Diatomaceous earth is an effective method of natural flea control. This natural flea pest control method is chemical free. You have control over the dose and the application.
Some background info…
Diatomaceous earth is made up of diatoms. Diatoms are the fossilized remains of a type of algae. DE looks like powder as shown below. DE can have an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder. Although it looks like powder it is actually a natural form of mineral dust.
To kill fleas, the powder like DE, is sprinkled around the home and yard, in places where the cat hangs out.
It is the diatoms in the diatomaceous earth that scratch away at the waxy layer of the insect’s exoskeleton. The flea dies because moisture from the body of the flea evaporates and the flea then dehydrates and dies.
It does take more effort on your part than putting a flea collar on your cat or applying flea drops
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However diatomaceous earth, is a chemical free option which can also be used to get rid of fleas from around your home. Plus it works just as well for dogs.
The photo below is Sarakiniko Cove on the island of Milos in Greece. The white mineral dust that looks like beach sand is Diatomaceous Earth.
Where Do You Buy Diatomaceous Earth?
Purchasing diatomaceous earth online is convenient because the larger bags are pretty heavy.
You can avoid the heavy lifting by having it delivered. Once you have the bag at home the product can be decanted into smaller more manageable containers.
Five Food Grade DE Products For Fleas On Cats
All of the products featured here are 100% food grade. This is what you must use if you are using it for treating fleas on your cat.
Diatomaceous earth that is not the food grade version is a very effective insecticide, however as this article is specifically about using diatomaceous earth for fleas on our cats, only 100% food grade items will be featured.
1.Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade
This diatomaceous earth is listed by OMRI and has been reviewed against organic product standards.
It has no additives or contaminants, is packaged using stainless steel machinery and is made from 99.9% pure silica. This gives peace of mind, particularly when using around your family and pets.
To use, sprinkle the diatomaceous earth in infested areas inside the house, for example pet beds and in the yard. Also think sprinkling the powder in the nooks and crannies where the cat likes to hang out.
If you have toddlers or young children you may have to restrict the use of DE in higher traffic areas to avoid the DE being picked up on feet and hands.
The fleas needs to crawl over the diatomaceous earth for it to work effectively. This is the reason for sprinkling the powder on cat bedding, carpeted cat trees, hardwood floors and so on is recommended.
While you are sprinkling the powder add a small amount to the kitty litter. For every pound of litter add approximately 3/4 of a cup of DE and distribute reasonably evenly. It will help absorb moisture and odors.
Diatomaceous earth can be dusty when applying, so as a precautionary measure use a mask if using large quantities of the product. This applies to any other diatomaceous earth product also. Avoid using on windy days.
Pros
Although the diatomaceous earth bag looks like a plain paper bag in the image, it is actually thick and sturdy for repeated opening and closing.
Cons
Be aware that there are many health claims for humans made regarding diatomaceous earth. This article is only reviewing diatomaceous earth in relation to controlling adult fleas.
Specifications Of Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade
Food safe diatomaceous earth is safe to use around children and pets. Although it is safe to use, diatomaceous earth is still in powder form, so exercise discretion.
Choose from these sizes, 1.3lbs, 2 lbs, 5 bs, 10 lbs and 25 lbs. The smallest container is a shaker bottle and the other sizes are in bags.
An idea for small projects around the home, is to purchase the shaker bottle and a larger size bag. Then decant into the smaller more manageable shaker bottle. This product is listed by OMRI. It is made from 99% pure silica.
