Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
How to Kill Parasites in Soil
How to Kill Parasites in Soil. The idea of parasites living in soil is the stuff of horror movies. Unfortunately, adult parasites and their eggs actually do inhabit soil, grass, sand and a variety of other ground material. Walking and spending time on infected soil puts you at risk for contracting parasites, as does eating food that is grown from...
The idea of parasites living in soil is the stuff of horror movies. Unfortunately, adult parasites and their eggs actually do inhabit soil, grass, sand and a variety of other ground material. Walking and spending time on infected soil puts you at risk for contracting parasites, as does eating food that is grown from it. You must eliminate them from the soil to keep your family and your pets safe.
Things You'll Need
Sodium borate
Sprinkle 10 lbs. of sodium borate per every 100 square feet of soil to kill parasites such as hookworms. Sodium borate will kill vegetation, therefore, only use it if you do not mind killing your grass. Sodium borate is typically available at pharmacies and hardware stores. Keep any pets and children away from the lawn if you apply this substance, as it is potentially harmful.
Allow the infected soil to be exposed to frequent sunlight, if possible. Many parasites and their eggs will die quickly if they feel the heat of the sun for long periods of time. Clip tree branches or hedges to let the sun to beat down on the infected soil to help kill the parasites, their larvae and their eggs.
Remove infected soil, if possible. Some parasite eggs are resistant to most forms of treatment and can remain in the soil for years. You must often remove the soil and replace it with clean soil. If that's not possible, attempt to overturn the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches.
Tips & Warnings
To avoid becoming infected with parasites, never walk barefoot or lie down on infected soil. If you handle the soil, wash your hands immediately. In addition, avoid allowing pets and children to spend time on the soil and wash their hands or feet if they come in contact with the soil.
Remove any infected pet stool from the soil promptly to avoid further infestation.
Routinely administer worming medication to your pets to prevent parasite infection.
