by Chris R.W.

Created on: March 12, 2010

Diatomaceous Earth is actually a completely naturally occurring substance composed of fossilized diatoms, which are algae that had functional hard shells.  Diatomaceous Earth surprising has many uses for what it is, as it's just rock with fossilized remains of algae.  It's many uses include a natural insecticide, a filtration aid, an absorbent, a component of dynamite, and even is used in activating blood clotting.

Concern's brand of Diatomaceous Earth is usually sold with about 85% diatomaceous earth in its contents, and is sold as an insecticide.  Diatomaceous Earth works as an insecticide because the powder of it actually absorbs fats (lipids) from the hard exoskeletons of the insects, which results in their elimination by dehydration.  This means that pests without a hard exoskeleton, like slugs or grubs, will probably not be affected by Diatomaceous Earth.  However, there is usually a mix of Diatomaceous Earth available for purchase that adds other ingredients that may be effective against the kinds of pests without hard exoskeletons.  

The great thing about Diatomaceous Earth is that it is completely naturally occurring.  There will be no harmful effects of using Diatomaceous Earth as an insecticide on the rest of your garden or garden inhabitants whatsoever.  Also, it's not chemical, so their is no chance of the pests developing any kind of resistance, and they can't already have any natural immunity against it, because all it does is absorb lipids, or fats, from the exoskeleton of the insect.  Resistances can be a huge problem with chemical insecticides, but with this there's no chance of it ever occurring.

Diatomaceous Earth is basically just a powder that you will use to combat your pest problems, so its very easy to use.  Typically all you'll need to do is sprinkle the powder in the areas you do not want the pests to be, be it around the bases of your plants, or an entrance into your house.  Remember, Diatomaceous Earth works when the insect touches it, and that's all that needs to happen for it to work, and it eliminates the pest within 48 hours.  

One time consuming drawback is that you will need to reapply the Diatomaceous Earth powder to the areas that need protection whenever it gets wet, be it from rain or from watering your plants.  Rain is uncontrollable, so you'll probably need to reapply after each rain.  Watering can be maneuvered around if you can carefully avoid getting the Diatomaceous Earth powder wet when watering your plants.  However, if you have a sprinkler system it may be difficult or impossible for you to avoid getting the area wet and still have effective protection for your plants.  Unfortunately if this is the case, you will need to reapply to ensure your plants are protected.  However, this is truly a small price to pay for a very effective and efficient naturally occurring insecticide with no other harmful or inconvenient effects. 

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