Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 1 micron to more than 1 millimeter, but typically 10 to 200 microns. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven- dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a  mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.
 

Diatomite forms by the accumulation of the amorphous silica remains of dead diatoms (microscopic single-celled algae) in lacustrine or marine sediments.  This DE was mined in the U.S.A.

Since the oldest use of diatomite was as a very mild abrasive, for this purpose, it has been used both in toothpaste and in metal polishes, as well as in some facial scrubs.  Food grade DE is regulated by the EPA, FDA, and USDA and should only be used in accordance with their recommendations.

Yes!  It is TOTALLY drug and chemical free.   It is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a feed supplement. This food grade of DE is used as an anti-caking agent in animal food by mixing it into  the food at a rate of 2% of the dry weight of the food (per the manufacturer’s suggestion).  Many people even take one tablespoon of DE daily, mixed into a liquid drink of their choice, as a source of silica—a major mineral we all need that is lacking in our foodstuffs today.  We, however, are distributing this product as a safe, natural means of pest control. It has no odor whatsoever and is safe to use around all pets.

Diatomite is also used as an insecticide, due to its physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons (A hard outer structure, such as the shell of an insect or crustacean, that provides protection or support for an organism), causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency. It is sometimes mixed with an attractant or other additives to increase its effectiveness.

Medical-grade diatomite is sometimes used to de-worm both animals and humans. It is most commonly used in lieu of boric acid, and can be used to help control and eventually eliminate a cockroach infestation. This material has wide application for insect control in grain storage.

Some of the many pests that DE can kill include: Ants (all kinds), Bed Bugs, Bees, Beetles, Centipedes, Cockroaches, Crickets, Earwigs, Fleas, Flies, Fruit Flies, Lice, Locusts, Millipedes, Mites, Mosquitoes, Scorpions, Silverfish, Slugs, Snails, Spiders, Termites, Ticks, Wasps, and Weevils. 

It will not harm earthworms or other beneficial soil organisms if used outdoors in the garden.  There is a lot of information on the internet regarding the use of DE in gardening.  Please research the best way to use DE for your particular pest problems.  We will offer some suggestions, but it’s impossible to be comprehensive regarding usage in this brochure.

DE can be used for pest control in different ways depending on the problem you want to resolve. 

It can be used as a barrier to prevent pests from entering the home.  Apply a thin consistent line of DE on your window sill, in the track of your sliding glass door, under your door’s threshold, or anywhere else you find insects entering the home.  Just know that water or moisture will reduce or eliminate the efficacy of DE.  Any break in the line will allow the insects to enter the home.

DE can be used to treat a flea infestation.  First, remove all pets and people from the area to be treated.  Wear a dust mask while applying the DE.  Sprinkle it on the infested area, be it carpet or any other type of flooring or grout, as well as on pet bedding or furniture, and leave the dust to settle.  Once the dust has settled, animals and people may return to the area.  The longer the time the DE is left, the more effective the treatment will be.  Eventually the DE can be vacuumed up.

DE can also be used for cockroach control by dispensing it in areas they are known to hide —such as in the walls of the home, under the kitchen sink, under the stove, etc.

Outdoors, it can be applied directly onto fire ant mounds.  If it doesn’t rain and there’s no dew, it will continue to kill the ants until it gets wet.  Since DE is an all natural product, it can do no harm to the environment.

As long as the dust has settled, the birds won’t be inhaling it.  So, even though their respiratory systems are so much more sensitive and vulnerable than ours, DE puts off no odor and contains no chemicals that can be harmful to them.  If DE is applied near or under bird cages, be careful that wing flapping or flying won’t disturb the settled dust.  More information about DE’s safety is available on the internet.

Please Note: The following manufacturer's precautions, from the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), pertain to dealing with large quantities of the powder.

Risk of Exposure:

Dust may cause eye and respiratory irritation.  Exposure to excessive quantities of dust may cause lung damage.  Signs and symptoms of lung damage include coughing, tightness in chest, shortness of breath, and damage to the lung tissue.

Precautions:

Use an approved respirator and goggles.  Work areas should be equipped with adequate dust collection or exhaust ventilation.

First Aid:

Eyes—flush with clean water to remove dust.
Inhalation—Remove to fresh air.

For 24 hour assistance, contact Chemtec at 1-800-424-9300.

Please request a copy via e-mail of the entire MSDS from the manufacturer of this product.

The information and recommendations contained herein are based upon data believed to be correct.  However, no guarantee or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made with respect to the information contained herein.