Nature, in its infinite wisdom, supplies us with an amazing tool. Diatomaceous Earth, also known as DE, is this tool. Most of today’s chemical flea preparations and wormers are toxic in nature. This is how they work: The preparation actually poisons the worm, the flea, the tick etc. Unfortunately these poisons linger on in the animal’s body.

Feed grade DE (Diatomaceous Earth) is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved.  A mineral product, DE is mined from the unicellular fossilized silica shell remains.  Also containing colonial algae, which belong to the class Bacillariophyceae and are grouped as diatoms. These microscopic sea skeletons and aquatic plant fossils have tiny, sharp barbs that the human eye can only see through the use of a microscope.

The EPA states that DE has both an abrasive property and a sorptive property. DE therefore acts as a drying agent and a “razor blade”. DE clings to the outer surface of the flea/worm and dries it and the razor sharp barbs slice and dice the parasitic creature. DE is thus considered a mechanical wormer.

Dr. Jeff Toman, a veterinarian from Beaumont Texas is quoted as saying “DE is a natural insecticide and an excellent option to replace the chemical selections we have at present. The problem is not many people have ever heard of DE and thus are reluctant to use it once they have heard about it.”

Basically there are two types of DE. They are Swimming pool grade and feed grade.  The swimming pool grade is processed differently and actually poses a health risk to all animals. It is chemically treated and partially melted. DO NOT USE SWIMMING POOL GRADE for animal use.

Feed grade DE is what we want for our animals and yards. This grade is mined, dried, ground, sifted and then bagged. Our feed grade diatomaceous earth has non-crystalline silica. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health does not consider our DE a hazard. William Quaries in a recent article in the IPM Practitioner wrote “DE is so safe for use on foods that FDA has exempted DE from requirements or fixed residue levels when added to stored grain and also the US EPA allows its use in food storage and processing areas.”

Nature’s Farmacy recommends using some safety precautions when using DE as a dust on your property. Please wear protective gear, like a dust mask or scarf to cover your mouth and nose. Eye protection is also required when working with dry DE outside. Being a drying agent avoid direct contact with eyes, skin and mucous membranes.

To correctly apply diatomaceous earth, spread the product very thinly across your yard, dog runs, exercise pens, and flower beds. In the home treat your carpet in the same way as your yard.

For effective flea control and to exterminate them all together you will need to treat all services both inside and outside the home. In short anywhere your dog has been or is likely to go.  Plan on treating the areas several times to insure that you are killing all the parasites hatched since your last treatment.

DE is a proven and effective alternative to chemical pesticide use, however it is not immediate. It very well may take 2-3 weeks to prove itself. Research has proven that some insects die in 3-4 hours from exposure to DE and other insects may take longer.

DE as a wormer is equally as impressive. Simply add it to your dogs feed. Consider 1 tablespoon per 50 pounds of bodyweight. Most dogs would get 1 - 3 teaspoons.

(more…)