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Using Diatomaceous Earth

April 10, 2015 by Tiffany Davis 13 Comments

Using diatomaceous earth has many benefits for the homesteader.  From pest control to food storage to gardening and health; you’ll be amazed at what this powder can do for you!

So what the heck is Diatomaceous Earth?

It’s BABIES!  Well plankton babies that is.  More to the point, food grade diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossils of phytoplankton.  DE has a strong negative ionic charge, attracting positively charged ions (good things happen).  It is also high in silica which promotes strong bones and teeth as well as healthy skin, nails and hair.  It is also an incredibly hard substance, not far under diamonds – which has amazing benefits for us as well!

Using Diatomaceous Earth on the Homestead for Animals, Gardens & More

When I talk about using diatomaceous earth (DE) I am referring only to the food grade quality and type.  So for the purposes of this article, food grade diatomaceous earth is all I am talking about; do not attempt to use any other type of DE in these manners.  Please note that industrial grade DE is toxic to both you and your animals.

Using Diatomaceous Earth – Home & Garden

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and effective means of pest control.

  • Roaches
  • Spiders
  • Bed bugs
  • Scorpions
  • Slugs and snails
  • Aphids
  • Mites

Use around your  windows and entrances to repel bugs.  Sprinkle around garden beds but be aware it can harm beneficial bugs too so use it with caution.  You can even use DE on fire ant hills to rid yourself of these little demons without laying poison in places your kids, pets and livestock may be.

Having trouble with pests in your compost?  Try adding a little DE to the pile!

  • Protect your food storage with DE  (source)
  • Deodorize in and around the home (garbage cans, carpets, etc)
  • Instantly absorbs liquids – great for spills
  • Fridge deodorizer
  • You can even make chemical free cleaners (like a toilet scrubber) with DE

Using Diatomaceous Earth – Animals

  • Rid your animals of fleas
  • Kiss those mites and lice in chickens goodbye (um, please don’t really kiss them…gross)
  • Aids in removing ticks safely
  • Internal pest control (natural wormer)
  • Keep pens, barns, even kitty litter cleaner and fresher with a little DE

Remember diatomaceous earth can be both a lung and eye irritant so take steps to protect yourself and animals when using it. 

Using Diatomaceous Earth – People

Diatomaceous earth can be good for people too!

  • improve digestive health
  • bowel movements more regular
  • detoxifying
  • cholesterol reducing
  • clearer skin
  • improved dental health
  • stronger and healthier nails and hair
  • reduce arthritis, join and muscle pain
  • help with skin conditions like burns, bites and rashes
  • help control Candida levels

You can use DE to make all kinds of personal health items too:

  • Deodorant (see recipe here)
  • Re-mineralizing Toothpaste (see recipe here)

Are you using diatomaceous earth on your homestead?  Tell me how it is working for you, in the comments!

Disclaimer:  I am not a vet or a healthcare practitioner.  This article is for informational purposes and it is assumed you’ll do your own research and consultations.

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Filed Under: Backyard Homestead, Backyard Livestock, Gardening, Health & Wellness

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jodibartee says

    July 2, 2017 at 8:26 pm

    I am using it in my garden but, how much do I us for me?

    Reply
  2. Kym says

    July 9, 2017 at 1:58 am

    I live in nsw .were do i buy this from.i would love to try it for my chickens and will it kill cockroaches.
    Kym

    Reply
    • MzBetty says

      July 19, 2017 at 11:41 am

      I got my DE at a feed and seed store. Make sure you get the food grade. As for killing roaches this will work but it takes time. However if you’re looking for something to get rid of roaches fast and for good I recommend you go to DoMyOwn.com and purchase Advion roach bait gel. It’s only $25.78 for a box of 4 syringes. This stuff really works and it works quick, you can get rid of the worst infestation in just a few days. I’ve never seen anything like it. Best purchase I ever made.

      Reply
    • Jim says

      May 17, 2020 at 12:32 am

      You can buy it at most feed stores. Yes it will kill roaches.

      Reply
  3. Jean says

    July 9, 2017 at 6:19 am

    What is the recipe for human consumption? For bowels?

    Reply
    • Marilu says

      October 16, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      I have used a tablespoon mixed in a glass of V8 vegetable juice twice a day. You can mix it in anything but I find the V8 disguises the grit best.

      Reply
      • Becky says

        August 15, 2020 at 12:26 pm

        I put it in a spoonful of applesauce!

        Reply
  4. Madeleine jackman says

    August 19, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Great article . Was very helpful. Thank you,!

    Reply
  5. Lily says

    October 22, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    I live in Ontario can you please tell me where this is selling

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hanne Quigley says

      July 27, 2019 at 7:55 pm

      You can buy it at any feed stores. We are in the Ottawa area, we buy it in Pakenham at Five Span Feed Store. Hope that helps. Silent Valley Alpaca (We use it a lot).

      Reply
    • Linda Lewis says

      August 19, 2019 at 2:33 pm

      I too live in Ontario but cannot purchase this at any store locally. I’ve been buying DE for four years now through Amazon. I purchased a 10 lb bag approx 4 months ago and use it for almost all the same reasons this blogger does. The bag cost me 33.00 plus taxes. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  6. Dorothy says

    November 5, 2020 at 8:08 am

    Would this help with ulcers?

    Reply
    • Tiffany Davis says

      November 5, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      I really can’t advise on that. I’m sorry.

      Reply

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