Hi Y'all

It's getting to be that time of year, and I sure would like to see if I could get the jump on
the Insect Pests. Use to be in FLA we had "Sevin Dust" for ants, fleas and ticks, it's not too
costly and worked real good for a while - I also know it will kill a cat - but my cats dont go
anyplace near the dogs pen... So it should be safe? Or what is safe and works and cheap?
For the pens, not for on the dogs.

The other thing is FLIES, pooper scooping, scattering straw, hanging ribbons of sticky stuff-
they do not work. It's humid and real warm here, and we have lots of cows and hurses not
too far off, so total removal flies will be impossible but... Anyone know a safe, effective cheap
way to keep them from totally invading?

We are on the "farm co-op" budget here, so I dont mind if it smells a little odd - so
long as it's affordable and it works

Thanks in Advance
Bobbie

I'm going to try diatomaceous earth this summer but I can't tell you the results yet (still have to go buy it).

Is this an insecticide? For fleas or flies? How reasonable in cost? I'm just trying to find something that's cheap and effective and harmless to my dogs - rather than try one thing after another ($$$) without any real results

Thanks
Bobbie

Cost effective is always my guide as well as effectability.
For fleas..a topical once a month "Advantage" that is purchased from a vet or online with a prescription. It is a non insectaside and WORKS!
Depending upon the size of your dog; you can buy the large dog tube size and split it between two medium dogs or three small dogs. You can also split a large tube size to do several cats. The cat and dog type are like (confirmed with my vet) so you don't have to buy individual small tubes so get the job done.
For ticks.. same company that manufactures Advantage has a topical once a month prevention application for ticks and it also works very well.
For flies.. I use UltraShield which is safe labeled safe and I use for my dogs and horses. It is a pump spray that can be purchased from the feed store and I apply using a sponge. This also works very well and lasts for several days.

DE is a natural product that ruins the exoskeleten of the fleas, killing them. It is also supposed to help with ticks. It can be bought at a feed store; getting the codex (feed) grade is best from what I have heard. It is fed to cows to kill intestinal worms, and I have heard of people giving it to their dogs for the same purpose. I just plan on sprinkling it around the house and yard, maybe mixing some with baby powder to work into Auster's coat. Here's an article:

http://ighawaii.com/naturally/naturalanimal/de.html

It's supposed to be inexpensive, but I'm not sure of the exact price. As I said before, I'll let you know if it worked this summer.

Barbara, can Frontline for dogs also be given to cats? I've divided Advantage between my cat and dog without a problem but if the DE doesn't work I was thinking about switching to Frontline since we are moving to a tick area. I use a 1cc syringe to divide the medication and I always make sure that they are getting appropriate amounts so that's not a problem.

Thanks Lauren and Barbara - I think I'm going to use up the paramite I still have, it's also good for mange it's about 8 bucks for a little bottle and it goes a long long long long way, ya mix it in water for a sponge dip - DO NOT USE IT ON CATS. The fly spray for the horses, that is a good one I'll try that
Always
B

I understand that cost is an issue for you, but I would aviod using dips if you can. They are good at getting rid of pests, but are VERY bad for you and your dog.

I used to groom FT for a shop that would only use chemical dips. Less than a year later I was having a brain tumor removed. Granted, that is not your normal amount of contact with a substance, and I don't know for sure that is definately what caused the tumor, but I would not touch that stuff again so long as I live. I am lucky that I am not blind. All this happened to me at 22 years old.

If you do use this stuff COVER YOURSELF. Gloves, and especially as much of your skin as you can. Your neck, face, and mucous membranes all need to be covered. I sat through a seminar about all this a Groom Expo and didn't take it serious.

The dip may be cheaper, but let me tell you, brain surgery isn't cheap, so there was no gain for me. Think about it.

If it isn't safe for you to lay in a tub of, why would you put your dog in it? Not to mention you KNOW the dog will lick itself and ingest the stuff.

Lauren:
I really don't have any experience with using Frontline so it would probably be best for you to check with your vet before you use it on cats.

Slowride:
The paramite dip is very dangerous to use unless you take appropriate measures to protect yourself by not breathing the fumes and getting it on your skin. You must protect yourself with heavy duty gloves, face mask, eye goggles, and dress yourself in plastic bags from neck down. Also; the animal you will be dipping will probably lick him/herself and this may/will cause the animal to become nauseous, depressed, and overall will feel like shit. Unless you have a case of demodectic (not sure of spelling) mange; I would avoid using paramite.