DiatomaceousEarth – Food Grade Review

DiatomaceousEarth Review

DiatomaceousEarth is unlike traditional bug killers in that it is food grade and safe to use in areas that other insecticides could do potential harm. Chances are you have had to deal with some unwanted insects in or around your home. Spraying harmful poisons in areas that are accessible to children or pets can be quite worrisome. Because most insects in your house are looking for a food source, your kitchen becomes a key target for these pests. Like most, you might be hesitant to spray insecticides and pesticides around your food or kitchen counters.

DiatomaceousEarth is a healthy, organic, and all-natural option. It comes in resealable bags in multiple sizes ranging from one-pound to ten-pound bags. Most users have placed DiatomaceousEarth in or around their homes to combat small insects such as fleas, ants, and bedbugs. It can be lightly dusted in problem areas such as gardens, kitchen counters, or anywhere else you may have seen unwanted bugs. Some users recommended a light dusting in the yard to control ant and flea infestations.

Ease of Use

Users of DiatomaceousEarth feel that it is easy to use because it requires no special preparation. Several users mentioned spreading DiatomaceousEarth in their yard to control flea and ant problems. Some decided to use the puffers recommended by the manufacturer. The puffers distribute the DE in a thin layer. For larger yards, one user stated that a seed spreader might distribute the product a little faster. For applications in small areas, users can spread DE with their hands because it is safe to touch.

Ingredients – Organic and Natural

DiatomaceousEarth is made up of the fossilized remains from single-celled organisms referred to as “diatoms.” This fossilization process takes place over thousands of years at the bottom of freshwater lake beds. When the lakes dry up, they expose fossilized diatoms, which become diatomaceous earth. Considering diatomaceous earth, also referred to as DE, is already thousands of years old, it has no expiration date. So long as you store it in a dry place, DE should not lose its effectiveness over time. The manufacturer states that their DE is composed of 85% silicon dioxide, 10% other oxides, and 5% moisture.

Is DiatomaceousEarth Safe?

DiatomaceousEarth is organic and food-grade, which makes it incredibly safe. Its safety is a notable feature, especially when compared to traditional bug sprays and insecticides that are quite harmful and poisonous. You can rest assured that this product is safe to apply on countertops where it has the possibility of coming into contact with food. Many users reported their concern when using harsh chemicals to battle flea infestations near their pets. DE is a safe alternative to the typical flea control methods that might cause hesitation or fear for your furry friend. If your application method uses a large amount of DE that creates dust in the air, be sure to wear a face mask. You’ll want to avoid excessive inhalation as this may cause mild lung irritation in those with lung sensitivities such as asthma.

What Can I Use DiatomaceousEarth For?

Food grade diatomaceous earth is extremely versatile and can be used to kill bugs, clean your pool (as long as its also pool grade), and might even provide you with long-term health benefits. When it comes to pest control, safety is often the main priority, but value and versatility are huge factors as well. DiatomaceousEarth can be used to control various small insects like ants, fleas, and bedbugs. Several users also mentioned success when used to kill larger insects, including roaches, beetles, and many other garden pests as well. Because it is so versatile, considering the variety of bugs it can target, many reviewers felt that this product held its value.

Because DE is food grade, some people have experienced possible health benefits after ingesting diatomaceous earth products. Some users have reported notable changes in their cholesterol levels, bowel regularity, and improvements in skin and hair. The silica in DE works to capture unwanted materials as it moves through your body, so it essentially works to clean out your digestive tract. While DE is safe for consumption for everyone, even those pregnant or nursing, you should always consult your doctor before adding new products into your diet. If you are pregnant or nursing and have talked to your physician about taking DE, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water with DE.

Note that you should do your own research or consult with a doctor before ingesting any products that claim health benefits. You cannot ingest diatomaceous earth unless it is food grade. If you have pool grade or filter grade DE, be sure to keep it away from children or pets. With this type of DE, you can add it to your pool filters to help with filtering out dust and debris.

Does DiatomaceousEarth Work?

Diatomaceous earth works to provide safe pest control without any side effects to most users. We read hundreds of Amazon reviews and discovered that a majority of users found this product to be more than satisfactory. A large number of reviewers specifically mentioned its effectiveness against fleas when treating home and yard infestations. While fleas were the predominant target, several users said they had great success when used to control ant and bed bug issues. The effectiveness was occasionally questioned by some reviewers when using food grade DE in outdoor areas. Keep in mind that DiatomaceousEarth is ineffective when wet but will resume efficiency once dry without a need to reapply.

Suggested Application

There are a few different ways in which you can apply DiatomaceousEarth. Be sure to read all product labels and follow the guidelines provided. It can be sprinkled or lightly dusted in any area where you have noticed insects. While DE is safe to touch and ingest, be careful not to inhale the product. It could cause mild lung irritation, especially in those who have sensitive lungs or are asthmatic. To be careful, you should use a face mask or respirator when distributing the powder. Reviewers often recommend the use of a puffer when spreading in larger areas such as yards or gardens.

Unlike some insecticides, DiatomaceousEarth might not work immediately. Depending on the type of bug you are targeting, it might take up to five to seven days before you notice a significant difference. Users did occasionally mention that it was difficult to use in small amounts and had a tendency to pour more than initially intended. While this is a minor inconvenience, it should be noted that DiatomaceousEarth would still be safe. The packages are available in one pound, two-pound, five-pound, and ten-pound bags. While pricing is subject to change according to availability, the larger bags provide more product at a better price.

How Does DiatomaceousEarth Work?

DiatomaceousEarth is abrasive and acts somewhat like a sponge. Many types of bugs have an exoskeleton that provides them with a protective layer. This outer protective layer is waxy and made up of lipids. Because DE is similar to a sponge, it absorbs the lipids and thus damages the insect’s protective layer. Once that waxy layer is damaged, the insect is unable to moderate the evaporation of water from its body. After a little while, the insect will dehydrate and die.