By Karen Stepenson

There is no better time-proven method of controlling pests in your home and garden than Diatomaceous Earth. Not only is this a guaranteed way to control annoying pests such as cockroaches, ants, earwigs, flies, fleas and ticks, but it is totally natural. Diatomaceous Earth is totally organic - no chemicals, no toxic residue, no negative health effects.

A walk down the home and garden aisle at any local nursery or garden center store is loaded with toxic chemicals, all of which are harmful to the environment and especially harmful to human health. Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides are chock full of chemicals that are proven to harm our health and especially the health of our children. There is also documented proof that it isn't always just the chemicals in these products that can damage health; the inert ingredients may also be just as deadly and there is no way to know what these inerts are, as the chemical industry is protected by government regulations.

How Does It Work?

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is composed of diatoms, which are tiny fossilized shells of marine plants. Diatoms are related to today's crustaceans. Over the years, these plants naturally form a siliceous compound that contains minerals such as silicon, calcium, sodium, magnesium and iron. When these are ground up, the diatoms have the look and feel of talcum powder - yet to insects, this powder has razor-sharp edges that cut their protective covering.

DE works by dehydration because the diatom is composed mostly of air. Diatoms are absorbed through the waxy layer on the surface of insect skins and because they absorb four times their weight in moisture, they remove the body fluids, therefore killing the insect. Repeat applications may be required if the insects have quick access to water to rehydrate. Make sure all water sources are eliminated and if applying outdoors, be sure there is no rain in the forecast for at least twenty-four hours after application.

Not All DE Is Created Equal

There are two forms of Diatomaceous Earth and it is very important to remember that for home and garden purposes, always be sure to use "food grade" Diatomaceous Earth. The second form of DE is "industrial grade" DE. This form of DE is heated, calcined or flux calcined and this process creates a harmful crystalline silica. This DE is used for a variety of non-food grade applications, such as swimming pools, aquariums and road materials.

Precautions Using Food Grade DE

Before using food grade DE for any home or garden application, it is very important to remember that although Diatomaceous Earth is non-toxic, it can be harmful to the health if used incorrectly. DE is a powder and is abrasive to the eyes and lungs. Using proper protection when using this product is always recommended. Goggles and a dust mask are highly recommended because although in appearance it looks like powder, under a microscope, those tiny particles are sharp and will harm the eyes and lungs.

In the Garden

Diatomaceous Earth is safe to use in the garden. It may be the end of another growing season, but there are still annoying pests such as earwigs and especially wasps. There are a variety of methods in which consumers can use food grade DE that protects all growth from bug infestations. Food grade DE is not only safe for your garden, it will not kill earthworms that are vital for healthy soil.

Ticks and Fleas

Most pet owners get frustrated with products to control ticks and fleas on their animals. Most products are not only expensive, they are ineffective and require constant applications. All these products contain toxic chemicals, some of which can cause cancer and other health ailments for the family pet.

Pet flea collars are manufactured with chemicals; one example is permethrin which is proven to be toxic to people causing problems including: carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity and acute toxicity. Pet collars, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, leave residue on pet fur that threatens human health, not to mention that the health of the animal is being seriously compromised. Family members petting their dog or cat come into contact with chemical residues that are left behind with these collars.

An inexpensive and very effective natural way to solve the ongoing problem of ticks and fleas is by applying Diatomaceous Earth onto the fur of the family pet. It is not harmful to dogs and cats when safely applied to the animal. Sprinkling some DE on the areas in which the pet sleeps and frequents is a good idea as well.

Other Uses

Head lice treatments are suspected to cause many negative health effects as these treatments are toxic chemicals. The skin is an organ and it breathes, so when any chemical is applied to the skin (or scalp), it is absorbed into the body. DE, when used cautiously, can effectively kill head lice.

There is truly a multitude of uses for food grade DE. DE is used in agriculture to aid in the storage of grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and rice. DE on these foods protects them from moisture, mold, grain weevils and other insects. DE, in some countries, is considered safe if ingested.

Although DE is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, food grade Diatomaceous Earth has been used for decades in capsule or powder form in Europe and Asia as an anti-parasitic intestinal detoxifier and as a Trace Mineral Supplement.

Diatomaceous Earth is good to use on driveways to absorb oil spills and is even powerful enough to naturally absorb tanker oil spills in the oceans.

Naturally, DE Is Best

Diatomaceous Earth, a natural pest control, costs less than buying pesticides with dangerous chemicals. It's safer for your children, pets, natural wildlife, and the environment.

"Going Green with Diatomaceous Earth How-to Tips" is a comprehensive book written by author Tui Rose, R.N. This book provides an in-depth look at all the possible ways to use DE and how to properly apply it. Those considering switching to DE as their means of controlling pests can benefit from the hundreds of tips offered in this book.

Sidebar

Please note that it is highly recommended when using food grade Diatomaceous Earth to wear goggles and a dust mask to protect the eyes and the lungs. Although DE is widely used around the world for a multitude of uses, in Canada and the U.S. it's only starting to be recommended. Seek the advice of a professional before using this product.

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