Diatomaceous Earth for fleas

xocats

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I don't use it but because I have sensitive lungs from Asthma, I am always aware of dust.

If it is put in carpets and has fine dust particles,
it might be possible that when you vacuum ....
the fine dust will get into the air.

I would be very careful if you choose to use this product.
 

zissou'smom

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I have asthma too and never had a problem.

If you have a choice between this and using toxic chemicals like a fogger or bomb, this would be better for everyone involved. Just wear a mask when you put it down.
 

beckiboo

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This discussion is so intriguing to me. I have a "kitten room" for my foster Moms and babies. I had one litter with fleas, and it would have been nice to be able to treat the carpet with something safe. And I could routinely treat the hallway outside the room, where Festus lurks so she can play under the door with the kittens, so the fleas couldn't get to my kids.

I will definitely be looking into this more!

Found this info on Wikipedia...who is not selling the stuff! It does sound effective and harmless.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

Has anyone had experience or heard of first hand experience using it as a wormer?!? That is very intriguing to me, especially since we have 9 animals at our house!
 

tru

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Originally Posted by Beckiboo

This discussion is so intriguing to me. I have a "kitten room" for my foster Moms and babies. I had one litter with fleas, and it would have been nice to be able to treat the carpet with something safe. And I could routinely treat the hallway outside the room, where Festus lurks so she can play under the door with the kittens, so the fleas couldn't get to my kids.

I will definitely be looking into this more!

Found this info on Wikipedia...who is not selling the stuff! It does sound effective and harmless.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

Has anyone had experience or heard of first hand experience using it as a wormer?!? That is very intriguing to me, especially since we have 9 animals at our house!
Yes, the first time I used DE I wasn't aware of what it was. I bought it from the Pet Medicine Chest as a safe wormer and flea treatment.
You use 1/4 teaspoon mixed in the wet food per cat per day. I don't remember exactly how long to keep this up, but I do know if it is during flea season or you live in an area with fleas year round then just make this an every day thing.

They say that the cats also get trace minerals from DE that is good for them.
Go here >> http://www.petmedicinechest.com/feli...asitestext.asp
to read the whole bit about parasite control.

Almost forgot to add... they call the DE WormOut
 

jaycee

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the local feed store sells it but it does not say "food grade" on the package. it does say its for use in and outside the home and in pet sleeping areas. do think its safe?

it also says "organic" which i think would mean the poisons or anything else was not added to it?
 

jaycee

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i figured it out. the regular garden kind is safe for use in your house and around pets, its just not edible. the food grade is the kind you can add to their food and use for wormer. the pool kind is different from both of these and is toxic.
 

chrissyr

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I bought some from ebay, too. From someone named valchemy. Here'swhat they had on the auction:

Five pounds of food grade fresh water amorphous Diatomaceous Earth (DE). It's FDA-approved as a feed additive and contains less than 1% crystalline silica.
For pets and livestock, food grade DE is used to control internal and external parasites. Mix it in dry animal feed for internal parasite control. The suggested mixing rate is 2% of the total weight of the dry ration (one pound per 50 pounds of livestock feed). For external parasites, lightly dust or rub it onto the animal.

DE can be also used to control cockroaches, slugs, aphids, earwigs, silverfish, ants, adult flea beetles, lice, mites, and many other insects. Sprinkle it in the garden, on the grass, and around the foundation of your house. Use inside on pantry shelves, under sinks, closets, on rugs, and in corners and crevices



Maybe I can't use it because it's fresh water? At least not on the cats? I figured I was safe since it does say you can dust it onto pets. Help? LOL
 

jaycee

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if its food grade yes you can use it on your pets, it doesnt matter if its fresh water or not. i just bought some from that same guy to add to my kitties food. i also bought the non-foodgrade kind from the local feed store for use on my carpets and cats fur.
 

pami

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Originally Posted by jaycee

if its food grade yes you can use it on your pets, it doesnt matter if its fresh water or not. i just bought some from that same guy to add to my kitties food. i also bought the non-foodgrade kind from the local feed store for use on my carpets and cats fur.
You dont want to use the non food grade on your cats fur because they will lick it off. I would use the food grade on your carpet, too.

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html
 

chrissyr

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Originally Posted by jaycee

if its food grade yes you can use it on your pets, it doesnt matter if its fresh water or not. i just bought some from that same guy to add to my kitties food. i also bought the non-foodgrade kind from the local feed store for use on my carpets and cats fur.
Thanks! Now I know how I'll be spending my weekend. Dusting my cats' fleas.
 

jaycee

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Originally Posted by Pami

You dont want to use the non food grade on your cats fur because they will lick it off. I would use the food grade on your carpet, too.

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html
that is a great site! so much information


i read that the minimal quantity cats may lick off their fur (of non food-grade) is not harmful, just dont feed it to them.
 
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