100% Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth - 2.5 lb. Jug

Image ID: corp2365, NOAA Corps Collection Photographer: Dr. Neil Sullivan, USC

DE, or Diatomaceous Earth, has many uses . The EPA has approved it as an anti-caking agent in animal feed. In addition, DE is approved by the FDA for internal and external use as a Food Grade Chemical.

If you are bothered by any of the following pests, DE is a good way to fight them: ants, bedbugs, box elder bugs, carpet beetles, centipedes, crickets, cockroaches, earwigs, fleas, grasshoppers, millipedes, slugs and silverfish.

Diatomaceous Earth is odorless and nontoxic and looks like white powder. It is composed of finely milled fossilized shells of minuscule organisms called diatoms (image at right). The powder has an abrasive quality similar to pumice with very high porosity. The porosity allows it to absorb moisture easily.

Only Use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth for Parasite Control for Livestock, Horses and Pets.

See our 50 lb DE for more information and animal dosages. 50 lb Diatomaceous Earth

Indoor and Outdoor Pest Control Application: Sprinkle a light layer of Diatomaceous Earth in areas where pests frequent, including under stoves, cabinets, sinks, garbage cans, window and door frames and sills, entrance ways, sewer pipes and drains, and in cracks and crevices. Repeat treatment as needed.

Parasite Control for Livestock: For effective use, the DE must be fed long enough to catch all the newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach. A minimum of 60 days is suggested at 2% of dry weight of the grain ration. If livestock or horses still test positive, increase the dosage. More will not hurt; too little will not help. Follow instructions on label.

CAUTIONS:

• IF you have asthma or some other lung ailment, either wear a mask or be very careful when using food grade diatomaceous earth as it is a fine powder.
• Because DE is drying, do NOT get it in your eyes. Be sure to apply it on animals or around them to avoid their eyes, too.
• Do NOT use in carpet. DE can cause vacuum problems.
• NEVER use pool filter grade or any diatomaceous earth other than those labeled "Food Grade" around animals as it is poisonous.  

Diatomaceous Earth MSDS Sheet