Can You Use Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas?

Natural products are gaining popularity in the veterinary industry as pet parents seek alternatives to traditional medicine and treatment.  

One such product—called diatomaceous earth—is used for fleas on pets. Pet parents may wonder, “Does diatomaceous earth kill fleas?”  

Here, you’ll learn the answer to this question and much more about this alternative treatment option.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a natural rock substance made from fossilized algae. These skeletons are made up of minerals, primarily silica. Silica is generally mined from sediment that collects in large bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes.   

Diatomaceous earth is a well-known product used to control insects and other pests on farms, throughout gardens, and in areas where pets often go.

It can be used in the veterinary industry to control external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, using a holistic approach, but many veterinarians recommend alternative products for more effective flea control instead.  

Diatomaceous earth comes in two forms—food grade and filter grade.  

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is “generally recognized as safe” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be used in food products for animals.  

Filter grade products contain large amounts of silica and are used primarily for pool and industry filtration systems. While they have some beneficial uses, they should not be eaten.

Products with diatomaceous earth for dogs are usually in powder form. 

How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work?

When insects come into contact with diatomaceous earth products, the insects stick to a part of their exoskeletons called the cuticle that normally stops them from drying out.

However, diatomaceous earth takes in the oils and fats within the cuticle, which causes the insect to dry out and die.   

Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Pets?

Diatomaceous earth products are nontoxic and are therefore considered safe for pets.  

Pet parents can use diatomaceous earth products for flea control if they would like an alternative to synthetic parasiticides.  

Diatomaceous earth products are made up of natural substances from the environment. These products can be used in places where pets spend time, such as the yard or around the house, to control fleas.  

However, pet parents should not apply products directly to a dog’s skin or on their bedding, since this can cause irritation and drying of their skin. Additionally, dust can get into a pet’s eyes and lead to watering or redness.  

If pets go into an area where diatomaceous earth products have been used, they may encounter dust particles.

Pets may accidentally inhale the dust, which may lead to sneezing or coughing.

Difficulty breathing can occur with exposure to large amounts of dust.

These side effects may be stronger in exotic pets, such as reptiles, since they have sensitive respiratory tracts.  

Can You Use Diatomaceous Earth for Flea Control? How?

The important question is “Will diatomaceous earth kill fleas?”  

Diatomaceous earth can’t be used as a flea preventive for a pet specifically. Pet parents can use diatomaceous earth for flea control, but it’s typically used for a household dealing with the aftermath of a flea infestation. 

Diatomaceous earth is not widely recommended by veterinarians.

Because it can cause irritation of a dog’s eyes, airways, and skin, it should be used cautiously. More studies are needed to find out its overall effectiveness against fleas.  

It’s also important to note diatomaceous earth does not work on flea eggs and therefore does not treat the flea’s entire life cycle. This makes it difficult to fully get rid of all fleas in the environment.  

Instead of using diatomaceous earth, talk to your vet about getting your dog or cat on a regular flea preventative, like Simparica and Nexgard for dogs, or Revolution Plus and Credelio for cats.

If you're dealing with an active infestation, your vet may recommend a fast-acting flea medication and flea shampoo.