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Use of Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth in moderation is beneficial.

The image is a scanning electron micrograph (JPEG) of Cyclotella stelligera.

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder (like pulverized lime). This powder has a slight abrasive feel, and is very light, due to its high porosity.

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algea. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.

So many practical applications for a natural substance!

 

the DIATOM

Natural pest controller, filter, abrasive, absorbent, and yes, DNA purification.

  • Diatomaceous earth (DE) is the remains of microscopic one-celled plants (phytoplankton) called diatoms that lived in the oceans and lakes that once covered the western part of the US and other parts of the world. These deposits are mined from underwater beds or from ancient dried lake bottoms thousands of years old.
  • Diatoms (DE) are the grass of the oceans and lakes. Just as grass is the staple food of earth animals. Diatoms (algae) are the food of the ocean or fresh water grazers. Magnified 7000x, diatomaceous earth looks like spiny honeycombs.
  • Food grade diatomaceous earth makes a very effective natural insecticide. The insecticidal quality of diatomaceous earth is due to the razor sharp edges of the diatom remains. When diatomaceous earth comes in contact with the insects, the sharp edges lacerate the bugs waxy exoskeleton and then the powdery diatomaceous earth absorbs the body fluids causing death from dehydration.
  • Food grade diatomaceous earth is EPA approved to be mixed with grains to control mealworms and other pests and has been exempted from tolerance requirements as an inert, inactive ingredient in chemical pesticides.
  • Diatomaceous earth is EPA approved against indoor and outdoor crawling insects. Diatomaceous earth is USDA approved as an anti-caking agent for animal feed.
  • Diatomaceous earth is FDA approved for internal and external use and has a rating of Food Chemical Codex Grade.
  • To be most effective, food grade diatomaceous earth must be fed long enough to catch all newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach. A minimum of 60 days is suggested by many, 90 days is advised for lungworms.
  • Food grade diatomaceous earth works in a purely physical/mechanical manner, not "chemical" and thus has no chemical toxicity.

Best yet, parasites don’t build up a tolerance/immunity to its chemical reaction, so rotation of wormers is unnecessary.

I promote using DE, but use it modestly!
 
Once introduced, it remains and will not breakdown or absorb into the surroundings.
 
Why is that important to know?
 
Consider the micro-environment in your soil.  Earthworms, ants, spiders, lady bugs, and all the other positive contributors that enhance your peice of the Earth.  All of these beings, and more, will be affected by the use (or overuse) of DE. Without the symbiotic creepy crawly world, the floral & fauna will suffer.
 
Please think of the bigger picture in lieu of your immediate need. 
 

Did you know?

The oldest use of diatomite is as a very mild abrasive and, for this purpose, it has been used both in toothpaste and in metal polishes, as well as in some facial scrubs.
 
The most common use (68%) of diatomaceous earth is as a filter medium, especially for swimming pools, drinking water treatment process, and fish tanks.
 

Use gloves & a dust mask when using DE. The absorbent qualities of diatomite can result in a significant drying of the hands if handled without gloves. The flux-calcined form contains a highly crystalline form of silica, resulting in sharp edges. Although natural or dried diatomite generally contains very low percentages of crystalline silica, the sharpness of this version of the material makes it dangerous to breathe over prolong use. USE A DUSK MASK when working with it.

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My Garden of Hesperides ~ HespeGarden Ranch & Rescue LLC
478 MacDonald Road ~ Washington Vermont 05675
Tel. 802-522-8044 ~ Fax 802-264-8503