Diatomaceous earth is a unique substance because it has a variety of uses. I am not big into the idea of "cure-all" products and I was skeptical to learn that diatomaceous earth claimed such wide-ranging benefits. I read about people saying that it controlled fleas hiding in their sheets, in their clothes, and embedded in their carpet. I talked to a lady that explained how DE cleared a mange problem on her cattle and at the same time killing off ants in the garden. I'll admit I was doubtful toward this product that seemed to do a little or a lot of everything.
However, as I researched more, and talked with more people, I could see that diatomaceous earth really could be used in some surprising ways. There were too many success stories from its various uses. I've learned that diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural pesticide for the garden or home. It can control fleas for your pets, as a feed additive in feed manufacturing, as a food preserver, and many other uses.
Here is a brief overview of how to use diatomaceous earth:
In the Home:
To use diatomaceous earth in the home, it's best to have a targeted area. DE is a fine, loose powder, which can be messy to apply. Find a certain area in which you want to treat and work from there. The excess powder can easily be vacuumed up. It's also effective to apply DE with an applicator. Depending on the job, there are several dusters that can apply DE in the way you need it.
DE works to treat bug infestations in the home; it can also be used to deodorize unwanted smells from the garbage, shoes, sock drawers, the refrigerator, and many other places. If you have a spill that needs to be cleaned, you can sprinkle DE over the spill to absorb the mess.
As a Natural Pesticide:
While using crawling insect controldiatomaceous earth as a natural pesticide, you may want to have the appropriate applicator. For large treatments, you will need a heavy-duty duster such as the Dustin-Mizer. This allows you to powder large gardens and other outspread areas.
To treat anthills, powder the ant mound and the trail. For more instructions, see our how-to article.
Using DE around your garden can protect your plants from harmful pests. For an effective application, spray your plants with water and then apply the DE. This will allow the DE to stick to the plants. After a rainstorm, you should re-apply the diatomaceous earth.
For your Pets:
Pets are exposed to all sorts of bugs as they play outside, and they tend to bring them in the home. If your pet picks up fleas or ticks, there is a way to get rid of them naturally and safely. You can kill irritating fleas or ticks on your pets with diatomaceous earth. To learn more, visit our pest control page.
For your Livestock:
Farmers have found several benefits of using diatomaceous earth. It's been known to help with an animal's living quarters to clean out harmful insects and parasites. Livestock owners can use it around the farm to ward off flies and other pests. It can also deodorize smells. For more detailed instructions on how it's used in the farm and garden, visit our farm and garden section.
In your Food Storage:
With the absorbent nature of diatomaceous earth, it works well to preserve food storage. It's simple to add a few cups of DE to your large storage bins. After mixing it through, the DE will protect your grains and other foods against insects like grain weevils. DE also works to keep your food from growing mold by keeping it dry.
For Human Consumption:
The health benefits from diatomaceous earth are widespread. People have found relief from joint pain, aid in digestion, stronger hair and nails, and many other benefits. You can take it in the morning with a little juice or tea. You could even pour some in a smoothie. DE has no taste, and you don't have to take much to improve your health.
As a Cleaner/Silver Polish:
DE has a powerful ability to be both abrasive and gentle. The tiny, porous diatoms work to scrub off stains on silver or aluminum objects. You can mix DE with other natural cleaning products for the ultimate cleaning concoction. Items like lemon juice, vinegar, water, and a little DE go a long way to make silver shiny and new. This mix can also clean up tough stains around the home.
Since DE is such a resourceful product, you can find a way to use it that fits your needs. It's natural and organic, so you don't need to worry about harsh unnatural side effects. Additionally it's also easy to use. You may be hesitant at first, like I was, but you will be surprised how useful it can be. Try one of our 1 lb or 2 lb bags today to see if DE can help make your life a little greener.
