We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Most Common Uses for Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth?

By Bethney Foster
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,525
Share

Food grade diatomaceous earth can be used for many purposes, but its most common use is as insect and pest control. In animal care it is used for internal parasites, for parasites such as fleas and ticks, and for controlling pests on and near livestock. In the garden, it can be used for controlling pests such as fire ants, mites, and aphids. In the home, it is also used for repelling insects, for scrubbing faucets, and even as a personal hygiene product. Food grade diatomaceous earth is also used in grain storage to repel insects.

Diatomaceous earth is a fragile solid that crumbles into dust almost like talcum powder. It is made up of the fossils of a type of algae called diatoms. It is mined from underwater or from dried lakebeds.

Diatomaceous earth was once commonly used as a stabilizer in the making of dynamite and is also sometimes used for cleaning up toxic spills and as an ingredient in cat litter. It also continues to be used in cosmetics, drugs, and other products. Food grade diatomaceous earth has been used as a water filter and in the making of beer.

Safe to use in the home and around pets and children, the only known health issues surrounding the use of the powder is in its causing mild respiratory problems if it is inhaled. It can also cause drying of the skin if it is handled without gloves. This is true only of food grade diatomaceous earth. Those types used for industrial purposes are not as safe, so it’s always important to ensure that products used for the home and animals are of the food grade type.

In agriculture, food grade diatomaceous earth is used for controlling pests on plants and in barns. It is applied to crops as both a dusting and as a spray. Bags of the product are hung in the doorways of barns where livestock are kept. It is also used to control maggots, worms, and grubs in trees.

As a personal hygiene product, food grade diatomaceous earth is made into a paste for a facial mask and cleanser. It can also be sprinkled on a toothbrush and used as a natural teeth whitener. It is useful in controlling foot odor in shoes.

In the home, it is used as a metal cleaner. It is also useful for cleaning up spills in the driveway or garage, for absorbing odors in the refrigerator, and for odor control in garbage cans. It is also effective at removing stains from carpeting.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon331978 — On Apr 26, 2013

Yes, it will harm them. If grubs are a problem, "beneficial nematodes" will take care of them and many other undesirables without harming the good guys.

By anon170834 — On Apr 27, 2011

I understand this is good to kill grubs in the lawn. But does it harm earthworms?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-most-common-uses-for-food-grade-diatomaceous-earth.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.