Fleas are not just a hassle for you and your pets. Flea bites can lead to skin problems and other health issues in pets and humans. Once you find yourself with a flea infestation, it is difficult to eliminate the pests from your home. This is mainly due to the flea's life cycle. Fleas can remain dormant in the pupae stage and are resistant to flea control methods until they emerge into adult fleas.

Flea control products like flea collars or flea shampoos for use on cats and dogs can help keep fleas off your pets and reduce the flea population in the environment. However, a major infestation requires more attention to remove fleas, larva, and pupae from your home. Many people turn to diatomaceous earth to try to reduce the number of fleas in their homes.

There are many environmental flea control products on the market, some more effective than others. Some of these are harsh chemicals that must be used with caution. Fortunately, diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can help reduce the fleas in your home.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a powdered substance made from a soft sedimentary rock that occurs naturally in the environment. This rock is formed over time by the fossilized remains of one-celled organisms called diatoms that naturally contain silica. Dead diatoms decay and fossilize over time, forming sedimentary rock deposits in bodies of water. These deposits can be mined and easily made into a fine powder.

Diatomaceous earth consists of silica and traces of other natural minerals. Each particle has microscopic jagged edges that can cause irritation to certain surfaces. It also has a natural drying effect. When viewed under a high-powered microscope, diatomaceous earth particles look like shards of glass.

How Diatomaceous Earth Works on Fleas

Fleas and some other insects have exoskeletons, which are hard outer bodies or shells. When these insects touch diatomaceous earth, the tiny abrasive particles damage their exoskeletons and cling to their bodies, absorbing the moisture from their bodies until they dry up and perish.

Adult fleas may begin to die as quickly as four hours after contact with diatomaceous earth. The particles may kill some flea larvae as well, but it is not effective against flea eggs or pupae.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth to Control Fleas

Diatomaceous earth is easy to use and is considered to be non-toxic to pets and humans. The goal of using diatomaceous earth for flea control is to minimize fleas in your pet's environment. The powder should not be applied directly to pets unless you are specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Although it is not toxic, it can cause dryness and irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs. To keep fleas off of pets, use an effective flea control product developed specifically for the species of pet.

1. Obtain food-grade diatomaceous earth (rather than filter grade, which can be hazardous).
2. Wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from the drying effects of diatomaceous earth. Remove your pet from the area during application.
3. Sprinkle a generous amount of diatomaceous earth all over your home, including carpets, rugs, hardwood floors, around baseboards, and on upholstery.
4. Diatomaceous earth can be used outdoors but you will need to use much more. The effects may not last long depending on weather conditions.
5. Allow the diatomaceous earth to remain in place for one to three days. Restrict your pet's access to the product if they insist of sniffing, eating, or rubbing themselves in it.
6. Vacuum all areas thoroughly then empty the vacuum canister or bag.
7. Repeat steps one through five as recommended, and consider alternative flea control methods if fleas remain in the home.

If you continue to see fleas on your pets or in the environment, consult your veterinarian for advice. You may need to put your pets on a more effective flea control regimen or change your strategy to control fleas in the environment. For severe flea infestations, you may need to have a professional exterminator treat your home and yard.

Considerations Before Using Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is safe to use on pet bedding. However, prolonged exposure can have a slight drying effect on your pet's skin. For better flea prevention, wash pet bedding in hot water once a week.

Because diatomaceous earth kills with a mechanical method (rather than chemical) fleas will not become immune to it.

Diatomaceous earth must be dry to work. Do not wet it down or mix it with water to make a spray. Also, note that diatomaceous earth is less effective in humid environments.

While diatomaceous earth may be a desirable option for those seeking natural flea control, its efficacy is often considered to be limited. Diatomaceous earth is unlikely to kill all adult fleas and does not stop flea reproduction. Fleas left behind are still able to bite pets and reproduce. Pet owners dealing with a major infestation or those whose pets suffer from flea allergies should consider a more reliable option.