Pet parents focus on flea protection all twelvemonth around — and with good intellect . Flea bites and infestation can result to skin irritation , itchiness , and even infections .
Diatomaceous earth for frankfurter and cats is often recommended as a instinctive option for keeping fleas at bay . But what on the button is it ? And more importantly , is it safe and effective ?
While this guide is designed to aid you empathize more about this alternative method of flea ascendence , your veterinary surgeon will be able to best determine if diatomaceous earth is proper for your lifestyle .
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous ground ( DE ) is a whitish sand - like powder composed of a eccentric of fossilized individual - celled alga call in diatoms . Though estimate vary wide , scientist consider there may be as many as two million species of diatoms inhabiting lakes , oceans , pool , and most other aquatic environment . In nature , diatom are an of the essence food reference — both directly and indirectly — for other marine animals , and they help remove carbon dioxide from the air .
The outer systema skeletale of diatom are made of atomic number 14 dioxide , a chemical chemical compound most commonly live as silica .
“ These skeletons are largely non - pellucid ( amorphous ) , although diatomaceous earth can carry varying amountsof crystalline quartz . Therein lie the problem , ” says Dr. Michael Dryden , university recognise prof , veterinary parasitology at Kansas State University in Manhattan , Kansas . “ While DE that hold lower amounts of crystalline silica ( less than one percentage ) are likely jolly dependable , some DE contains high amounts of crystalline silica and are potentially wild . ”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , inhaling crystalline silica can make a host of wellness issues like external respiration difficulty , irreversible lung damage , and autoimmune disease .
Types of Diatomaceous Earth
There are two main type of diatomaceous earth , categorise by their levels of crystalline silica :
The food grade potpourri , judge “ Generally discern as Safe ( GRAS ) ” by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration ( FDA ) for human consumption , contain between 0.5 and two pct crystalline silica .
Non - food or filter - level diatomaceous earth is toxic to mammals . This character can contain more than 60 percentage crystalline silica .
Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Fleas?
Food grade diatomaceous ground may indeed toss off fleas in sure instance , but it ’s not the most in force or efficient method of control condition or prevention , expert say .
“ There is some grounds that environmental program of diatomaceous ground to the indoor environs — including rug and big cat scratcher — can down flea in the surround , ” says Dr. Elizabeth Falk , a control board - certified veterinary dermatologist at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in Stamford , Connecticut . “ program to the outside environs is of varying efficaciousness , because it is deactivate by humidity and moisture . ”
Theoretically , diatomaceous earth work by dry out out the flea , which leads to its death . “ The louse ’s outmost stratum is compose of lipids , which acts to keep piddle inside the physical structure , ” says Falk . “ The DE particles stick to the lipids on the epicuticle ( protective stratum ) , which disrupt the lipid barrier , allowing pee to kick the bucket the dirt ball . ”
But most pet experts are not optimistic about the use of diatomaceous earth for flea controller . “ There is virtually no reliable data — research laboratory or field studies — showing it is utilitarian at all for flea control in a home — either powdered in the assumption or ingested , ” says Dryden . “ Our personal observation in domain written report in Florida would indicate it is practically worthless . We have enroll numerous homes in our flea control studies , where the homes were massively flea infested , even though the owners had been using DE . In some homes the powder was so thick it puffed up when walking on carpets . ”
Another issue is the rate at which diatomaceous world kills flea , which Hanna says is inadequate for her hypersensitized patient role . “ Although diatomaceous globe may deoxidise the number of flea in an environment over a period of metre , it just does n’t have what it takes as an effective flea control for our flea allergic patients , ” she says .
These pets are allergic to flea saliva , which Hanna says causes extreme itching and secondary infections . “ So a flea control product that kill flea quickly , reducing the number of flea bites and therefore subdue exposure to flea saliva , is paramount to their wellness and well - being , ” she contribute .
Other Diatomaceous Earth Uses
In addition to being by some citizenry to verify flea universe , diatomaceous earth has a number of other uses . Here are some of the most common .
Pest Control
Food grade DE is sprinkled on vegetable and flower gardens , as well as within the place to foreclose louse infestations .
Filtering Agent
Filter grade DE is impart to pool filter system , where it captures small particles — like dirt and bacteria — that other filters might miss .
Anti-Caking Agent
intellectual nourishment form DE is mixed with creature feed ( where it cake particles ) to prevent stick to and clumping .
Health Supplements
nutrient gradation DE is an constituent in some nutritional postscript , touted for heart wellness , digestive issues , bone wellness , lour cholesterol , and other wellness concerns . study on the welfare of DE for health have been minimal , so benefit are hard to confirm . In one sr. study published in theEuropean Journal of Medical Research , DE was shown to reduce stock cholesterin , but since the study did n’t let in a placebo - controlled group , these determination ca n’t be utterly determined .
Skin Care Products
nutrient gradation DE is used in products like facial masks and scrubs because of its soft harshness .
Diatomaceous Earth Benefits
While research about the effectiveness of diatomaceous earth for flea control is unsubstantiated , there are some advantage to using food grade diatomaceous solid ground .
“ It is thought to be quite safe for environmental handling of flea , whereas other products can be more toxic to pet , children , wildlife , and even adults , ” says Falk . DE is also virtually non - toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrate , scientists say .
Depending on the humidness and moisture grade ( it works best in lower humidity ) , diatomaceous earth can last in the surround for an extended period of sentence , says Falk .
It ’s also relatively affordable . A four - pound purse , for good example , generally costs under $ 15 dollars , and depending how often it ’s used ( experts say only a lowly amount should be used in the family ) , it can last a prospicient time .
Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Pets?
Even food - grade diatomaceous earthly concern can be a health hazard if used inappropriately . “ Clearly , small-scale amounts of less crystalline course are secure , but when you walk into a home where it has been diffuse everywhere by the homeowner trying to kill fleas in carpeting , I have major concerns , ” allege Dryden .
Inhalation is not the only safety equipment risk of exposure . unmediated physical contact with diatomaceous earth can make annoyance , waterlessness , and in rare cases , skin abrasions , says Chantelle Hanna , a dermatology technician at Southeast Veterinary Dermatology and Ear Clinic in Charlotte , North Carolina . Additionally , because diatomaceous worldly concern is abrasive , it can also be extremely chafe to the middle , she adds .
“ I remember it ’s important to remember that darling are no less vulnerable to these side effect , ” say Hanna . “ In fact , their comparatively little size and propinquity to the app Earth’s surface may put them at a mellow risk for get side effects than the favorite parent . ”
Downsides of Using Diatomaceous Earth
Before using diatomaceous earth to ascertain fleas , understand the caveat .
Its effectiveness varies depending on the environment it ’s used in . It may not be as in effect , for exercise , in orbit with higher humidity .
Although food - mark DE is safer for home enjoyment than filter mark , there are still possible base hit hazards for pets and humans , especially if it ’s inhaled . Contact with DE can cause tegument abrasions , dryness , and middle innervation .
It kills flea more slowly than traditional products . Many pets , like those who are allergic to flea , demand option that will vote down flea quickly .
Diatomaceous ground is also messy . Powder can get everywhere .
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas
Veterinarians recommend against apply diatomaceous globe direct onto pets . “ This is due to fearfulness of irritating the respiratory tract and irritating the GI nerve pathway , particularly in cats , who train themselves , ” Falk articulate .
Diatomaceous earthly concern is likely good for environmental treatment when used in connective with product that get applied directly to the pet , like flea prophylactic , says Falk .
One of the most common usance for food - form diatomaceous dry land is in the chiliad or garden . If you do utilise it this direction , Falk recommends reapplying if after it rain or every few days in areas of high-pitched humidity . “ It can be mingle with pee in club to be sprayed into the environment . It will not be effective when wet , but when it dries out , it should have some efficaciousness . ”
It can also be add to areas inside the home , like carpeting , cat scratchers , and pet kennels , Falk says . Experts say a small amount can go a long means .
Because of its potential risks to pets , speak to your veterinary surgeon before using food for thought - grade diatomaceous earth for flea control condition in your habitation .
Where to Buy Diatomaceous Earth
Food - mark diatomaceous earth for fleas and other pests is sold primarily at hardware stores and pet provision stores , including online . Diatomaceous earth powder is the most rough-cut form and it normally come in bags , but is also available in jar and bottles .
It ’s significant to purchase the food - gradation variety of diatomaceous earth if you be after to apply it at home . Additionally , “ best-loved parents should make certain they are purchasing a product that is approve by the EPA and that is coming from a reputable distributor , ” says Falk . “ They should beware of any product that sound out that it should be applied directly to the pet . ”
Finding a safe and in effect flea preventative is essential for your pet ’s wellness and comfort . Talk to your veterinarian about the undecomposed pick for your situation .
