Can a prehistoric creature that lived thousands of years ago help protect your pet from fleas today?
Actually, yes.
Fossilized single-celled creatures called diatoms compose diatomaceous earth (also called diatomite or fossil shell flour), which KILLS fleas and other insects naturally and very effectively.
In addition to pest control for your pets, diatomite has many other uses, including natural household pest control, pest control in the garden and farming. In its natural form it is organic, non-toxic and safe to use. There are other forms that are not safe to use (see below).
Diatomaceous earth can help kill fleas, ticks, lice and other pests on dogs, cats and other animals. Unlike other chemical or synthetic forms of pest control which may actually be nerve agents or toxic pesticides, diatomaceous earth is natural... it kills mechanically or by physical action, not chemical, by puncturing the insect's exoskeleton and absorbing the moisture in their bodies. All that has to happen is that the powder comes into contact with the flea or other insect.
Diatomite is also used in gardens to help control aphids, loopers, leaf hoppers, white flies, beetles, mites and other pests. In these types of uses the powder is best applied with a duster or flour sifter when the leaves are moist. After a rain the powder may need to re-applied.
In your home, diatomite can also help kill other pests such as roaches, silverfish, ants, flies, box elder bugs, scorpions, crickets, and many other insects without potentially harmful pesticides. It can also be an effective and natural way to kill bed bugs without putting toxic chemicals in your bed.
Diatomaceous earth can help eliminate the need to use controversial nerve agents such as those used in once-monthly flea and tick treatments, or potentially harmful pesticides and other chemicals used in flea powders, sprays and soaps that warn humans on the label to avoid contact with it. If the product is warning you to stay away from it, why would you put it on your pet?
IMPORTANT: Not all forms of diatomaceous earth or diatomite are safe to use around people or pets! Some forms, such as those used for pool filters, are heated and treated with chemical flux and contain large amounts of crystalline silica which is very sharp and hazardous to breathe. The more natural form of diatomite contains amorphous silica, which can cause dusty lungs, but does not carry the same degree of risk as crystalline silica. Always be sure you are using FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth around people and pets.
For use around people and pets you should use only food grade diatomaceous earth, available from natural pet supply stores.
Natural diatomite is a white to off-white powder. It can be used as directed on pet's coat and around the home. I have also sprinkled it outside my home to keep a flea-free barrier for my pets to run in and out of the house.
Thank you, little natural fossils, for keeping our homes and pets free from annoying insects without drugs and harmful synthetic chemicals.
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