Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Fleas But Were Afraid to Ask (or how to stop fleas safely)
WARNING: DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (DE) CAN DANGEROUS TO PETS AND HUMANS IF MISUSED. Follow DE package directions, use gloves and masks, and check with your veterinarian for the best flea prevention and treatment advice.
This is a short flea FAQ, including instructions for use of Diatomaceous earth (DE) to kill fleas in carpets (and some other areas) safely.
PREVENTION is the best way to avoid a fleas. With care you can avoid a flea infestation!
How do I know I have a flea infestation?
Signs of a flea infestation include (but are not limited to):
Seeing tiny bugs hopping on your drapery, carpet or furniture.
Seeing multiple dot-like insects moving in your pets' fur.
Your pets scratching, licking, or biting their fur excessively.
Small coffee like dirt specks (aka flea dirt) on your cat or bedding your cat sleeps on.
Can a human get a flea bite? How do you know you’ve been bitten? What treatments are there?
Yes, humans can get flea bites. When a flea bites you, your body releases chemicals called “histamines” as a reaction to the fleas' saliva. Histamines cause a red, itchy bump to form at the location of the bite. If you scratch it, the bump may get bigger, and the itching will often get worse. The same is true for your cats.
Unlike mosquito bites, flea bites on humans are usually located on the lower legs and feet. The bites are characterized by red spots surrounded by red halos.
Symptoms occur immediately after you’ve been bitten. Severe allergic reactions can happen, including intense itching, a rash or hives, swelling, and/or difficulty breathing. Same is also true for your pets! Call 911 or go to the emergency room or vet right away if you believe you or your pet are having a severe allergic reaction to a flea bite.
How do I check my cat for fleas? How often should this be done?
Be sure to check your cat for fleas once a week. It’s easy to do:
Set your cat on a white sheet or pillowcase. The white fabric will let you see any fleas or flea dirt you might dislodge. If you want to hold the cat in your lap while combing, drape your lap with the cloth first. Check in between the cat's legs on their bellies. Part the fur here as it is a common place for fleas to inhabit.
Comb your cat’s fur from head to toe with a flea comb. The teeth are so close together that a flea cannot escape and is brought to the surface along with flea dirt, larva and eggs.
Examine the flea comb. Even if you don't find jumping fleas, you may find flea excrement (aka flea dirt) or flea eggs, which look like salt and pepper. If you find any suspicious material, place it on a damp paper towel. Flea excrement contains blood, so it turns dark red when it gets wet.
What are some of the anti-flea treatments available for pets? How do they work? Are they effective? There are a wide variety of anti-flea treatments. In-home remedies include cleaning their fur with anti-flea shampoos and powders. Other treatments include anti-flea collars or a prescription topical medication, like Frontline or Advantage. The collar and medication can treat the flea infestation on your pets and prevent another one from occurring. There are also oral anti-flea medications available. Your veterinarian can help you decide which method will work best for you and your pets.
Once your pets have been treated, you should wash their bedding with hot water to kill any flea larvae. If your pet sleeps in the same bed as a family member, make sure to wash their bedding as well.
As always (and we can’t emphasize this enough), CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE STARTING ANY ANTI-FLEA TREATMENTS (including at home treatments).
I did an anti-flea treatment on my pet. I’m all set, right?
WRONG. As long as you have fleas in your home, you have a problem. The only way to completely get rid of fleas is to exterminate your home. If you have fleas in your home you can easily transfer them to other people’s homes. This is why Rose charges a $250 flea fee if she finds fleas on a client's cats. She cannot risk transferring fleas to other clients' homes and has to cancel all of her remaining appointments and go through a lengthy decontamination process.
What do you recommend as a natural flea treatment for carpets?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an effective prevention and treatment. This fine, talc-like powder comes from ancient marine plankton and dries out fleas at all stages.
When correctly used "food grade" DE is a safe way to kill fleas in carpets and some other areas. But PLEASE please read the directions before using DE to ensure the most effective, safe treatment for you, your family, and your pets.
How does diatomaceous earth (DE) work against fleas?
Diatomaceous earth powder contains razor sharp edges that make it highly effective as a bug killer. The bugs ingest this porous powder and get severely dehydrated from inside out. The sharp edges also shred the insects’ insides as well as their exoskeletons. The best part is that "food grade" DE is safe for pets and children (since DE is basically dirt!). The entire process takes very little time.
Additionally, since the DE powder has a mechanical action, fleas cannot become immune to it, as is normally the case with other kinds of chemical flea killers available in the market.
Are there different types of DE? Which one should I use?
Always use "food grade" DE powder for organic flea control. Remember that not all DE powders are the same and the ones used in swimming pool or charcoal filters are known to contain unnatural ingredients that may be carcinogenic.
And it should be obvious, but just in case: DO NOT apply DE directly to your pets!
How do you do apply a DE flea treatment to carpets?
Make sure any pets and children are out of the room while doing the treatment!
SAFETY FIRST! Be sure to wear gardening gloves when handling the diatomaceous earth as it is dehydrating and can dry the skin. You MUST wear a dust mask protecting the mouth and nose to prevent the dust from harming mucous membranes.
Completely vacuum the carpet.
Sprinkle DE powder on carpets.
Allow the diatomaceous earth (DE) to remain on the carpets for at least 30 minutes before you vacuum. This ensures most flea eggs and flea larvae, as well as adult fleas are killed by the powder.
It is essential to reapply the powder every week for 30 days and continue to vacuum every three days after application.
Can DE stop fleas in other areas than carpets?
Yes. DE can also be applied outside around the house to kill and prevent fleas from taking up residence. DE outside does not have to be vacuumed up, but avoid any areas where pets or children could reach the DE.
Or DE can be applied to the interior of a well-ventilated car to prevent or kill any suspected fleas. Wait 30 minutes then vacuum.
Of course use gloves and mask whenever applying DE. And NEVER PUT DIATOMACEOUS EARTH ON YOUR PETS. EVER.