Sarah Staudt

I will look into treats as well. My dogs are mostly indoor dogs, but they do go in the backyard several times a day, and stay out for hours in the spring and fall, when the weather is nice.

I will set traps tonight and let you know. Sometimes I see fleas crawling on the dogs, and sometimes I don't, though they all itch. I have seen fleas jump on me when sitting on the couch, but don't seem to be bitten (or at least not bothered by bites...) I have been trying to get rid of fleas for 4 years and they come back every spring, especially if we have a mild winter. I live in OK, which is cold and dry in the winter, and very humid in the summer.
I have another question about DE effects on dogs. My beagle is allergic to flea bites and has sensitive skin. Is DE irritating to dogs' skin? Do have any advice for soothing his skin?

Hi, Paul. I am apparently behind the times on the diatomaceous earth trend. I have 5 dogs and an outrageous flea problem, despite using harsh chemicals (Frontline, flea bombs...) and pills (Capstar, Comfortis)... I also replaced my couches last year and threw away an area rug. I have hardwood floors throughout my house. Most of your advice was for carpeted homes. Last night, I rubbed DE into the fur of all of my dogs, and sprinkled it on their bedding. Today I will spread a layer on the floor under my couches, and under the beds in the kids' rooms (where my 2 little dogs like to hide). I assume that it is safe to put DE on the kids' beds? The bigger dogs like to get on our beds. Do I spread the DE on top of the sheets or on the mattresses (or both)? Does DE work outside in the yard, too? I have seen ambiguous info on whether DE works when wet. Some say that, because it is made of shells, water has no effect on it, but you wrote that it loses its power when wet... How does it work on deworming animals who eat it if it can't get wet? Just curious.
Any other advice for homes with hardwood floors? I will start setting traps as soon as I buy a desk lamp. Thanks for this article. My dogs are really ready for me to win the war on fleas!