Diatomaceous Earth is made from fossilized water plants and is a natural occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from the remains of algae-like plants called diatom. As a result of fossilization, the diotoms left are called diatomite. These diatoms are mined and ground up to make a powder that has a look and a feel much like talcum powder.

Diatomaceous Earth may be used as a barrier to control pests: adult flea beetles, sawfly, coddling moth, twig borer, thrips, mites, cockroach, slugs, snails, aphids, earwigs, silverfish, and ants. It can be used for bedbugs, cabbage root flies, carrot root flies, fleas, pillbugs, ticks and is helpful in dealing with fungus gnats.

How it works:

Organic Diatomaceous Earth derived from organic sources. Due to its unique tiny barbed cylindrical properties it is a natural insect repellent. It does so by penetrating the waxy coating that covers the insect’s body as it walks along the powder. This creates wounds that let body fluid out. The porous nature of the powder also makes it absorbent. This means diatomaceous earth works in two ways, both injuring the pest and drawing out fluid to dry and kill the insect. Death does not happen on contact, but over a short period of time. If left undisturbed, diatomaceous earth can be effective within 24 hours, though better results are usually apparent after five days.