What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a remarkable, all-natural product made from tiny
fossilized water plants. Diatomaceous Earth is a
naturally occurring
siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from microscopic skeletal remains
of unicellular algae-like plants called diatoms. These plants have been
part of the earth's ecology since prehistoric times. It is believed that 30 million years ago the diatoms built up into deep, chalky
deposits of diatomite. The diatoms are mined and ground up to render a
powder that looks and feels like talcum powder to us. It is a mineral
based pesticide. DE is approximately 3% magnesium, 33% silicon, 19% calcium, 5% sodium,
2% iron and many other trace minerals such as titanium, boron, manganese,
copper and zirconium. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural (not calcined or
flux calcined) compound. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural grade diatomite. However, the
continual breathing of any dust should he absolutely avoided.
Pest Pistol is a great
applicator for DE
and other powders Click here to go to Pest Pistol
Use the Garden
Syringe Applicator for pinpoint
Diatomaceous Earth and water injections in plants, trees shrubs etc.
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This DE is not the same thing as the DE
used in swimming pool filters. Pool grade DE is Diatomaceous Earth
produced for pool filters and it is treated with heat, causing the
formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume crystalline form. Pool grade
DE should never be used for pest control. Swimming pool DE ranges from
60% to 70% free silica!
How does it work?
To insects DE is a lethal dust with microscopic razor sharp edges. These
sharp edges cut through the insect's protective covering drying it out and
killing them when they are either dusted with DE or if it applied as a
wettable powder spray. If they ingest the DE it will shred their insides.
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Comes with complete
instructions for use on insects, flea and lice control, bed bugs, grain storage,
parasite control in animals (use in feed) and fly control.
What insects can DE be used
for?
Diatomaceous Earth may be used as a
barrier to control adult flea beetles, sawfly, coddling moth, twig borer,
thrips, mites, cockroach, slugs, snails and many other insects such
as:
Aphids, thrips, earwigs, silverfish, and ants.
Can be used for bedbugs, cabbage root flies, carrot root flies, fleas, pillbugs,
ticks
and is helpful in dealing with fungus gnats. Indoor and Outdoor
Application: Sprinkle a light layer of DE in areas where pests
frequent, including under stoves, cabinets, sinks, garbage cans, window
and door frames and sills,
entrance ways, sewer pipes and drains, and in cracks and crevices. Repeat
treatment as needed.
Carpet Beetles: Thoroughly dust along baseboards, carpet edges,
under furniture, carpet, and rugs, and in closets and shelving.
Bedbugs: Take apart bed and dust joints and channels. Dust any
hollow tubing and the interior framework as well as the mattress and all
cracks in the room.
Fleas: Thoroughly dust carpets and pet's bedding and sleeping
areas, as well as cracks and baseboards. It also can be rubbed into your
pet's fur.
Flies: Thoroughly dust areas where flies frequent (walls, straw
bedding, livestock pens). It also can be applied to livestock coat as an
insect repellent/contact insecticide.
Fly Larva: Keeps fly larvae from developing in manure, which makes
a significant reduction in the fly population.
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Diatomaceous Earth -
Experimental Feeding
of Codex Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth
to Zoo
Animals
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Richard Smith, Hallwood
Inc., Animal Food Specialties, Grand Rapids, Michigan
A mixture of feed incorporating 2% diatomaceous earth was sent to
three zoos for evaluation. John Ball Park of Grand Rapids,
Michigan; Brookfield Zoos of Chicago Illinois; and Buffalo Zoo of
Buffalo, New York. John Ball and Buffalo Zoos reported that
their black bears on the special feed showed a better coat and
clearer eyes. The primates fed at the Brookfield Zoo
displayed a pronounced improvement in both appearance and
behavior. Stool samples taken at all three zoos showed an
absence of any internal parasites - adult or egg. Parasites in
these animals were present prior to using the diatomaceous earth
food mixture. |
How is DE applied?
You can apply DE with a Pest Pistol
You can use any type of applicator like the ones in the picture on the
upper right of the page. The
cylinder with jar in the front is a single action type pump that disperse a
fine cloud of DE on foliage. The small unit with the red cap is a
"Pest Pistol" used to inject DE into cracks and crevices or as
a fog in larger areas.
The Chapin compression sprayer can be used by making a thin slurry of DE and
water. This method can you give precise coverage and when it dries the DE
goes to work. A slurry can also be used as a "paint" on tree
trunks to discourage insects and to give sunscald protection to the bark. A
slurry paint may also be useful in deterring borers from laying eggs on
bark. DE is compatible with Golden Harvest Natural
Fertilizer and most other wettable powders or liquid fertilizers and pesticides.
Are there any safety concerns
with DE?
Yes, you must wear a dust mask when applying it as it can irritate the
mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. Once the DE dust has settled it
won't bother you.
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Click
here to order
DE can be used in greenhouses, homes,
gardens and
on all
types of plants.
This product is untreated,
unheated, amorphous
agricultural food
grade freshwater DE
(not the DE used in
swimming pools)
Click here to order
1 lb. bag is $ 4.00
2 lb. bag is $ 7.50
Diatomaceous
Earth will not harm warm-blooded animals or earthworms
Earthworm farmers use it to treat their worm beds for parasites, fungus
gnat larva etc. Earth worms are structurally different from insects in
that they can actually digest particles of DE. The particles are then
eliminated in their castings.
Order yours today!
Comes with complete instructions
for use as barrier, dust, spray, slurry and for animal parasites
In an article on DE in COMMON SENSE PEST CONTROL
QUARTERLY, published by BIRC, Volume III, Number 1, Winter 1987, the
matter of safety is explored.
“Both swimming pool grade and natural diatomaceous
earth come from the same fossil sources but they are processed
differently. The natural grades are mined, dried, ground, sled and bagged.
The pool grade is chemically treated and partially melted and consequently
contains crystalline silica which can be a respiratory hazard. Thus, IT IS
IMPERATIVE THAT ONLY NATURAL DIATOMACEOUS EARTH BE USED FOR INSECT
CONTROL. This non-crystalline silica is not a hazard as the human body
apparently can dissolve it. “
DISCLAIMER: Any food grade diatomaceous
earth uses other than those approved by the EPA, FDA, or USDA are strictly
based on what others reportedly have done. The information that follows is
not intended as a substitute for a veterinarian’s advice, nor is it a
substitute for your judgment. It is best if you inform yourself and make
decisions based on what you learn.
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