Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an amazing, organic product made from fossilized sedimentary deposits of tiny phytoplankton (uni-cellular plants) called diatoms. These algae-like plants have been part of the earth’s ecosystem since prehistoric era. About 20-30 million years ago, the diatoms developed into profound, chalky remnants of diatomite. The diatoms are dug from underwater beds and pulverized to deliver a fine and talc like substance. Diatomaceous Earth is chemically composed of 86% silica, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron.
Diatomaceous Earth has a myriad of uses and benefit. Find below how you can efficiently utilize Diatomaceous Earth’s to your advantage.
Pets – Protect our best friends with the help of Diatomaceous Earth. It can be safely used to treat external parasites like fleas or ticks on dogs or cats. It’s 100% all natural and entirely non-toxic to animals, fish, fowl, or food, but lethal to any insect. Diatomaceous Earth dehydrates insects by absorbing its waxy outer protective covering, causing them to lose fluids and die.
Directions to use: Lightly dust on your pet and rub all over the coat, avoiding the eyes. Sprinkle the powder over your carpets, the lawn, in dog runs, around pet beddings, and other favorite resting spots or places that come in contact with your pet. Repeat the application between baths, once to twice a week for about 3 consecutive weeks.
Household – Conveniently use it against carpet beetles, bedbugs, houseflies, cockroaches, centipedes, silverfish, millipedes, mites, earwigs, ants and other insects.
Directions to use: Sprinkle thoroughly where these pests are found or may hide, such as counters, along baseboards, carpets and rugs, carpet edges, under cabinets and other furniture, in closets, shelves, bed joints and channels, mattress, behind refrigerators, stoves, cracks and crevices, window frames, along the house foundation, and garbage bins. Directly dust insects if possible. Repeat the procedure on a regular basis.
Stored Grain – Food grade Diatomaceous Earth can be utilized as an effective grain protectant if grain is appropriately stored. It is a healthy and non-toxic substitute to chemical contamination of stored grain. Also, DE destroys bugs that are present and shields the grain from future infestation.
Directions to use: Simply mix 7-10 lbs. of Diatomaceous Earth to every ton of grain as it is passed into the storage. Upon usage of the grain, DE can effortlessly be eliminated, but not necessarily as it is “food grade” and would not affect taste or food preparation quality.
Garden / Yard – Diatomaceous Earth is a useful organic insecticide / fungicide in fighting against caterpillars, aphids, codling moth, flies, ants, leafhoppers, and others. Its minerals are also beneficial for the yards and greenhouses. Pests cannot be immune with Diatomaceous Earth as it kills physically and not chemically. Moreover, DE does not damage earthworms and other good soil microorganisms.
Directions to use: Apply Diatomaceous Earth directly to anthills; this may need few applications to totally eliminate ants. Mix Diatomaceous Earth with water and paint fruit trees trunks with it to keep them away from ants. Use a duster to coat plants and surrounding soil with Diatomaceous Earth. Always reapply after a rain.
Internal Parasites – Food grade Diatomaceous Earth makes a helpful organic internal insecticide for pets and livestock. It has been used for decades as a natural wormer for livestock. It combats internal parasites, stimulates digestion, and supplies essential trace minerals.
Directions to use: Combine to animal food whenever feeding; for best results, it must be fed time and again to seize all newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms. A good 60-90 days is highly recommendable.
Other Uses
Polisher - Make a paste out of Diatomaceous Earth plus water can be a great metal polisher and an economical soft scrubber for sinks, faucets, and showers.
Facemask - Diatomaceous Earth paste can also be applied as a facemask. Gently apply the paste on your face until its fully covered and leave on for about 2 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Facial Cleanser – Just combine Diatomaceous Earth with your regular cleanser/toner and mix well. Apply on cotton pads and use on face for a dirt free and smoother skin.
Teeth Cleaner – Dash a small amount of Diatomaceous Earth on your toothpaste and brush your teeth as usual. Diatomaceous Earth provides a gentle scrubbing action on your teeth and gums for a sparklingly clean feeling.
