Facts About Diatomaceous Earth

Before dwelling into the facts about diatomaceous earth, it is necessary to understand what diatomaceous earth is all about. There are many single-celled algae found in plankton called "diatoms". Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that is made by powdering the shells of the diatoms. The diatomaceous earth is white crystalline powder that has a wide array of uses.

A Few Facts About Diatomaceous Earth

Diatoms or the unicellular algae-like plants are a part of earth’s ecology since prehistoric times. There are evidences, which say diatoms built chalky deposits known as diatomite around 30 million years ago. Today, diatomites are mined and powdered for multiple purposes.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural pesticide with inherent mineral content. Some of the minerals present in diatomaceous earth are magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, silicon and traces of boron, manganese, copper, zirconium and titanium.

Another interesting fact about DE is nitroglycerin acid is made more stable if it is absorbed in diatomite. You can safely transport the nitroglycerin if it is mixed with diatomite. Alfred Nobel discovered this in 1866 and in 1867, he got a patent for the mixture of diatomite and nitroglycerin that he named as dynamite.

In the scientific field, diatomite is used to remove the DNA from a chromosome in the presence of agents such as, guanidinium hydrochloride, guanidinium thiocynate and sodium iodide.

Diatomaceous earth is mostly used as an insecticide. The dust of diatomaceous earth has razor sharp edges that are lethal to the insects. The insects are killed because the sharp edges of Diatomaceous earth cut through them when it is sprayed on them.

Diatomaceous earth is used to kill intestinal worms in cats and dogs. You can mix one teaspoon of DE with the cat or dog feed. In large dogs, give approximately 1 tbsp. The fact is diatomaceous earth grinds a worm to death. The silicon content in diatomaceous earth dissolves in the mouthparts of the worm and kills it.

One of the facts about Diatomaceous earth is it used to control insects such as silverfish, ants, cockroaches and mites. You could also use it on fleas, beetles and snails.

Another application of Diatomaceous earth is, it can be used in areas under stoves, inside the cabinets, sinks and garbage cans. It can be used to treat the pests and insects that hide between the frames of windows and doors and also in drains and cracks.

Are you aware of the fact Diatomaceous earth is used as a polish? It is used to clean metal. Because of its non-toxic nature, it could be used to clean cooking vessels.

Diatomaceous earth is one of the ingredients used in toothpaste.

An interesting fact about diatomaceous earth is it is used to clean spills because of its absorbent nature. Its high porosity makes it an important absorbent in cleaning toxic chemicals.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide and insecticide that could be used as a spill cleaner and an efficient filter. However, it is one of the most under-appreciated natural pesticides.