Diatomaceous Earth

DE is mined and ground to a fine, talcum-powder consistency. There are different grades of DE. Food grade DE is natural-grade diatomaceous earth with less than 1% crystalline silica.

Food grade DE that is marked as 100% DE is the type used as a pesticide and is safe for human consumption.

Nothing marked as less than 100% DE should be used for consumption, as toxic chemical pesticides may have been added.

Swimming pool grade DE should only be used in pool filters. Never use pool grade DE as a pesticide or for consumption. As an organic pesticide, DE is safe, effective and inexpensive.

Farmers have used food grade DE in animal feeds to reduce parasites. It is used to keep insects out of stored grains.

Many people include DE in their daily diet, with claims of controlling parasites, helping with detox and for internal cleansing.

How Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Works

Under a microscope, DE has sharp edges. When used as an organic pesticide, this mineral-based product pierces soft-bodied insects and causes them to dehydrate.

DE is generally used as a barrier to control insects. A layer is spread in areas with pest infestations, indoors and out.

It kills all bugs and is a safe, effective and organic pesticide for home and garden. Many bugs will not walk across it, as it cuts them; and eating it will kill the bugs quickly.

How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Use a dust mask when applying DE. Although it is safe for human consumption, inhaling the dust can irritate mucous membranes. Once the dust settles, this will not be a problem.

Apply on a dry day, after the morning dew has evaporated. Sprinkle a dry layer of diatomaceous earth onto the top of soil.

DE is available in shakers or in bulk quantities for larger applications. Avoid watering until the DE has time to work on destroying the bugs. Once wet, it becomes less effective.

Reapply after a rain. Create a slurry of ¼ lb. DE, 1 tsp. soap and water and brush onto the bark of trees to repel ants and borers from laying eggs in the tree bark.

What DE Can be Used For

The list is endless. If it crawls, it will be killed. If it eats even a tiny piece, it dies.

DE controls thrips, mites, slugs, snails, aphids, earwigs, silverfish, ants, bedbugs, cabbage root flies, fleas, fly larva, ticks, roaches, twig borers, coddling moths, flea beetles and gnats.

Indoors it can be applied under cabinets, sinks and stoves, in window frames, around pipes and drains or anywhere bugs frequent. Rub into farm animal and pet fur to eliminate fleas and ticks.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that has been around for a long time and continues to benefit the planet. Food grade DE is a nontoxic and effective product from the earth and for the earth.

More Organic Gardening