How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas & Ticks

By Alicia Bodine, eHow Contributor

Both fleas and ticks need a host to get their meals. Most of the time the host is an animal. Unfortunately, there is not always an animal around, which causes the fleas and ticks to attack humans. Both fleas and ticks carry diseases so it is best to get rid of them as soon as you notice them. This can be done safely, without the use of harsh chemicals. All you need is a product called diatomaceous earth

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Instructions

1. • 1
     Purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth. There is another kind that is treated with chemicals and used in pool filters. This kind is toxic if eaten. Don't take a chance that your cat or dog will eat poison.
   • 2
     Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth all around your property outside. Let it remain there and kill any fleas or ticks that are outside. The diatomaceous earth is made up of sharp particles that will pierce the exoskeleton of any flea or tick it contacts. This causes the fleas and ticks to dehydrate and die.
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   • 3
     Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth on your carpeting where any fleas may be living. Do this the same day you treat the outside of your property. Vacuum up the diatomaceous earth the next day.
   • 4
     Take your dog or cat in the bathroom and set it in the tub. Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth all over its fur to take care of any fleas and ticks that may be on it.
   • 5
     Repeat these steps every seven days for a total of three weeks. Your fleas and ticks will be completely eradicated by then. According to Wold Creek Ranch, fleas and ticks will die within 72 hours of the diatomaceous earth application, but the flea eggs that were laid won't hatch until one week later. They must be killed with the diatomaceous earth in order to prevent them from laying more eggs. After three weeks, you should have been able to kill any fleas that hatched.