Question about D.E. Food Grade?

[threecatowner]

My three cats are completely nuts from fleas, have been regularly treated all summer, but we still have them in the house, etc.

I ordered D.E. - and it says on the container that it is food grade, which I believe is safer?

The bottle states that you can sprinkle this directly on the pet, rubbing into fur. I have never heard you could do this. Is that safe?

Otherwise, I have never used this stuff, so I'm not sure how to proceed. Do I sprinkle it all over the carpet and just leave it? For how long? Will it feel gritty under our feet? How long after I sprinkle it before I can vacuum? I'm not a fanatic housekeeper by any means, but I don't know if I can stand leaving stuff all over the carpet for weeks on end.

For those who have experience with this stuff, can you help?

 

[arlyn]

I use it and it does work.
Use caution, do not inhale any, put it on them in a well ventilated area (or try to keep their heads covered), and remove them from the room while putting it on the carpet.

When using it on the carpet, I suggest you use a broom to really work it down into the carpet fibers, let it sit for a minimum of 24 hours before vacuuming.
If possible, use a shop vac for initial vacumming, them go over it with your regular vac.

You can also buy a couple of flea collars, cut them up, and keep them in the bags/cannisters of your vacuum(s).

I also sprinkle it around the base of the outside of the house (obviously not possible in an apartment) and lay it a slight bit thicker at entry points.

As for how it feels to walk on, it feels like talc or baby powder.

 

[threecatowner]

Thanks, Arlyn. So... it is okay to actually apply this on a cat? It doesn't "react" with their flea meds that they're already on (Frontline, which hardly works anymore)?

I was also thinking that getting all the entry points really well would be a good idea, too.

Thanks for the info!

 

[arlyn]

It doesn't react to anything, it's microscopic fossilized crustaceans.
It is an irritant if inhaled though, but perfectly safe to swallow.

 

[threecatowner]

I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but...

okay, I have sprinkled onto the carpet and worked it in as best as I can. The carpet still looks white. I am sure to have inhaled some while I was on my hands and knees doing this.

My question now is (and a good time to ask): while this is on the carpet, will it be a hazard to my somewhat asthmatic husband? All the windows and doors are closed for Fall. Or is the danger of inhaling only while you are sprinkling it?

 

[arlyn]

It's like dust, an irritant if stirred up.
I also have asthma/COPD, when I have it down on carpets (I use a dust mask while sprinkling), it does aggrivate my allergies a little, but not to the point of coughing or wheezing.
I would have him leave, or at least wear a dust mask when you vacuum it up though.

 

[threecatowner]

Thanks again, Arlyn!

 

[arlyn]

No problem at all!