Diatomaceous earth is useful in the home for getting rid of insects, but it isn’t its only use: here’s a quick overview of the common and less common ways to use this eco-friendly household product.
Diatomaceous Earth, a Powerful Natural Insecticide
The diatomaceous earth that you find in stores is also known as Kieselgur in German, or diatomaceous earth. You may sometimes hear the term Celite, but that’s a brand name, not a common noun. It derives its name from diatomite, a silica-rich sedimentary rock of organic and fossil origin.
In this case, diatomaceous earth is a variety of diatomite and contains fossilized remains of diatoms, marine microalgae that secrete a silica skeleton which is found in quarries.
1. Diatomaceous Earth as a Home Insecticide
The use of diatomaceous earth as a natural home insecticide is probably its most common use, with diatomaceous earth regularly sold next to chemical insecticides in supermarkets. It’s notably an effective natural ant killer.
In the home, it is used against bed bugs. Think of it especially if you’re traveling abroad. It’s also used against cockroaches, silverfish, or fleas. Target corridors and areas frequented by pests. On windows and entryways, it’s particularly deterrent.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural product mined from natural quarries without chemical processing; it is silica dioxide composed of fossilized microscopic algae.
Discover on bébé-au-naturel.com
2. Diatomaceous Earth as a Garden Insecticide
Outside, in an eco-friendly garden, you’ll use diatomaceous earth against caterpillars, aphids and other pests by sprinkling diatomaceous earth around plants.
Note that it does indeed kill creatures, so if you only want to deter them you’ll need to find another natural aphid repellent.
In the garden, protect treated plants, because diatomaceous earth becomes ineffective when wet.
3. Diatomaceous Earth as an Insecticide for Pets
Your dog or cat has fleas? No worry, you can use diatomaceous earth safely as a natural flea remedy. Here’s how:
- With gloves on, dust diatomaceous earth in and around your home, indoors and outdoors, paying particular attention to carpets and nooks where these parasites may hide.
- Then bathe your pet and dust diatomaceous earth all over its coat while you pet it.
- The next day, vacuum the diatomaceous earth from inside your home. It’s necessary to repeat these steps once a week for three weeks to kill larvae that have not yet hatched at the start of treatment.
And even for Chickens
If your chickens are infested with red mites (or as a preventive measure), make diatomaceous earth your go-to. Prefer gray (more volatile for better dispersion) non-calcined (harmless to animals) for edible use.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the coop by removing all litter, then put on a mask and gloves, and dust the floor, walls, and perches with diatomaceous earth. Reinstall fresh litter to be dusted as well if the infestation is significant, but not necessary if it’s a preventive measure.
Diatomaceous Earth, a Strong Absorbent Power
Diatomaceous earth can also be used as a natural cosmetic, as well as a cleaning product due to its absorbent properties.
4. Diatomaceous Earth as a Facial Mask
As a facial mask, we’ll use another interesting property of diatomaceous earth, not its insecticidal capabilities, of course, but its absorbent power.
This powder is also a good exfoliant: so check out our homemade recipe for an exfoliating diatomaceous earth mask.
5. Diatomaceous Earth for Cat Litter
Diatomaceous earth is absorbent, as they say: this can be valuable when it comes to collecting your whiskered companion’s urine. The powder can absorb more than its weight in water.
You can use this powder in a homemade litter mix, or simply add it for more absorption and fewer odors.
6. Diatomaceous Earth for Absorbing Liquids in the Home
Oil on the floor, spilled household cleaners: diatomaceous earth makes cleaning them up easier.
7. Odorizing Shoes
Dust a little powder into your shoes. And there you go!
8. Diatomaceous Earth as a Scouring Powder
It can help you scrub stubborn dishes more easily. And that’s handy, because you can also use it for:
9. Clean and Shine
Fine but abrasive, diatomaceous earth works wonders on copper, stainless steel, brass, and all silverware. Make a paste with a little water, rub, and rinse.
Usage Precautions
Note: wear a mask before dusting, because the powder is absorbent and can dry out your nose and mouth and cause discomfort, much like flour puffing around, but even more so.
Avoid absolutely contact with the eyes for this reason and keep the product out of reach of children, as with any other household product.
Also monitor pets to prevent them from ingesting large amounts (a little won’t hurt them).
And in case of accidental ingestion? Don’t panic: as with animals, there is no danger in small doses; some studies even suggest it could be beneficial for health in tablet form or when dissolved in water (note, this refers to the food-grade version, not industrial pool-grade diatomaceous earth!).
