Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas and Ticks

Diatomaceous earth is a completely natural and effective treatment that will help rid your cat of fleas and ticks. This organic powder is comprised of the fossilized shells of ancient sea creatures. While food grade diatomaceous earth is completely safe for you and your cat, the fine powder is abrasive enough to kill the little bugs that latch on to your cat.

 

Why Use Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas and Ticks?

Simply put, over-the-counter flea and tick medications for cats are dangerous. Too many cats have died after using these treatments for us to, in good conscience, recommend their use. There is already a good case for not using traditional flea and tick medications – but just because one thing is bad doesn’t mean that the alternative is going to work, right? Fortunately, diatomaceous earth really does work for treating cats with external parasites.

Diatomaceous earth is not a hokey home remedy backed up by hopeful placebo effects. Its effectiveness is well-documented and makes perfect sense.

When observed under a microscope, diatomaceous earth particles resemble shards of glass. These sharp edges are the secret to diatomaceous earth’s power. It penetrates bug skeletons like a sword and stays there – either cutting up or dehydrating the bug to death. It is simple, mechanical, and it really works. Plus, if you use food grade diatomaceous earth – more on that later – diatomaceous earth is completely safe for your cat. Unlike OTC flea and tick medication, it won’t kill your cat or leave patches of raw skin.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas and Ticks

While many people apply diatomaceous earth to their cats topically, the practice has not been approved by the FDA and EPA. Diatomaceous earth can dry out your cat’s skin. Inhaling large amounts of the dust may be harmful – just like inhaling too much of any dust could be rough on your respiratory system.
To get rid of the fleas and ticks in your home, vacuum your cat’s favorite places to hang out in the home. After you vacuum, sprinkle a liberal amount of diatomaceous earth in those areas. After two to three days, the DE should have done its work and you can use a shop vac to clean up the diatomaceous earth.
Applying diatomaceous earth around your house will get rid of the pests that are continuing to latch onto your cat. You can also use diatomaceous earth as an outdoor insecticide.

How to Choose Diatomaceous Earth for Cats

Here is the most important thing to remember when choosing diatomaceous earth for your cat: food grade diatomaceous earth is the only safe type. When shopping for diatomaceous earth, you will see various types of the powder. Industrial grade diatomaceous earth, for example, is commonly used for pool filtration. This type of diatomaceous earth is absolutely not safe for your cats. Only food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for pets, so make sure that you choose the right kind.

Solve Your Cat’s Flea and Tick Problems with Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth!