What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is composed of
the fossilized shells of tiny marine organisms
called diatoms. The shells are made mainly
of silica which is also found in sand and glass.
Ancient, land-locked and nearly pure deposits of
diatomaceous earth are mined for use in
manufacturing and agriculture. Diatomaceous earth has a variety of uses
in filtration, adsorbants, a component of dynamite
(another name for diatomaceous earth is diatomite),
and as a natural insecticide. Diatomaceous earth insecticide is very
effective against a number of crawling
insect pests like cockroaches, ants,
earwigs, silverfish, sowbugs/pillbugs, and
bedbugs but, it must be kept dry to
be effective (see below).
