Worms.

Not Afraid wrote:I knew it would happen eventually. Thurston is a poop eater, plus the little kitten gave us a flea infestation. The fleas are under control now, thanks to DE but T's poop was filled with worms yesterday. So GROSS!

I'm not sure if they are tape worms or round worms - or both. I'm treating him with DE in his food and that should get ride of ALL of the nasty parasites in his body (hopefully there aren't many).

What do you do to treat this sort of parasite infestation?

Donna wrote:Gertrude had ring worm it had to be treated with a perscript ointment. I'd bring him to the vet to make sure to get him the right thing.

pugpillow wrote:DE stands for Diatomaceous Earth, an organic fossil sold in powder form for many different uses. There are several types and it is important to use only food grade for internal use. Here are some links FYI:

http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-worms.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth#Pest_control
http://www.earthworksde.com/page/page/4101795.htm

Diatomaceous earth is Made from the finely ground fossils of prehistoric fresh water diatoms. Diatomaceous earth kills common household and garden pests like slugs, beetles and countless others. It also works great in the house on cock roaches, ants etc. Some insects actually eat diatomaceous eat which is extremely fatal.

The tiny pieces are extremely sharp and actually cut insects open so they secrete to death.

Diatomaceous (die-a-toe-may-shus) Earth. It isn’t dirt or earth but it is broken up shells of tiny little things called diatomes. It is 100% ecologically safe to the environment and is non-poisonous to man and animals. If you have eaten anything with flour, believe it or not you have eaten this substance.

This is a crawling insect control containing Silicon dioxide, from diatomaceous earth 85.0% and 10.0% other elemental oxides, with 5.0% inert ingredients. No chemicals involved with this method of eradicating bugs. Which means that it is environmentally safe for you, your pets and anything with a digestive system.

Diatomaceous Earth kills by physical injury rather than by chemical poisoning. The microscopically sharp edges of diatoms are drawn to the insect by static electricity and punctures the skin and drains the insect of bodily fluids. This causes dehydration and ultimately death. If the dust is eaten by an insect, the microscopic needles of silica interfere with the insect’s breathing, digestion and reproduction, thus, preventing further infestation.

We have a 40 ft. x 100 ft. garden and have 8 rows of potatoes that were infested with hordes of Colorado Potato Beetles. These little buggers over winter as adults in soil, in fence rows or under litter in the garden. They become active in May and will start to lay eggs as soon as potato, tomato or other nightshade plants become available. Larvae and adults feed on the foliage and can cause extensive damage especially if their population is high and if they feed within two weeks of the potato plant flowering. Potato yield will be greatly affected if these Colorado Potato Beetles are not controlled.

We tried hand picking the bugs but this did not effectively control them so we went looking for an effective but safe method of eradication. We ask around to several of our friends who have gardens and they recommended we try the Diatomaceous Earth. I went to our local garden shop and purchased a 2 pound bag. This was enough for complete coverage of our 8 rows of potatoes. Our garden rows are planted across the 40 ft. width of the garden.

Diatomaceous Earth‘s killing actions are mechanical. Insects cannot become immune to its action. Insects come in contact with the powder or ingest it and literally dry up and die within 48 hours. Diatomaceous Earth has a highly repellent effect on most insects. It is odorless, nonstaining and remains effective in the control of insects as long as the product is present. Should you get a hard rain after application you will have to reapply.

To apply Diatomaceous Earth you will need a hand or power duster or you can also apply by using a container with a lid that you can poke holes into and then use it to shake over the area you want to apply the Diatomaceous Earth to. The shaker method is the one we ultimately ended up using. We purchased a hand duster but didn’t like using it. The capacity of the duster was so small that we were constantly having to refill it. We used a coffee can as a container with holes in the lid. The lid stayed on securely so we didn’t worry about the contents spilling. You must wear a dust mask while applying so that you do not breath in any of the dust.

It is best to apply in the early morning while there is dew on the plants so that the Diatomaceous Earth adheres to the plants. Or you can water the plants and then apply.

Diatomaceous Earth can be used to control cockroaches, ants, earwigs, millipedes, centipedes, crickets and silverfish in the home. Lightly coat a thin layer in areas where these pests are found and may hide, such as cracks and crevices, behind and beneath refrigerators, cabinets, stoves, garbage cans and in and around sewer pipes and drains, window frames and in attics and basements. If it is possible you can dust insects directly. Repeat treatment regularly or whenever reinfestation occurs.

Diatomaceous Earth will also control fleas. Treat floor and bedding in and around pets’ sleeping area as well as cracks and crevices, baseboards , carpeting and wherever fleas are suspected.

Carpet beetles and bedbugs have no chance when Diatomaceous Earth is applied to areas where infestation is suspected. Dismantle beds and treat mattresses especially folds and edges and treat all cracks and crevices in the bedroom if bedbugs are suspected or noticed.

If you have a problem with snails and slugs Diatomaceous Earth to the rescue! No more slimy slugs in the garden or slivery slimy trails on your sidewalks! A little dusting of Diatomaceous Earth and no more worry!