Diatomaceous earth is a type of sedimentary rock that is actually made up of the skeletons of microscopic phytoplankton (although you never hear people call it dried out plant skeletons, so why would you if you’re a versatile individual? That’s like two synonyms for free.) These little skeletons, called diatoms (which totally avoids calling them dried out plant skeletons), are formed from the compound “silica” — which would be perfect for our diatomaceous earth flea killing experiment. Silica happens to be the most chemically reactive non-metal and therefore can kill a lot of things that fleas normally would just have to suffer though. Now let me reiterate, certainly don’t go putting any silica — which has been known to kill living beings like humans in high enough doses — into your flea infested lap dog or really anyone’s pet! We are talking about using diatomaceous earth to kill fleas on cats and dogs, not in them. Diatomaceous Earth. More and more pet owners are turning to this affordable and chemical-free method for flea treatment. Sprinkle it on your carpet, the bedding of your pet, and even into the areas where the fleas like to hide. It is 100% natural, and it silica beads can kill fleas by irritating the cuticle on their body, leading them to dehydrate and die. Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that is made from fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic creatures called “diatoms”. Some brands have been approved by EPA for use in the garden and as an insecticide. Specifically, diatomaceous earth kills insects, such as fleas, lice and silverfish by sucking out the body fluids of these pest. Pets can be great family members, but they also bring all sorts of issues with them. Even a cat or dog that has been raised with the utmost care can become a headache, as they have a tendency to get into places you don’t want them and to pick up all sorts of bugs along the way. One of the biggest problems faced by animal owners is fleas. Diatomaceous earth is a highly effective natural way to kill fleas. Fleas are parasitic insects that if left untreated can give cats and dogs intense itchiness and other health issues, but with diatomaceous earth you can get rid of them quickly and effectively. Keep reading to find out how diatomaceous earth can kill fleas on your cat or dog.

Can Diatomaceous Earth Kill Fleas

Fleas are uncomfortable not just for your pets, but for you as well! They can make everyone in your home completely miserable.

Fleas are a huge problem for pets and humans alike. They can cause skin irritation in pets, and make them miserable with the itching, scratching and biting. They can also cause skin irritation in humans, as they bite to feed on blood. In addition to the itching, you may see a small red bump at the site of the bite. If you or your pet has an allergic reaction to a flea bite it may result in even more severe symptoms such as skin rashes and swelling or hives [source: Flea Bites].

Another worry is that fleas can transmit disease to both pets and humans [source: Flea Bites]. The most common disease transmitted by fleas is tapeworms. These parasites are easily spread by fleas between animals living together. Another concern is bubonic plague, which is transmitted from rats through fleas to humans — something that’s not usually an issue today, but could still be possible if infected animals came into contact with your home [source: WebMD].

If you’ve seen signs of fleas on your pet — bites or excessive scratching — or if you’ve noticed tiny black insects crawling around on him or her, take action right away! Use a fine-toothed comb to check for signs of fleas such as dark droppings (flea feces) or small brown eggs on your pet’s fur [source: Pet MD]. Then begin using diatomaceous earth on all areas your pet frequents including bedding and carpets where the eggs may have fallen off from his fur [source: Eartheasy].

If you’ve been searching for a natural method to get rid of fleas, you’re likely in the same boat we were – wondering if diatomaceous earth could kill fleas.

It’s important to note that DE does not kill fleas by drying out the bodies. The silica in the diatomaceous earth cuts them and causes them to bleed to death over time. Next up, we’ll look at how diatomaceous earth can be used to kill fleas in your home.

The answer is yes.

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. It’s a fine powder that can kill fleas by drying out their exoskeletons and absorbing their natural oils and fats. You can sprinkle it onto your carpet or furniture (or even your yard), or you can use a vacuum to remove it once the fleas are dead.

It’s easy to apply, you probably already have some lying around in the garage (it’s often used as an anti-caking agent in animal feed), and it’s non-toxic for both pets and people—plus it works! What’s not to love?