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Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

 

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a fine flour-like powder, the microscopic remains of fossilized diatoms, a type of algae. Diatoms are found in freshwater and saltwater. Capable of photosynthesis, they are an important food source for many organisms in these water ecosystems.

Diatom cell walls are made of silica, a component of glass. DE has been used for years as an insecticide to control mites, fleas and other insects;

 

How Diatomaceous Earth Works to Kill Fleas and Other Insects

Fleas and other insects with an exoskeleton (hard shell) are susceptible to the glass-sharp edges of the microscopic diatoms. The silica shards cut through the waxy exoskeleton surface, effectively drying out the flea, resulting in death to these types of insects and their larvae.

 

Diatomaceous Earth Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The good news is that Diatomaceous Earth is non-toxic to humans and animals; it is even used in some foods food (food-grade quality, not the DE used for pool filtration systems) and some health supplements. DE is also used for a variety of beauty and health care products.

• Daily vacuuming is an important component of household flea control. Diatomaceous Earth can be used safely on many surfaces and floor coverings, vacuuming up the DE after allowed to sit for at least a few hours or overnight. A few days, if doable.

• Diatomaceous Earth is safe to use on pet bedding, in addition to weekly washing of pet bedding in warm water.

• Diatomaceous Earth is safe to use around the yard, but large amounts may be necessary to have a positive effect on flea control. Regular mowing and trimming of vegetation also helps. For serious flea infestations of yard and garden, a consultation with a pest exterminator is in order.

• Diatomaceous Earth is not toxic, does not have any residual problems, and because it is amechanical killer versus a chemical killer, resistance to DE is not a problem.

Cons:

• Diatomaceous Earth is a very fine, silky powder; similar to flour or talc. It is messy and may irritate eyes and throat. Use caution and wear a face mask when applying. Food grade DE is ok to ingest, so it is not toxic to pets or people, but may be temporarily irritating.

• Diatomaceous Earth that is used for pool filtration systems is very finely ground and is dangerous to breathe in. It is not recommended for flea and insect control.

• Diatomaceous Earth must be dry to work. Wetting it down or trying to mix it with water to spray it and not breathe in dusk negates the useful action of DE. Always wear a mask when applying DE.

• Some advocate using Diatomaceous Earth directly on pets. Caution is advised if you elect to use it on your pet. Use food grade DE only. DE is very drying - it may dry out your pet's skin. Protect your pets eyes, nose, mouth when applying.

Fighting Fleas

Fleas are a pain to deal with, for pets and people. Fighting fleas effectively necessitates knowing about the flea life cycle and addressing fleas both on the pet(s) and in the environment.

Diatomaceous Earth is a safe and effective add-on to an existing plan or as a standalone flea fighter. There are many flea treatments available, depending on the severity of the problem, the climate, and your pet's overall health. Your veterinarian can help tailor a flea-fighting plan specific to your needs.

 

PETS:  Our best friends come in all shapes and sizes. Protect them with Diatomaceous Earth. When lightly rubbed into their coats and dusted in your pet's area, Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is very effective against Lice, Mites,Fleas, and Ticks on dogs, cats, and birds. Just rub gently into the pet's coat. - For an Ear Mites remedy for your pets, simply rub a pinch of DE onto the skin on both sides of the ear flaps daily for a month or so to kill existing and newly hatched mites.  Recommended by vets. Safe for Pets and People, Diatomaceous Earth kills by physical action, not chemical. The tiny diatoms scratch off the insect's waxy coating, and dehydrate it. DE is also an effective organic wormer and will kill any worms or parasites the pets may have. When using as a daily pet food supplement or as a safe wormer, mix Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth with pet food. Following is Recommended Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth daily doses for Dogs and Cats as an organic wormer - (complete worming can take up to a month to be safe)..  Reported great results with sore and painful hips and joints, and even a fuller, healthier shiny coat as a reg. daily supplement.

 

Large Cats: 1 teaspoon    Kittens :1/4 teaspoon   Dogs 100 lbs + : 1-2  tablespoons Dogs 50-100lbs: 1 tablespoon  Dogs Under 50 lbs: 1 teaspoon  Mini dogs: 1/2 teaspoon