Diatomaceous earth is a lesser known pesticide that is environmentally friendly and very inexpensive. It is the fossilized remains of diatoms; a variety of hard-shelled algae. It forms into sedimentary rock which is finely ground into a powder and purified, making it suitable for human and animal use. Any creature with an exoskeleton or soft, slimy body such as a slug will be killed by DE within 48 hours.
How Diatomaceous Earth Works
Because of DE's physio-sorptive properties, it can be used as a pesticide. DE dehydrates arthropods (animals with exoskeletons like cockroaches, fleas and bed bugs) and gastropods (snails and slugs), leaving them dead within 48 hours. Excess moisture in the environment may reduce the efficacy of the powder because it is extremely absorbent. DE can be used in gardens to destroy common pests while leaving edible plants safe to eat.
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth as an Insecticide
Chemical pesticides kill insects very quickly but cost the environment some hardship and threatens human and animal health. Diatomaceous earth kills slower than chemical pesticides yet it does not harm the environment, humans or animals in any way. Food grade DE can be eaten by humans and animals to defeat internal worm infestations such as tapeworms and roundworms. Simply sprinkling powdered food grade DE on a pets' fur regularly will prevent flea infestations.
Other Uses for Diatomaceous Earth
- DE is extremely absorbent, making it very useful in liquid chemical spills.
- It can also be added to cat litter to increase its absorbency while being totally safe for the cat.
- DE is useful as a soil conditioner for potted plants by retaining moisture within the soil yet being porous enough to allow oxygen to flow.
- It is also useful as an abrasive additive in toothpaste and metal polishing agents.
- DE can be used to filter drinking water and even swimming pools.
- Some use 1-2 tablespoons of DE in a liquid drink of their choice as an intestinal cleanse.
Searching eBay may be the most convenient route for those who have a PayPal account. Those who do not wish to use PayPal can buy diatomaceous earth by searching Amazon with a credit or debit card. Please remember when purchasing diatomaceous earth, select the food grade variety if it is intented for consumption or handling. Animals will lick their coats and ingest DE so buying the food grade variety is very important when using it to treat pets. Perma-Guard is the most common brand of food grade diatomaceous earth.
Cats and DE
I would not advise the use of DE on cats, especially male cats. Cats are descendents of feral desert cats who live in arid regions and derive their moisture requirements from prey animals. Naturally, pet cats do the same thing; they don't drink enough water because they are used to getting it from their food. I would advise feeding cats only wet food and offer clean, fresh water at all times. Use DE very sparingly on cats because they can dehydrate very easily. Dehydrated male cats can end up with a urinary tract infection and crystallized shards in their urine. They can also develop urinary tract plugs. These things can potentially kill a cat. Use caution and make sure your cat is getting enough water.
References
- Freshwaterorganics.com/DE%20Pest%20Control.pdf
Christy Bowen - Christy is a student at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a senior behavioral psychology major with a 3D sculpture minor.
