How to Use Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth has been used for many things. Probably the best known use is as slug control in the garden. However, DE meant for gardens and pools is poisonous. This article will talk about the uses of safe, food-grade DE.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Food-grade diatomaceous earth
• Dust mask
• Gloves
• Water
• Moisturizer

1. Find a source for food grade diatomaceous earth. There are vendors online and many feed stores will special-order it for you. The best price I have found is just under $1 USD per pound. Be sure the DE is white. Brown is a sign of impurities and is not food-grade.

2. Decide what you want to use it for. DE can be used internally or externally for pest control. It is added to grains and flours to control beetle and moth infestations, added to animal food to control intestinal worms, and dusted on animals to control fleas and lice.

3. To add to animal feed, grains, or flour, mix in 1 Tablespoon (20 ml) DE per 1 quart (1 liter) food.

4. To dust an animal, work outside or in a well-ventilated area to reduce respiratory problems for the animal. Part the fur or feathers to expose the skin where the parasite is. Sprinkle on a pinch of DE. Work the DE thoroughly into the fur or feathers. Ad more DE as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• DE is pure fossilized diatoms.
• DE's mode of action is sharp, razor-like edges on the diatoms, physically cutting pests.
• Wear a dusk mask and have good ventilation when working with the powder. DE is very sharp and irritating to the lungs.
• DE is drying to the skin. Wear gloves and/or apply moisturizer after handling.