|
|
Post by maddiesmom on Jun 8, 2010 16:33:34 GMT -5
Has anyone ever used diatomaceous earth around the fuzzies? I use it for my dogs as a Natural flea preventative, and I was wondering if I should be more careful with it, OR if I could use it for the ferrets, too?? wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html |
|
|
|
Post by mustelidmusk on Jun 8, 2010 19:00:23 GMT -5
Diatomaceous earth is interesting stuff. I would be afraid to use this on my ferrets because ferrets are so sensitive and have their noses and faces into everything - like their own fur, their cagemates fur, etc. Clumping and clay litter products are not good to use with ferrets because they can get this stuff in their noses and lungs. I would expect that, since a ferret's nose goes everywhere, inhalation and ingestion of some diatomaceous earth would be likely. I would be afraid that the cutting and dessicating action of the diatomaceous earth might cause serious problems in a small animal.
If you can find somebody who has used this on several ferrets LONG TERM without any issues, then you may feel comfortable using the exact same product on your ferrets.
That's my biased opinion! Use LOTS of caution with ferrets.
-jennifer
|
|
|
|
Post by 1 on Jun 8, 2010 22:29:15 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Jun 8, 2010 22:59:54 GMT -5
I would not use it on, around or in my ferrets.
Here's the information that is on the side of my container of diatomaceaous earth....
Do not inhale. Wear a mask when dusting. Avoid getting diatomaceaous earth in the eyes. Do not spread during windy days. Do not give to very small or pregnant pets.
ciao
|
|
|
|
Post by Chelsea on Jun 21, 2010 20:06:28 GMT -5
I would not use it on, around or in my ferrets. Here's the information that is on the side of my container of diatomaceaous earth.... Do not inhale. Wear a mask when dusting. Avoid getting diatomaceaous earth in the eyes. Do not spread during windy days. Do not give to very small or pregnant pets. ciao I am a huge Diatomaceous earth fan. It has worked WONDERS for us. I use it for bug control on Bailey and the cats, and I also add it to their food. Heck, I use it myself! I buy mine from here - www.earthworkshealth.com Its all human grade stuff, and very reasonably priced. Heather, I also share your concern for using the dust around ferrets. I have not used it on them so far, becuase I have had no need to (I keep their 'ferret room' clean with lots of vaccuming, and never have a problem with fleas, so far ) But one way to avoid the dust factor, is you mix DE into a spray bottle with water. Mix enough water so that the DE doesnt get clogged in the sprayer, but not too much. Spray it onto the animal (not just on top of their fur, I stick it under their fur and spray it). Then when it dries, the DE is still there, but you dont have to deal with the dustyness of applying it. |
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Jun 21, 2010 22:41:47 GMT -5
Here is an article about diatomaceous earth, you may want to note that it doesn't work wet which is why some people question its use as a dietary supplement to fight worms.
***Diatomaceous Earth called a desiccant, which dry out any item or animal that contact them directly. The body of an insect, like that of other animals, is filled with liquid substances, like blood and digestive secretions. A waxy protective coating on the outside of their bodies prevents moisture loss. Diatomaceous earth kill cockroaches, silverfish, slugs, ants, fleas, beetles, etc., by destroying this waxy layer.
Around 300 million years ago, countless numbers of minute one-celled plants called diatoms existed in the oceans. They were constructed of tiny shells about themselves made out of the silica they extracted from waters. When the it died, its microscopic shell was left on the floor of the seas. Through the centuries, these shells eventually collected into deposits, sometimes thousands of feet thick. When the waters receded, the deposits were eventually covered and the shells fossilized and compressed into a soft chalk-like rock called diatomaceous earth.
When diatomaceous earth is quarried, milled, finely ground, passed through a screen and put through a centrifuge, it becomes a fine talc-like powder. This powder can be safely handled with bare hands, fed to animals and used to kill insects on contact, almost as if you were tossed into a pile of broken glass and you can imagine the outcome.
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic material containing useful minerals such as manganese, magnesium, iron, titanium, calcium, silicon and etc. Proper milling cracks apart the diatom skeleton, leaving microscopic silica needles. Sharp and hazardous to the insect, these needles are harmless to humans and other warmblooded animals. The tiny size and razor-like construction of a DE fragment is just right to disrupt the life of insects. The reason is that the skeleton of warmblooded animals is inside, surrounded and wrapped by the muscle which it supports, and the entire organism is protected by hair, fur, or feathers. Insects, however, have just their frame outside. Vital fluids are held in and protected by an oily or waxy seal over a hard porous cover. If an object is small and sharp enough, it will scratch the insect¹s waxy seal, allowing insect to dehydrate and die. Minute sharp particles are also taken internally by certain insects and interfere with their breathing, digestion and reproduction.
When using diatomaceous earth please note:
They don’t work when wet. Because of this, only use them in dry areas. Place the material in a duster or a flexible bottle that has a small, narrow nozzle less than 1/4" and apply a thin coating of the material. Many small puffs of dust are better than one large application. Even if kept in dry locations, the material will eventually absorb moisture from the air. When placed in a closed, dry space, it will remain active under normal conditions for about 2-3 weeks. During the humid summer months, the DE will probably not be effective longer than one week. Use small amounts and re-apply often. ****
Hope this helps out.
ciao
|
|
|
|
Post by maddiesmom on Jun 27, 2010 7:19:20 GMT -5
Chelsea & Heather: this is all very interesting! I also know a couple people on aanother (dog) forum who use it in spray bottles and still say it's effective. And that it's effective for worms. I don't know, I always have to re-apply it outside after it rains and after Maddie goes out in the rain. I've never had a reason to use any flea protection on the fuzzies, so I was just wondering on a "just in case" base. I appriciate all of the replies  |
|
|
|
Post by Chelsea on Jun 28, 2010 11:48:39 GMT -5
Interesting article Heather... I have a hard time believing it, though. Ive seen first hand that it DOES work internally and when wet.
The reason you have to reapply after it rains or the animal gets wet is becuase the water will wash the DE down into the soil or off of the animals body, which means the insects will not come in contact with the DE.
The water doesnt make the DE not work, it has to be ON the animal, or on top of the plants/soil for the insects to come in contact with it for it to work.
|
|
How?
