Diatomaceous earth is a fine white gritty powder that has many applications around the home and garden. Most commonly, people associate this organic material with pest control and swimming pool filters, although it can have a number of other uses, including as a cleaning product, water filter, cat litter, and even as a medical aid in some circumstances.

The substance is made out of the fossilized shells of Diatoms--tiny little single-celled algae that are mined, and then crumbled into a white powder that somewhat resembles talcum powder. It is known for being very porous, absorbent, and abrasive.

People who use Diatomaceous earth for household applications (or any other purpose) should handle with extreme caution. Diatomaceous earth--or "D.E."--should not be inhaled, as it has microscopically sharp edges. Likewise, D.E. should not be handled with bare hands to prevent a drying of the skin.

Diatomaceous Earth, (or D.E.), can be used in the yard and garden as an effective, all-natural pesticide against insects. The tiny crystaline structure of D.E. is microscopically very sharp and jagged, so when insects cross an area where D.E. has been sprinkled, the powder cuts their undersides and causes the insects to fatally desiccate, or dry out. Or, if the insect inhales the powder, it will tear up the lungs and insides, killing them.

Applications normally involve sprinkling a light layer of D.E. in areas where insects are known to frequent, reapplying as necessary after time and weather washes away the powder. Always follow product label directions for application.

Diatomaceous Earth is known to help control the following types of insects:

• Adult Flea Beetles
• Ants
• Aphids
• Bedbugs
• Cabbage Root Flies
• Carrot Root Flies
• Cockroaches
• Coddling moths
• Earwigs
• Fleas
• Fungus gnats
• Mites
• Pillbugs
• Sawfly
• Silverfish
• Slugs
• Snails
• Thrips
• Ticks
• Twig borers