Diatomaceous earth for parasites

[PrettyPaisley]

I was looking online to order this for pest control in the house (found a couple of pantry moths-ok, maybe more than a couple ) and read about this as a way to control parasites inside goats. Does anyone add this to their feed for pest control?

[Minelson]

I don't use it for internal parasites..But I do dust them and their pen for lice and mites. More in the winter/early spring and then again in the fall. Be sure to get the food grade if you order it.

[Alice In TX/MO]

I think that is one of those theories that doesn't quite prove itself in practice.

[chickenslayer]

You might want to check your feed store before you order it online and pay shipping, I got a 50lb bag at Southern States last week for $35 I think it was.

[PrettyPaisley]

Originally Posted by chickenslayer

You might want to check your feed store before you order it online and pay shipping, I got a 50lb bag at Southern States last week for $35 I think it was.

Oh wow! Do you happen to know if it was food grade? Since I'm going to be dusting the inside of my kitchen cabinets I want to be sure it is.

Thanks!

[chickenslayer]

Yes it's food grade, I was surprised at the price after seeing what people online charge and then the shipping on top of that.

[Suzyq2u]

I think I paid close to $25 for 50lbs just two days ago, (I can't find the receipt) call around Also food grade.

[PrettyPaisley]

WOW! That is worth a trip to SS! The closest one is that far- about 20 miles-but if it wasn't the right stuff I'd hate to waste a trip.

Thanks!

[Bearfootfarm]

DE has never been proven to have any effect on internal parasites.

It's a reasonably good insecticide though, as long as it's kept dry

[LoneStrChic23]

Nope.....doesn't work for internal parasites..... I tried it in the dogs, fecaled before and after & the after fecal had loads of parasites....certainly more than the before....

I honestly haven't had much luck with it on external parasites either. My west Texas parasites laugh at me when I put it out. I even caught fleas, put them in a baby food jar & dumped some DE in with them... 4 days later they were still alive....

I've seen damage done to lungs by inhaling it so I personally am leary of using on my animals.

A friend of mine mixes it in her bulk grain order to keep bugs out of the feed....swears by it, but I'm still too worried about the goats inhaling it to try..

[Melbertsch]

I dont know about worms or fleas, but in south georgia, it does and amazing job on Fire Ants!

[Suzyq2u]

Yes I had gotten it for the chickens (they have lice)...not for parasites w/ the goats.