaceous earth directly to your pet. To get rid of lawn pests, mix and apply wettable powders in the right proportions. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Diatomaceous Earth offers another non-toxic way of getting rid of fleas in your yard. When used in correct proportions, DE can be foolproof in controlling a variety of destructive pests in your garden. Diatomaceous Earth is a very effective method. Overall, diatomaceous earth is an effective, non-toxic alternative to chemical pesticides. 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. I’ve worked as exterminator for many years. It’s a fine powder made up of microscopic organisms that physically damage an insect’s exoskeleton. Applying the powder around the base of your garden or right at the soil level will help prevent crawling insects from eating away at your plants. Even though its applied externally, you should use diatomaceous earth food-grade for fleas on dogs since your dog may lick its coat. 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. Fortunately, you can easily treat your yard for fleas to kill them and keep them from coming back. Use Diatomaceous Earth. Use the same process for eradicating the home of fleas. Dusting all carpets in the house, then let it set not less than half an hour. Free from harmful toxins, diatomaceous earth is a fine dust that's made from fossilized remains of a type of algae called diatoms. You can also use a garden duster or flour sifter. On average, it may take up to two days to eradicate the pests entirely. What it does is that it punctures the fleas’ waxy exoskeleton using it sharp particles. Apply the powder when it’s not windy so it doesn’t blow away. Learn more... Diatomaceous earth is a mineral powder that can help you get rid of fleas, cockroaches, ants, and dust mites. Choosing the wrong grade of DE may compromise the health of your pets. "I have used this in the past, it was very helpful. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. For more natural alternatives, try using diatomaceous earth or nematodes to kill the fleas in your yard. Find products specifically for spreading diatomaceous earth powder at your local garden store or online. Even before that, you should first prepare it for treatment by picking weeds and mowing grass. Do not wet it down or mix it with water to make a spray. This substance can also block up and damages the fleas’ respiratory system. Steps to use diatomaceous earth for flea control. Only apply the powder to plants that are being eaten so you don't kill beneficial insects. Generally, diatomaceous earth is harmless for pets. 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. Fleas are a real nuisance for cats and dogs and can quickly infest a home, so preventative treatment is imperative. For more tips, including how to make a shaker to sprinkle dry diatomaceous earth onto your plants, read on! 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. Last Updated: December 18, 2019 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. The product is also effective in controlling soft-bodied insects, too, including aphids, caterpillar, and snugs. 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. Apply the dust on a dry day. When used appropriately, diatomaceous earth can kill off fleas within a few days. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The light misting of water will help the diatomaceous powder to stick to the leaves of your grass. It is effective because it cuts at the waxy layer that protects fleas. While it is not a harmful substance, try covering your mouth and nose when using diatomaceous earth. {"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":"