Fleas and Diatomaceous Earth??

[HHRR]

My buck is a MESS! He now has fleas, although I cant fully blame him for this one all of our barn cats have had fleas bad lately so they are spreading. I have been looking up ways to rid of these pests and one site said flea powder, another said NO flea powder because it contains too many chemicals that they may consume. I don't really want to risk it, I've gotten this boy out of too much to lose him over a powder. A couple of sites have said Advantage for cats and that it is proven through research, I really liked the sound of this especially since it seemed easy. BUT then I saw the price.I can not even dream of affording that because even though the buns have been moved out of the cats reach (for the most part) they still may contract them off of me and it may cycle. I then read about using diatomaceous earth! I've never used this before but I've heard only good things about it! Plus the price is pretty good! I was wondering if anybody has ever used this one there rabbits/other animals for fleas or for anything! Has it helped? Thank you!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I was wondering if anybody has ever used this one there rabbits/other animals for fleas or for anything! Has it helped? Thank you!

Yes, it works very well, but it is not a "quick kill" in that they touch it and die- it takes a couple of days. On a microscopic level, D.E. is very sharp and it cuts through the waxy coating on the exoskeleton, causing the insect to dehydrate.

You will have to continue applying it for a few weeks to kill the newly hatched fleas. Just put a light dusting on the animals, and rub it into the fur. You will want to treat your barncats as well. If they are feral, at least treat the areas where they sleep. Fleas like to congregate around the head and neck, in the armpits and belly area, and at the base of the tail. Reapply when the animal no longer is "dusty".

Fleas will lay their eggs in shaded areas and in cracks and crevices. You don't need to apply it in areas with direct sunlight.

 

[ckcs]

Make sure to get the food grade version. I think I paid $8.99 for a 4lb jug of it from Tractor Supply. I will be able to treat an awful lot of rabbit from that one container. I put a pinch or two on the back of their necks and rubbed it through their coats. I also sprinkled their litter pan with it. I've read some concern about breathing in the dust however the studies that I have found do not indicate a problem with individual applications. I used it on my french angoras that had a possible fur mite issue. Other than a bald spot on their necks I couldn't say for sure if fur mites were to blame. However I have used the DE once about a week ago and am happy that they are finally regrowing fur.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Make sure to get the food grade version.

Thanks, ckcs! I can't believe I forgot to stress that point.

The heat treatment of pool grade D.E. changes the crystalline structure and renders the D.E. poisonous somehow. :x