What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth, also known as diatomite, is a sedimentary rock very easy to crumble into a fine white powder. It is actually a fossilization of freshwater phytoplankton. Food grade diatomaceous earth is very effective against all kinds of insects. When sprinkled around the environment that bugs live, this powder scratches the insects waxy outer layer, making them defenseless against its effects.
This layer on the insect, called an exoskeleton, is responsible for holding moisture inside the insect. So when this is scratched by the DE, the insect actually dries out and dies. This dehydration process is deadly every time, and always effective (the pests cannot develop immunity). DE also has a tendency not just to lacerate the exoskeleton of the bed bugs, but also stick to them and begin drawing out their fluids, absorbing from the outside. This is the key factor, slowly the bugs die off because they can’t function anymore.
How to use DE for Bed Bugs
Simply sprinkle or brush the DE into all the cracks and crevices where you have found evidence of bed bugs (by shells, live, or droppings). You can even use something like a salt shaker or where a tin rubber glove if you find handling the DE makes your hands feel too dry.
You can also put DE in the seams of your mattress, and remember you don’t need a lot because there are so many million particles of DE that disperse when it is spread. In fact dusting most or all of your bed area is a sure shot (please don’t be excessive because it will only be more of a mess than necessary.
The idea is that you want to create boundaries where the bed bugs will walk across or over them, collecting the DE particles over the legs and exoskeleton. Remember that we are eliminating a parasite, so this means you must create a boundary for any pathway the bugs can reach you. If you have wooden or metal bed posts, this is where they can climb up. Pull your bed away from the wall and create a thin layer so that any way they come to the bed they will walk over the DE dust.
If a bedbug is in direct contact with our DE, it will die in about 8-12 hours. With that said, please note that this is a non-toxic method to remove bed bugs, which means the bugs are dehydrated over a few days time. Then you must keep the powder present for a few weeks time (at least in the major areas of infestation) in order to wipe out any new offspring that come about from any previously laid eggs.
Bed bugs can become very thin and hide in small cracks or other, please be diligent to keep a tidy environment and it will be a very helpful tool to give the pests less places to hide. We know that having bed bugs can be an awful experience, but please have confidence that our DE will eliminate them from your home or apartment without harming yourself, your pets, or your family.
Diatomaceous Earth for Skin
Today, using a diatomaceous earth skin exfoliate is becoming quite popular, in fact more than 150 products that contain it as one of their main ingredients. Food grade diatomaceous earth is frequently used in the cosmetic industry. A perfect facial scrub can be made with it. The scrub is easy, inexpensive and very efficient. Why spend extra on cosmetic products which are also mixed with chemicals and other less beneficial ingredients? DE is safe and quickly you can notice its effects.
Making a facial scrub and a cleanser from food grade diatomaceous earth is quite simple. You simply need to mix it with enough water to make a thick paste. The paste should be applied to the face immediately after it has been prepared. To increase the exfoliating effect, you can rub the mask on your skin with gentle, circular motions.
The fine powder has very gentle abrasive properties, which make it perfect for skin exfoliation. It can be used on its own or mixed with your favorite skin cleanser for the best results.
When applying the facial scrub, refrain from putting the paste in the area around the eyes. The skin there is very gentle and the powerful exfoliant could cause irritation. Leave the diatomaceous mask on for a couple of minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
The diatomaceous earth face exfoliate delivers a number of important benefits. Food grade diatomaceous earth has powerful anti-fungal properties. Additionally, it is a detoxification agent that will leave the skin feeling clean and fresh.
If you want to get an even more beneficial facial exfoliant, you can mix diatomaceous earth with several other products. Make the basic mask by mixing food grade diatomaceous earth with water and add a favorite essential oil to the mix. Alternatively, you can use rose water, honey and milk. Choose the natural ingredients that is right for your skin type and that will either decrease extra oiliness or nourish dry skin.
Using Food Grade DE at Home
It is safe to use at home, even in the kitchen. Spread it on strategic points such as corners and doors, and in cracks or areas between the stove and fridge.
In the Garden
Protecting your plants and vegetables is very easy with food grade diatomaceous earth. What you have to do is to fill a shaker container with diatomaceous earth, then shake it onto your plants in a thin layer. The powder won’t be effective if it is wet, but when it dries out it will be as deadly if any insect comes in contact with it. DE is very easy to wash of your hands and it won’t damage your plants or you. Another method is to delude the powder in water and then spray it over the plants, then when it dries it will be evenly dispersed over the surface of your garden plants.
Food Grade DE for your Pets
Diatomaceous is only harmful for insects and it won’t damage any people or animals. It also has the ability to control bugs and fleas that bother your cat or dog. You just have to simply sprinkle it over the fur and gently rub it through the fur of your pet with your hands. Believe it or not, when you feed food grade diatomaceous earth to your cat or dog by mixing it into their food, it will completely eliminate any worms or internal parasites! Use it sparingly over about 14 to 30 days, not exceeding 2% of the pet’s total diet.
Again, when you use food grade diatomaceous earth, there is absolutely no toxic effect for humans or animals. In fact, we probably consume it almost daily in many other food products. Food grade DE can be used to make a very smooth facial exfoliant. Many people have even started to consume food grade DE on a regular basis to dramatically reduce cholesterol levels, improve the appearance of their hair, skin, and nails, and even to eliminate parasites and heavy metals from our bodies. Food grade DE as a mineral has a positive charge, which many athletes find is directly beneficial to their bodies for balance and energy levels.
Take advantage of the growing popularity of Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, have it available in your home for easy use to improve the health of yourself and your pets, and also eliminate insect pests from your garden and home or apartment.
Directions for Use:
Two capsules in the morning with 16 full ounces with water.