Summertime brings the sun and lots of pesty little creatures crawling about!
Here in the Northwest we mostly are concerned about fleas on our dogs, although Ticks are present in the Northwest they are not as big a problem for us.
Most of us are aware of topical applications that are applied every 30 days to prevent and treat for fleas. These topical applications while effective are pesticides and many consumers and veterinarians are concerned about the potential side effects of these products. Dr. Thomason and Dr. Bloomer warn in their paper Battling Fleas, Ticks and More: “pet owners most often aren’t told about the adverse effects, the neurotoxins within the pesticide products, the cancer causing ingredients (both active and inert), or how they also affect the environment by their traditional health care practitioners. In fact, pet owners are rarely given Full Disclosure and/or Informed Consent regarding these products.”
Previously we blogged about Diatomaceous Earth and it’s ability to help prevent and treat fleas.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is USDA approved for use in human food storage and regularly added to grain storage to help control beetles.
DE is commonly used to control fleas and used as a natural wormer by Natural Rearing Breeders. DE is a 100% natural organic pesticide. DE Food Grade is FDA approved for internal and external use in both dogs and humans.
Instead of applying that topical you might consider a less toxic solution such as DE.
Previously we blogged about a new company here in Washington called Pure Dog Chow, they offer a great price and high quality DE. Check out their current special and learn how you can get some free DE!
07/07/2009 at 6:42 am Permalink
Another option for battling fleas outside are the parasitic nemotodes. They only prey on insects and some are flea specific. No threats to humans or pets either.
Some people ask about dish soap–there is no scientific proof or studies but the soap also breaks down the ecotoskeleton of the fleas and if it is used while saturating the lawn–the ectoparasites drown.
PS your capture plug-in is faulty. Have to use the audio which never matches the letters on the page.