All-Around Non-Toxic Flea Control

Let’s face it. Fleas are the WORST, but applying pesticides to our pampered pooches doesn’t make us howl with excitement either. In an attempt to find non-toxic flea control remedies, Care2 staff stumbled upon this amazing technique that kills fleas fast without toxic chemicals. While citrus peel extract (d-limonene) works well for dogs, cats can’t tolerate it, so this is an especially great choice.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder comprised of microskeletons of deceased diatoms, which are a type of algae (both fresh water and sea water varieties occur). You sprinkle the powder on your pets and your carpets, and the fleas die from dehydration. As a foster care provider for hundreds of dogs, this stuff has been a miracle. You can use it on dogs, puppies, kittens, and cats.

How it works:

When applied to the animal’s fur, DE scrubs on the hard exoskeletons of fleas. The tiny granules of silicon (think finely ground sand) work in the tiny holes of the flea’s respiratory system and in the joints of the fleas. Every time the flea moves or breathes, the silicon grinds away at the exoskeleton, eventually killing the flea through blocking/maiming the respiratory holes or by water loss, as the exoskeleton helps keep in the flea’s body water. It works the same way when applied to carpets instead of fur.

How to use it:

1. Wear a mask and put one on your pet. Even though it’s nontoxic, you don’t want to get it in your lungs.

2. Sprinkle the DE along your dry pet’s spine. Massage it along the body, working your way carefully to the extremities, avoiding the eyes.

3. Spread some diatomaceous earth on the carpets, brush it in and leave for about four days. Then vacuum it up to remove most of the fleas in the carpet.

4. Repeat the application frequently during an infestation. You should notice a decrease in fleas within a couple days.

NOTE: Make sure not to use the kind of DE used in swimming pools. Use natural diatomaceous earth; it is available in gardens supply centers, some health food stores, and from natural-pet catalogs.

Read more: Everyday Pet Care, Pests, Pet Health, Pets, fleas

The Care2 Staff

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Rhonda B.

8:14PM PDT on Jun 5, 2013

Michael H., Marsha doesn't have to supply you with documentation. Anyone who has done any bit of research knows that squirting a chemical on your pet to put toxins in its blood to kills fleas is NOT good for your pet. If you want to know if it's dangerous, do your own research. Common sense would tell you that on your own. But whatever about spouting lies. Your poor pets...

June 5
send a green star

Michael H.

7:38PM PDT on Jun 5, 2013

I asked for Marsha to please provide documentation on her statements about Revolution. She can't come up with anything. So obviously she has no clue about what she is talking about. just another person spouting lies on the internet.

Marsha A.

10:17AM PDT on Jun 5, 2013

cont'd....

Dr. Bassett said that you have to be careful because poison ivy can grow on a vine or even on shrubs and bushes. Here is a home poison ivy remedy to help treat the itching :

Mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water to make a paste to help relieve poison ivy symptoms

Poison Ivy Lotion

Apply Poison Ivy Lotion to your skin before you are going to be going outdoors where poison ivy may be located.

10:05AM PDT on Jun 5, 2013

Related icky stuff:

Dr. Oz Talks About Mosquito Bite Tips, Natural Repellants, and Poison Ivy Lotion Home Remedy
Dr. Oz & Dr. Clifford Bassett talk about mosquito bite and poison ivy treatments.
It's hard to fully enjoy all of the fun outdoor summertime activities when the mosquito's are out attacking you. Dr. Oz said that some people even suffer from "skeeter syndrome" which can even cause infections. Dr. Oz invited Dr. Clifford Bassett on to the show to talk about "skeeter syndrome" and why you shouldn't ignore mosquito bites that cause a rash. Dr. Bassett explained that skeeter syndrome is an infection caused by mosquito bites. Symptoms will be a dark red rash and for some people can lead to infections that result in blistering.How To Treat Mosquito BitesDr. Basset said that you should have a mosquito bite first aid kit to keep on hand during the summer. Here is what a first aid kit should consist of :

Mild soap - Helps to clean bacteria from the area
Ice - Reduces redness and swelling caused by mosquito bites
Oral antihistamine - Helps to reduce itching symptoms
Topical steroid cream - Reduces swelling & itching discomfort

Natural Mosquito Repellents

Dr. Bassett explained to Dr. Oz that 40 percent of people in this country don't use bug repellents. He said chemical repellents are an effective way to keep from being bit bit mosquito's or other bugs but they aren't for everyone. He said that there are natural mosquito repellen

10:02AM PDT on Jun 5, 2013

Michael & all: Do a search on Revolution. You should find lots of unbiased info

8:47AM PDT on Jun 5, 2013

Marsha I would very much like to know about Your claims for revolution. Please give me documentation for this. Thank you.

1:17AM PDT on Jun 5, 2013

Revolution is a highly toxic flea treatment for dogs and cats. Sure it's work to make your own but it's definitely the better way to go.
FLEA/TICK SPRAY

1 tbsp NEEM OIL (get from Care-a-Lot: 800-343-7680)
1 tbsp d-LIMONENE (may be hard to get)
1 tbsp OIL of PENNYROYAL1 tsp EUCALYPTUS OIL
1 tsp CEDARWOOD OIL (may be able to get eucalyptus/cedarwood together from above source; if so, use 2 tsp of the combined oil)
1 tsp OIL OF CITRONELLA
1 tbsp alcohol
a few drops of dish washing liquid
1 and 1/2 cup water

Put in spray bottle and shake well before each use.
Coat the entire body and rub fur backwards to get spray into skin
Cover dog's eyes & nose before spraying around the face, ears, & neck, and don't forget area around the tail including the tail, legs, backside, and belly.

Also, I've read very positive comments and results for a product called 'Flea Free'.

To order FLEA FREE products, visit:
http://www.judyshealthcafe.com
or call 800-428-6416

7:49PM PDT on Jun 2, 2013

This is too much work! Just use a product like Revolution! Just apply a couple of drops from the capsule once a month on the dogs back. No fleas, ticks, or heartworms!

June 2
send a green star

Mary D.

7:44PM PDT on Jun 2, 2013

Hmmm..not so sure about this. I don't see how these tiny particles may not be bad for my dogs lungs either. It could end up being like asbestos and cut into the animals lungs too. Maybe not but you never know.

Mary T.

2:51PM PDT on May 21, 2013

will try this; hate using chemicals on my pets, have to comb their hair daily to kill the fleas