Consumer Application Methods: Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control
Our customers are very creative when it comes to how they use our product. While Red Lake Earth is currently registered only as an anti-caking agent and pelleting aid for use in animal feed, many of our customers have seen amazing results for various other uses. The information below was provided by a customer, explaining how she uses the product and the results that she has seen.
A few years ago I started purchasing Red Lake Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth from the local pet/livestock feed store.
I am a market gardener and I till a small amount of Red Lake Earth into every row before planting. This prevents root maggot damage. As well, the DE helps the soil retain subsurface moisture.
Red Lake DE has been an immense support to control above ground insects, both hard shell and soft bodied insects, such as aphids. I use it in greenhouses and potted stock for control of aphids, white flies and fungus knats. In greenhouses, I spread Red Lake Earth around the perimeter. When applying DE to my plants I use a rose duster which works very well to administer the powder.
Consumer Application Methods: Diatomaceous Earth for Ticks and Fleas
Food grade diatomaceous earth is a great natural alternative to chemical pesticides, especially when trying to kill fleas and ticks on your animals.
Many application methods have been used by our customers over the years. Here is an example of an easy application method for applying DE to your pets for the purpose of flea and tick control.
- In a dish pan or washtub/bathtub, add 1 cup of DE to 1 gallon of water. Dip your pet in the mixture or, for an all over application (recommended after bathing the animal), place your pet in the washtub/bathtub and cover them in the mixture.
- For spot treatments, put mixture of DE and water in a spray bottle and apply to hotspots. Shake well before use and be sure to have spray set to stream (or that the spray is wide open).
Be sure to leave the DE mixture on your pet to dry. Re-apply if the animal becomes wet or is bathed, as the DE is easily washed off.
Please Note: It is important that you keep the mixture out of your pets’ eyes and ears.
This method courtesy of Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue, Greenville, Tennessee.
Image by Illusive Photography
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth: How to Apply for Fleas and Ticks
Diatomaceous earth is safe to use on all animals and is a cheap and natural alternative to various other methods of flea and tick removal. Although the product is not registered for this specific purpose, many people use it to rid their animals of fleas and ticks and see positive results.
Applying diatomaceous earth to your animal is easy. Simply sprinkle the food grade diatomaceous earth throughout the animal’s fur. Dust it in with your hand, making sure to spread it throughout their coat and on to their skin underneath. As well, sprinkle the diatomaceous earth along their backbone and work the powder in with you fingers.
Be sure to buy food grade diatomaceous earth that is in a powdered granulation. Due to the fact that diatomaceous earth is a light powder, it can easily be washed away by water therefore it is important to re-apply the product if your animal is to become wet.
