Hello,

I was wondering if you had an opinion on Diatomaceous Earth and/ or feed through fly control. I was thinking of starting the girls on Bug Check or Bug Lyte this year to see if it would cut down on flies. I like the fact that it is supposed to be a natural form of fly control. So I guess I'm wondering if the ingredients such at Ingredients:
Diatomaceous Earth, Brewers Yeast, Thiamine Monohydrate, Garlic Niacin, Grape Seed Extract

are ok.

Where are you from? NH

How did you locate this forum? internet

Hi JS,

My honest opinion? I am not convinced on diatomaceous earth's safety. There are many people who swear by it, but the microscopic sharp edges that penetrate the worm larvae, may also produce microscopic tears in the intestinal lining. There is very little scientific evidence of its efficacy. I believe that what many people assume is the DE working, is really more to do with the horse's environment, manure management, exposure to other horses, etc.

Garlic has been shown to induce anemia, so I prefer to avoid it, as well.

Sorry I couldn't be more encouraging. Until I see some more scientific research that shows that it is safe, and effective, I will continue to avoid recommending it.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Thanks for the quick reply. I too have concerns about the D. Earth and the garlic causing anemia. THought it was worth running by someone though :)

Where are you from? NH

How did you locate this forum? internet

Any time!

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Any new thoughts on Diatomaceous Earth?

Where are you from? NY

How did you locate this forum? Internet

It is my understanding that gardeners who use DE know that they have to re-apply once the DE becomes wet because it becomes ineffective because the water takes away the sharp edges. For that same reason there is doubt that it actually works inside the horse's intestine track because it is such a fluid environment.

Where are you from? North Florida

Hello Deb,

I would rather not risk using DE since it may cause microscopic cuts in the lining of the digestive tract. There haven't been studies to confirm this, but if it destroys worms that way, who's to say that it won't harm the horse's delicate intestinal lining? My approach is to avoid it.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Hi Billy,

Absolutely -- the digestive tract contains water, which makes DE ineffective. And, as I mentioned in response to Deb's question, it may also be harmful. So, use it on manure piles, but I don't recommend feeding it to your horse.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO