Ticks can be a nuisance for homeowners and pet owners during the warm months. In addition to being nuisances, they also pose health threats. These small parasites feed on blood and carry serious diseases. However, there are many efficient ways to get rid of these ticks.
Being aware of these methods becomes necessary and helpful during the spring, when ticks are most active. Among many chemical and natural tick repellents, Diatomaceous Earth is an effective product. This article will further elaborate on ticks and diatomaceous earth’s capacity to kill ticks.
How to Identify a Tick?
Understanding how to identify ticks is essential for eliminating them. They are about the same size as a sunflower seed and have eight legs. This helps them crawl and attach to fur or clothing. They are often compared to spiders, but ticks have a fatter body. However, both of them belong to the arachnid family.
The colour of the ticks varies depending on the area or state you live in. Some ticks are brown, some are red, and others appear black. They often hide in wooded areas, brush, lawns, and shelter belts. These are perfect hidden spots for ticks, where they wait for animals or humans to pass by so they can latch on and feed on blood.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Although the term may sound very complex, it actually refers to a natural product that works well against ticks. This fine powder comes from the fossilized remains of small aquatic organisms known as diatoms. It is an effective pest-control measure, particularly for ticks and similar pests.
The small, sharp particles in diatomaceous earth can pierce the ticks' protective outer shell, leading to dehydration and death. For ticks, it is like walking across broken glass. Because diatomaceous earth does not work through chemicals, ticks cannot build any resistance to it. This makes them an environmentally friendly option for pest control.
How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth in the Yard?
They can definitely be spread throughout the yard; however, it is better to focus on specific areas where ticks are most likely to live. These areas include tall grasses and humid spots where ticks prefer to hide. It is very important to apply it on a day without wind, since diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that can be easily blown away. This reduces both the effectiveness and coverage of the product.
It is very crucial to keep safety in mind while working with diatomaceous earth. Their fine dust particles can be harmful if breathed in. Therefore, it is very important to wear a mask while applying or handling diatomaceous earth.
How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth Indoors?
Clean the Space
The first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the house before applying the powder. Ticks are small and can hide in furniture, stored clothes, rugs, and drapes. It is important to vacuum all furniture, fabrics, and rugs carefully.
All clothes must be washed on the highest heat setting and dried on high heat as well to ensure there are no hidden ticks. Moving furniture and appliances further helps remove the hidden ticks effectively.
Apply it to Specific Locations
It is best to apply them where the carpet or flooring meets the baseboard or wall. Entry points to the home, such as window and door frames, should also be treated with the repellent. Make sure not to miss furniture, rugs, fabrics, and drapes. The application should be light and applied in a dry area.
Wait and Remove
The application needs to remain in place for 7 days, then vacuum it. A shop vacuum works better for this task than a regular vacuum, which may struggle with larger amounts of powder. It is best to wash the fabrics and drapes again.
Repeat Steps
Repeat the above steps 1 to 3 times until the tick problem is completely resolved. They may be combined with essential oils such as oregano oil, thyme, citronella, and clove bud.
When to Avoid Using Diatomaceous Earth?
While it is commonly used to kill fleas, ticks, and other insects, there are situations when it should not be used. The product is a carcinogen when inhaled. Therefore, homeowners should avoid it and not use it on or near pets.
Conclusion
If the problem persists and causes large infestations, it is best to contact pest control professionals. They can provide more adept solutions to the problem. However, Diatomaceous Earth can help tackle the problem, but it has downsides, and the right precautions must be taken before using it.
