Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an organic insecticide that provides a genuine way to deal with fleas, especially those who are staying in your yard. Diatomaceous earth is a fine dust that is made up of a type of algae fossils, known as diatoms. These diatoms are found in freshwater and marine environments. When this substance is grounded, its tiny razor-sharp edges cut the bodies of insects when they ingest the powder.
It is free from harmful toxins and can be completely safe for mammals but kills fleas by breaking their exoskeleton. For better results, you should get to know about DE and its use. Keep reading to learn the right way to use Diatomaceous Earth for fleas in the yard.
How Long Does It Take to Kill Fleas with Diatomaceous Earth?
Different research shows that fleas when meeting DE powder will die quickly around 4 hours. These particles will kill mostly the adult fleas as well as some flea larvae but are not so effective against the eggs or pupae of the fleas. However, leaving the powder of DE for 12 hours before vacuuming up everything will surely give some better results.
How to Spread Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas?
Diatomaceous Earth for fleas can be used inside or outside in heavily infested areas. Parts of the yard like doghouses or any other place where pets rest can be the major source of heavy infestation. When it comes to spreading DE, you can use a garden dust-spreading tool. This tool is mostly known as a dust spreader or dust sprayer. It allows you to apply DE on smaller infested areas.
Moreover, using a duster or an artistic paintbrush can also be useful in neatly applying this powder to the stems of plants, while spreading it on the lawns or yards. It is not recommended to spread DE in wet months because it only works on dry and windless days. This is because it is in powder form and will blow away if the wind is too fast. Similarly, Diatomaceous Earth will crumple into balls by absorbing moisture and won’t kill the fleas.
How Do You Spread Diatomaceous Earth on Your Lawn?
If you want to control unwanted pests on your lawn by using an all-natural and safe product, then it is best to use diatomaceous earth (or “DE”). Proper spreading of diatomaceous earth over lawns and gardens can control many types of pests, including ticks, fleas, slugs, ants, and many more. The Following are some important steps that you should take while spreading diatomaceous earth on your lawn.
Locating the Fleas
The first step is to find the area in your yard which is infested with fleas. For this simply, wear white high knee-socks and then stand for a few minutes in one place in your backyard. If the fleas jump onto the socks rapidly then pinpoint that area. This step is important because infestations infrequently surround the whole yard. It is also recommended by the researchers the only highly infested areas need treatment or DE, rather than the entire yard.
Dampen the Lawn
After pointing out the area in your yard, apply the dust on a dry or windless day. Then dampen the lawn where you want to control unwanted pests. By using the garden hose, spray a light mist of water on the grass and surrounding plants. This will help the diatomaceous powder to stick to the grass as well as their leaves.
Take All Precautions
As the saying goes “It’s better to be safe than sorry” it is important to take precautions. Before spreading you should wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, goggles, and a face mask. Although the diatomaceous earth is not toxic to humans or animals, the powder dust can harm your eyes. It can also irritate your nose and mouth, resulting in some breathing problems.
Spread or Spray the DE Powder
Now, fill the dust sprayer or the dust spreader with diatomaceous earth powder. After that close, it tightly and point the sprayer or spreader tip toward the grass by keeping it 6 inches above the lawn. Spray a thin and even coat of diatomaceous earth powder onto the lawn. Continue the process until you have covered the entire area and its surrounding sections. Remember to apply DE powder to the lawn after every hard rain or a minimum of one time each month.
Can You Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth on Grass?
Yes, you can sprinkle diatomaceous earth on grass, but only if you are using food-grade DE. The food-grade DE is used in lawns and gardens. When it is sprinkled on grass, many types of pests, including fleas can be controlled or even killed. But there is some other Diatomaceous earth like pool-grade diatomaceous earth which is not recommended to sprinkle on the grass.
Does Diatomaceous Earth Hurt Grass?
No, diatomaceous earth does not hurt grass and is quite safe and effective until you are using food-grade or a labeled DE which is specifically for the pests of lawns. Also, if you are using the DE as per the mentioned instructions or in a proper way after taking all the precaution measures then it does not hurt the grass. But if you are using non-labeled DE or using the labeled DE in the wrong way then there are chances that diatomaceous earth hurt the leaves of grass.
How Often Should I Apply Diatomaceous Earth to My Yard?
Always remember to apply diatomaceous earth after every rain or heavy dew to keep your yard free from unwanted fleas or other pests. Rain or heavy dew can get the DE wet which will fill the diatom exoskeleton with water. Due to this, they no longer absorb fats and oils from insects and become useless against pests. Therefore, it is important to reapplicant the diatomaceous after each rainfall or any elevated irrigation.
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