Diatomaceous Earth?

[Crowe]

I've heard that diatomaceous earth is a natural tick repellant and is safe around pets. Anyone had any experience with this? If so, what kind do you get? I've seen several, some of which are used as a diet supplement for livestock and pets.

[Kelly_Campbell]

Diatomaceous earth comes like a powder talc you sprinkle on dogs to kill their fleas. It’s essentially a bug killer and as far as I know, it’s safe.

[Crowe]

Tractor Supply has Red Lake brand. Hubby's thought was to use our seed spreader to distribute it. If anyone thinks using a spreader is a bad idea please let me know! Thanks!

[Spleenstomper]

I get the food quality stuff for the horses. It is unsafe to inhale so be careful! Ill check tomorrow and see what brand we use.

[easttexan]

If you get a true flea infestation, DE is a great way to put a quick end to it. We had serious problems once and lightly dusted the carpets, then swept it in with a broom, left for the weekend, came back and vacuumed and haven't seen a flea in 5-6 years. A couple of cups will easily do a large house. Oddly enough, they say they don't work on fire ants.

[Dernhelm]

I used to use the brand "Penguin Down Dry Die." Great name. Stuff worked like a charm. It's fairly heavy and falls out of the air easily so if you take normal precautions while spreading it you shouldn't have any problems.

[Code2High]

Try googling "nematode tick control.". There are a few companies that supply nematodes specifically for ticks. I have never used nematodes for ticks but always found them quite helpful for flea problems.

[dogdiva]

I thought about using it, but heard that if it is inhaled it can cause lung problems so I chose not to use it

[Crowe]

Not sure about ticks but ants can not walk across it due to the sharp edges.

From what I read it punctures the exoskeletons of various bugs and the ultimately dehydrate and die. My concern is killing "innocent" bugs and causing a ripple effect of some sort by disrupting the food chain. There's plenty of open space in my neighborhood where they can survive and I need to put my family's safety first but it's still something to think about.

[garry1p]

Not sure about ticks but ants can not walk across it due to the sharp edges.

[AZPops]

Yeah, make sure you buy the stuff at a feed store, and not the stuff for pools.

I bought (is it) the 50lb bag of the stuff when we were at this project. I'd spread it at the entrance to the Eagle, but purchased it primarily to spread it (or I should say, as you'll see in the photo. Douse't the area) around Sugarfoot's feeding area.





I was told it was good for her insides as well, as it kills internal parasites.


Pops

PS Harlee never walked on the stuff, so not sure what it's do to her. I spread it under, and close to the legs of the stepping thing a ma jig at the entrance.

[Crowe]

I did a net search and it does appear that food grade diatomaceous earth does, indeed, kill ticks and is not harmful to animals. Found instructions on how to use it as well. We'll be heading to the local Tractor Supply Co to get some in the hopes we can rid the yard of ticks or at least cut down their numbers.

[darsben]

From what I have read It is not a flea repellant. Diatomaceous earth can be used to kill fleas. The problem is once it gets moist then it is less effective. So if you sprinkle food grade diatomaceous earth on a cat and the cat cleans himself the earth is less effective. Diatomaceous earth is added in the package of some grains to kill bugs that may eat the grain.

If you sprinkle food grade diatomaceous earth on an animal it should not hurt him and it will kill the fleas on him

[2oldman]

Lots of google hits on that.