I first learned about Diatomaceous Earth ("DE") several years ago when I was studying minerals and the detoxification of heavy metals from our bodies. This natural fossilized soft, sedimentary rock has so many uses that it would take many blog posts to unravel it's many wonderful uses. Diatomaceous earth is a marvelous, all-natural product made from tiny fossilized water plants. It is a naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from microscopic skeletal remains of algae-like plants called diatoms. Diatomaceous Earth is commonly used in food manufacturing, skin care products, and as a natural pesticide against parasites, insects and other harmful critters. The dust of Diatomaceous Earth is lethal to critters such as: aphids, ants, earwigs, bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches, snails, slugs and more. What is great about this natural pesticide, unlike conventionally produced pesticides, is that these critters are unable to build up a resistance and therefore, works every time without having to come up with a stronger pesticide potion.
What are the considerations?
Due to the fine powdery dust, I highly recommend using a mask when working with DE. The dust is so fine that it can enter your airways and may cause respiratory irritation and make sure you always purchase the "food grade" DE. The DE that has commonly been used in swimming pools over the decades is not food grade. The difference between "food grade" and "pool grade" is in the way that each type is treated. Pool Grade DE is calcined, meaning that is treated with very high heat. This turns the silicon dioxide that is present in the DE into crystalline silica. Crystalline silica is very dangerous and can be harmful to the health of humans and animals. For this reason, Pool Grade diatomaceous earth should NOT be used for any purpose other than filtration.
How can I use it in my garden?
It's very simple. You can use a shaker bottle and simply shake some DE around the base of your plants, creating a circle barrier around them. Due to the consideration of inhaling the fine powder as mentioned above, I prefer to mix my DE in water and use a spray bottle. Wearing a mask to protect my airways, I mix approximately 1-2 tablespoons in to a large spray bottle, shake well, and spray my plants and shrubs. I use this spray 1-3 times per week. The spray will begin to work against critters once it dries. You can even sprinkle or spray DE around the foundation of your home to keep away critters.
