What Is Diatomaceous Earth and What Does It Do?

Diatomaceous earth may be something that you come across on a regular basis, or something you’ve never heard of in your life. But either way, it may interest you to know exactly what it is, what it is for and what it contains. So without further ado, let Diatom Retail provide the lesson.

What exactly is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that is made from the fossilised remains of a variety of small, marine organisms known as Diatoms. The skeletons of these organisms is made from a natural substance which is known as silica and over a period of time the fossilised remains of these organisms will collect in the sediment in lakes, rivers and streams. This is where the silica deposits are often mined from.

The silica that is mined is an incredibly common mineral in nature and interestingly it actually makes up 27.7% of the weight of the Earth’s crust. Silica is found in a number of different for including emerald, quartz, glass and clay. A component of this silica is silicon – which reacts with oxygen and water to make silicon dioxide. One of the naturally occurring forms of silicon dioxide is amorphous silicon dioxide, and this is the mineral that most diatomaceous earth is made from.

What Products Contain Diatomaceous Earth?

The most common form that you will find diatomaceous earth in his within a powder dust. There are other formulations including pressurised liquid and wettable powder that can be used in the same way as the dusts. It is simply up to you which you prefer to use.

Currently, on the market, there are thousands of products that are classed as non-pesticides that contain diatomaceous earth. These include everything from toothpastes and foods through to medicines, skin care products and paints. Diatomaceous earth is available in “food grade” which is safe to consume as directed.

What Does Diatomaceous Earth Do?

Firstly, diatomaceous earth is not a poison. It also does not have to be eaten to be effective. You can use it to get rid of fleas, and de-worm your pets. It works extremely well on insects and fleas by absorbing the oils and fats from inside their bodies causing them to dry out and die. This means that in order for it to work it needs to be kept dry until use.

Always Read the Label

Although there are a wide range of uses for diatomaceous earth, it does not mean that each product containing diatomaceous earth can be used for each use. It is always important to follow the instructions on the labels and to take steps to minimise your exposure to certain kinds of diatomaceous earth.

So now that you know a little bit more about the benefits of diatomaceous earth and how it can help you throughout the home, hopefully you will find a great use of it in your home.