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Table of Contents
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Does Diatomaceous Earth kill fleas?
What Diatomaceous Earth won’t do!
Is Diatomaceous Earth safe for pets?
Can I apply it directly to my pet?
Diatomaceous Earth for fleas: How to use it safely
How to get rid 100% of fleas
Once fleas take hold, they are a nightmare to get rid of. Fleas make our lives and the lives of pets miserable and frustrating. Aside from chemical treatments like Spot-On Flea Treatment or Flea & Tick Shampoo, Diatomaceous Earth is a more natural solution to attempting to kill fleas. But, this doesn’t mean it’s the best approach. Keep reading to find out why Diatomaceous Earth won’t get rid of a flea infestation and what treatment you should be using instead.
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilised remains of microscopic algae called diatoms. Under a microscope, these particles look like tiny shards of glass. That sharp, abrasive structure is the key to how Diatomaceous Earth affects insects.
It’s important to note that there are two main types:
Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth: Sometimes used in animal feed and pest control. This is generally safe for pets to be around.
Industrial or pool-grade Diatomaceous Earth: Chemically treated and not safe for pets or people.
Yes it does but not to the extent you need it to, in order to wipe out a flea infestation. Diatomaceous Earth does not poison fleas. Instead, it works mechanically. When fleas come into contact with the powder, it damages their waxy outer coating, causing them to dehydrate and die over time.
Where Diatomaceous Earth can be effective:
In dry indoor environments
On carpets, cracks in floors, skirting boards, and pet bedding
Against adult fleas that crawl through treated areas
It does not kill flea eggs or pupae - Click here to see the flea life cycle and why it’s important to kill flea eggs!
It works slowly, often taking several days
It becomes ineffective when damp
It won’t reliably eliminate an active infestation on pets
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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Food-grade diatomaceous earth is considered low toxicity for dogs and cats. However, “natural” does not automatically mean harmless. Cats, in particular, are more vulnerable because of their grooming habits and sensitive lungs.
Potential risks include:
Respiratory irritation if inhaled
Eye irritation if dust gets into eyes
Dry skin with repeated contact
While some people lightly dust pets with it, vets do not recommend this practice due to inhalation risks and limited effectiveness. If Diatomaceous Earth is used at all, it is far safer as an environmental treatment rather than something applied directly to fur.
Step-by-Step environmental use
Choose food-grade diatomaceous earth only
Remove pets from the room
Lightly dust carpets, rugs, cracks, and pet bedding (a thin layer works best) - Avoid creating clouds of dust and wearing a mask while applying
Leave for 24–72 hours
Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the waste in an outside bin to avoid fleas coming back into your home
Repeat weekly if needed
If you’re dealing with fleas, the most effective strategy usually includes all of these 3 steps… regular vacuuming and washing of bedding and environmental control (where Diatomaceous Earth may play a minor role).
1. Vet-approved flea treatment
Opt for an ongoing flea treatment for your pet that is formulated specifically for their breed (i.e. cat or dog), like the Itch Monthly Flea Subscription which is tailored for your pet’s breed and weight. By using monthly treatment, you don’t just kill fleas living on your pet, you also protect them from future infestations.
2. Treating your home
95% of fleas live in your home during an infestation, not on your pet. So it’s key to treat your environment, alongside your pet. Use vet-strength household flea to blast fleas and their eggs in your home - Try the Itch Flea House Spray which kills fleas for up to 2 months after just one spritz!
3. Clean regularly
After spotting your first flea, daily vacuum everywhere in your home for 14 days and put your bedding, your pet’s bedding and any other soft furnishings on a hot wash. Keep this up once a week for 3 months which is around the time the fleas will have disappeared fully. Click here for a flea cleaning guide!
So Diatomaceous Earth does kill fleas but it does it slowly and it won’t fully eradicate an infestation. It’s generally safe for pets as long as you don’t apply it directly and use it in your home in moderate amounts.
Is your home riddled with fleas?
The Itch Flea Eradication Kit is our proven method to eliminate fleas from your pet and your home! It’s got everything you need to get rid of fleas fast with fast, free overnight delivery.
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So your home has some lovely unwelcome guests... Fleas. Your cat or dog is more than likely scratching incessantly, or maybe you’ve noticed tiny, jumping critters making themselves a bit too comfortable on your sofa. Either way, you've got a flea infestation you want it gone – and fast! Keep reading to see how to quickly regain control of your home and for vet-recommended tips on speeding up this process.
Fleas, the tiny terrors that can turn your pet's life into an itchy, uncomfortable ordeal. When faced with a flea infestation, many pet owners seek solutions that are safe and natural. But do these natural flea treatments actually work? In this blog post, we'll discuss the world of natural flea remedies, exploring common options, assessing their effectiveness, and discovering which ones are worth considering. We'll also introduce you to Itch Flea treatment and explain why it’s so fab as an effective preventative treatment. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of whether natural flea treatments are the right choice for your furry friend.
Receiving and applying your Itch flea treatment monthly, all year round, is absolutely essential to ensure that your pets are flea free, forever.
So, it’s important that we package our products as sustainably as possible because we send out a lot of them!
