Diatomaceous Earth
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Diatom-a-what?
Diatomaceous Earth is a fine, silty, soil-like substance that is composed of fossilized sea creatures. It is also known as fossil flour, Celite, diatom remains, or DE. The sea creatures are diatoms, so they call the substance diatomaceous (di-a-tom-a-sheus) earth.
The picture on the left is of a diatomite/diatomaceous earth mine. All of the white material is diatomaceous earth, which is composed of microscopic diatom shells from diatoms that lived millions of years ago.
The picture on the left is of a diatomite/diatomaceous earth mine. All of the white material is diatomaceous earth, which is composed of microscopic diatom shells from diatoms that lived millions of years ago.
What are Diatoms?
Diatoms are mostly single-celled marine creatures that are found in both fresh and saltwater and have existed for millions of years. Since they are really tiny and hard to identify, the exact number of varieties of diatoms is unknown, but it is estimated that there may be a 100,000 different species of diatoms. These different types vary quite a bit, so there are smaller types of diatoms, larger ones, round shaped ones, oval shaped diatoms, long ones, and all sorts of variations of shell spikes. Most diatoms can't move on their own, but some propel themselves along using a tail sort of thing called a flagella.Diatoms have hard shells called frustules that are made of silica, the chemical that makes up glass and quartz. The frustules are often very sharp because they have many tiny, pointed tips on them. The tiny spikes are too small to cut us, but can affect other tiny creatures.
The pictures on the right are of two varieties of diatoms. This lens has pictures of a diatomite mine and all the diatomaceous earth they are mining there is composed of just these two varieties of fossilized diatoms.
Quick Fact
Diatoms are one of the biggest bases for the marine food chain
Pictures of Diatoms
These photographs of diatoms were all taken through microscopes so that diatoms are visible. The fossilized shells of diatoms like these are what make up diatomaceous earth.
curated content from Flickr
My Diatom Lens
For more information on diatoms in particular, check out my page that's specifically about these fascinating, little microorganisms.
What is diatomite?
Diatomite is a sedimentary rock made up of diatom shells, which means it is an organogenetic or biological sedimentary rock. When diatoms die, their dead bodies sink to the bottom of the sea floor. Over time, millions and millions of diatom shells will cover the bottom and form a siliceous ooze (diatom shells are based on silica). As more and more stuff settles to the bottom, the pressure on the ooze builds up and eventually gets pressed together, until it forms a rock. That rock is called diatomite, and is similar to chalk, which is another organogenetic sedimentary rock.
Diatomite is really light
Fossilized Leaf in Diatomite
As the diatom shells sink to the bottom of the lake or ocean, other things fall to the bottom as well. Things like fish bodies and leaves settle down in the diatomaceous goo that forms on the bottom, where they get added to what may eventually become a rock as more and more diatom shells are added on top and compresses the goo into a solid mass. Millions of years later, the now fossilized leaf, fish body, or other items may become exposed after the area is uplifted or a creek runs through the area and eats away at the diatomite, or the area is mined for diatomaceous earth as in this case where this maple leaf was dug up by a miner.
Big Pile of Diatomaceous Earth
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomite isn't a tough rock and it easily breaks apart. When it eventually breaks apart into a loose powder, it is called diatomaceous earth. Some mines purposely collect and break up diatomite to make it into diatomaceous earth and sell it to companies who will use it for pool filters, toothpaste abrasives, and polishing compounds.
Quick Fact
Diatomaceous Earth is often called DE for short
It's Snowing Diatom Shells
Since fossilized diatom shells are hollow and have tiny spikes sticking out from all sides, they are very airy and even a pile of diatomaceous earth is fairly light. It is quite different if the diatom shells are shaken together, they settle quite a bit and their spikes become embedded together which can make them into a very dense mass.
Some of the Many of Uses of DE
Diatomaceous earth has an incredible number of uses. It's a popular and safe bug killer; a great way to dry out areas that are chronically damp; ingested, it is considered a health aid; and is one of the most common ingredients in swimming pool filters. Some of the other many uses of DE are listed here, though this list is no where near all inclusive.
- Abrasive in Toothpaste
- Dynamite Base
- Safe Insecticide
- Garden Enrichment
- Cake Mix Ingredient
- Supplement in Livestock Feed
- Ingredient for Odor Control in Horse Bedding
- Swimming Pool Filter Material
- Abrasive in Metal Polish
- Cat Litter Ingredient
- Animal Wormer
- Colon Cleanser
- Bonsai Soil Additive
- Human Food Additive
- Human Health Supplement
- Protectant for Stored Grain
- Activator in blood clotting studies
Buy Fossil Flour
Quick Fact
Diatomaceous earth is a main ingredient in dynamite. It prevents the nitroglycerin from exploding before it should.
Changing the DE Powder in a Pool Filter
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Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth vs. Treated Diatomaceous Earth
There are a few different varieties of diatomaceous earth out there. Two of the most popular kinds are food-grade DE and treated DE. Food-grade or food-quality DE is, as it sounds, safe for food. Many people feed this kind to their animals and some people even take it themselves. Like all diatomaceous earth, it will irritate the lungs if inhaled, but it is a regular additive to many food items on your kitchen shelves, and is safe to eat.
The other, more common, type of diatomaceous earth is treated, chemicalized, or swimming pool filter DE. This type of DE is very dangerous and should not be ingested and should definitely not be inhaled. The particles in this variety of DE have been changed to a more glass-like structure so they can purify water better, but this treatment makes it dangerous and therefore could cause internal damage if ingested.
Always check the labels on your diatomaceous earth to ensure it is the appropriate variety before using it in your pool filter or giving it to your animals since you can't tell the difference between the two by the naked eye.
Food-grade--safe to ingest
Pool filter--only for filters
The other, more common, type of diatomaceous earth is treated, chemicalized, or swimming pool filter DE. This type of DE is very dangerous and should not be ingested and should definitely not be inhaled. The particles in this variety of DE have been changed to a more glass-like structure so they can purify water better, but this treatment makes it dangerous and therefore could cause internal damage if ingested.
Always check the labels on your diatomaceous earth to ensure it is the appropriate variety before using it in your pool filter or giving it to your animals since you can't tell the difference between the two by the naked eye.
Food-grade--safe to ingest
Pool filter--only for filters
Diatomaceous Earth Mixed into Feed
Diatomaceous Earth being mixed with ingredients for sheep feed. Salt and molodri.
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How Much DE to Add to Your Pet's Feed?
I usually add DE to each animal's feed every day for two weeks after I get the animal, that clears out the chronic worms, etc that may live in the animal, then every day for a week or so at the beginning of each month to prevent a recurrence. The amount of DE to add to your pet's food varies depending on who you're asking, but don't worry too much about exact amounts, a guesstimate will do. Unless you use enormous amounts, you can't overdose on it, and even a little will help. Just make sure to only use food grade diatomaceous earth. The kind used in swimming pool filters is very dangerous and should not be ingested. These are just general recommendations on amounts of food-grade DE to add to dry feed:
House Pets
Dogs
Dogs that are 20-50 lbs get 1 TBs each day
Dogs that are 50-100 lbs get 2 TBs each day
Puppies that are less than 10 lbs get 1/2 to 1 tsp each day
Puppies that are 10-19 lbs get 2 tsp. each day
Cats
Cats get 1 tsp each day
Kittens get 1/2 teaspoon each day
Rabbits
Rabbits get 1/2 tsp each day
Small Animals
Hamsters/Gerbils/Rats get 1/4 tsp each day
Livestock
Chickens
Chickens get about a half a cup per 50 lbs of feed
Chicks get 1/2 tsp for each pound of chick starter
Goats
Goats get 1 lb for every 100 lbs of feed
Sheep
Sheep get 1 lb for every 100 lbs of feed
Pigs
Pigs get 2 lbs for every 100 lbs of feed
Cattle
Cattle get 1 lb for every 100lbs of feed
Calves get 1/8 cup for every 2 gallons of milk
Horses
Horses get 1/2 cup each day
You can also just add some diatomaceous earth to whatever treats you are feeding your pets. Some animals don't like eating it dry in their food, so mixing it in with cooked oatmeal or something else sometimes works best. Just add a small scoop to the treats and don't use these measures if you do that though, these are the proper amounts for dry feed only since wet will be much heavier.
House Pets
Dogs
Dogs that are 20-50 lbs get 1 TBs each day
Dogs that are 50-100 lbs get 2 TBs each day
Puppies that are less than 10 lbs get 1/2 to 1 tsp each day
Puppies that are 10-19 lbs get 2 tsp. each day
Cats
Cats get 1 tsp each day
Kittens get 1/2 teaspoon each day
Rabbits
Rabbits get 1/2 tsp each day
Small Animals
Hamsters/Gerbils/Rats get 1/4 tsp each day
Livestock
Chickens
Chickens get about a half a cup per 50 lbs of feed
Chicks get 1/2 tsp for each pound of chick starter
Goats
Goats get 1 lb for every 100 lbs of feed
Sheep
Sheep get 1 lb for every 100 lbs of feed
Pigs
Pigs get 2 lbs for every 100 lbs of feed
Cattle
Cattle get 1 lb for every 100lbs of feed
Calves get 1/8 cup for every 2 gallons of milk
Horses
Horses get 1/2 cup each day
You can also just add some diatomaceous earth to whatever treats you are feeding your pets. Some animals don't like eating it dry in their food, so mixing it in with cooked oatmeal or something else sometimes works best. Just add a small scoop to the treats and don't use these measures if you do that though, these are the proper amounts for dry feed only since wet will be much heavier.
DE Texture
DE has a soft, silky texture like talcum powder, but unlike talcum powder it makes your hands dry and rough when you touch it.
Using Diatomaceous Earth to Get Rid of Fleas Around the Yard
In order to get rid of fleas in the yard naturally, use diatomaceous earth and pour it around infested areas. Get rid of fleas in the yard naturally with diatomaceous earth by using tips from an exterminator in this free video on pest control.
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Getting Rid of External Parasites
Most animals will get external parasites at one time or another. Whether they are mites or fleas or ticks, diatomaceous earth usually works well to get rid of them. Cats and dogs can have DE rubbed into their fur, as can horses and other heavily furred animals. Chickens can also have DE applied to their feathers. Adding small amounts of DE to the pet's bedding and living area will also help, and chickens should have DE added to their favorite dust bathing spots and nest boxes. Just be cautious in how often you do apply it directly to your pet's skin, it is extremely drying and so can cause dry skin.
Quick Fact
Diatomaceous Earth kills bugs by puncturing them with tiny spikes, then dehydrating them, not by being poisonous
Diatomaceous Blogs
Blogs mentioning Diatomaceous Earth.
- Walter Reeves: No need to trim iris leaves after blooming
- Q: I heard you talking on the radio about finding diatomaceous earth to use for bugs in the garden. I bought the stuff from a pool supply store, where it is cheap! -- Multiple listeners A: Unfortunately, diatomaceous earth (DE) for pools is not the ...
- Diatomaceous mine looks to expand
- The Celatom Complex is a diatomaceous mine currently consisting of three open-pit mines called Beede Desert (on private land), Kelly Field (on BLM-administered land) and Section 36 (on state-administered land) in Harney and Malheur counties.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Safe Product for a Spider-Free Home
- You can make your home a spider-free zone by dusting crevices, corners, and the spaces under beds and furniture with diatomaceous earth (DE), a natural mineral dust that dries out spiders within days after they come into contact with the sharp ...
DE is Good for People Too
Many people regularly ingest diatomaceous earth for it's health benefits. It is chalky and not very yummy, but DE doesn't taste horrible, and is easy to mix into items like drinks so you won't even notice it's there. As always, make sure you are using food-grade DE and take about a teaspoon and a half each day for a week or so. After the week is up, take a teaspoon for three days each month. I like to add my DE to hot cereal or casseroles, but anything works.
Quick Fact
Diatomaceous earth is also a good blood clotter. If you cut yourself and don't stop bleeding right away, dab your wound a with a little DE and it will clot right up.
Diatomaceous Earth on eBay
Rotary Kiln to Dry Diatomaceous Earth
After the miners collect loads of diatomaceous earth from the mine, it then enters a rotary kiln like this to dry it out. It works like a clothes dryer, rotating with lots of heat inside, so the de bounces around and gets well-exposed to the extremely hot air to become thoroughly dry. This is important because the diatomaceous earth in the mine is so exposed to the weather that it may be slightly wet and they don't want it getting icky in the bags. This also makes it lighter and easier to deal with.
Diatomaceous Earth Processing Facility
The now-dry diatomaceous earth then enters this section of the factory where it is loaded into trucks to go to the packaging facility.
Twitter Updates Mentioning Diatomaceous Earth
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- gapozyx
- Red Lake Earth, 6 Lbs: Diatomaceous Earth And Calcium Bentonite.Specially formulated for agricultural use in a f... http://t.co/y2TfA40y
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- likepoolsupply
- Kem-Tek 342 Diatomaceous Earth... http://t.co/7bampy8j
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- hyramej
- Nature's Wisdom Food Grade DE (D. E.) 10 lb.: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is totally organic and safe. It cont... http://t.co/DNcHbtRi
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- ipycici
- Nature's Wisdom Food Grade DE (D. E.) 5 lb.: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is totally organic and safe. It conta... http://t.co/q7EZsidA
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- dexisulad
- Nature's Wisdom Food Grade DE (D. E.) 1 lb.: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is totally organic and safe. It conta... http://t.co/CNRDrR26
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- dexisulad
- Nature's Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 5 lb.: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is totally organic and safe. ... http://t.co/Ru4CjZ5x
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- ajejexixo
- Diatomaceous Earth-Food Grade-10 Pounds by: Nature's Wisdom: Nature's Wisdom DE contains Perma-Guard DE. PERMA-G... http://t.co/iaFTi50k
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- ituryra
- Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 10 lb. by Natures Wisdom: Natures Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is totally ... http://t.co/gxdBlqP4
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- ituryra
- Nature's Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 1 lb. Jar: Nature's Wisdom DE contains Perma-guard de. PERMA-GUARD... http://t.co/oHSvsY13
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- ituryra
- Nature's Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 3 lb. Jar: Nature's Wisdom DE contains Perma-guard de. PERMA-GUARD... http://t.co/Z60y3Bf0
automatically generated by Twitter
Quick Fact
Many of the biggest deposits of Diatomaceous Earth came from the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs
More Information on Diatomaceous Earth
Learn more about Fossil Flour
- Diatoms Information from Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
- A nice picture and a few quick facts about diatoms.
- USGS on Diatomite
- Diatomite is another name for Diatomaceous Earth.
- Natural Pest Control and Pesticides
- Information on using DE to get rid of bugs without using poisons
- Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply
- Peaceful Valley is where I frequently get my Diatomaceous Earth
- Safe and Natural Flea Treatments for Cat
- This author uses natural treatments for cat fleas, including diatomaceous earth.
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Reader Feedback
What did you think of this lens? Have you heard of diatomaceous earth before? Have you used it? Leave a comment below and let me know you where here :-)
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Jo11
May 2, 2012 @ 7:48 pm | delete
- Only recently heard of this stuff and have been researching - your lens has been very informative, excellent. Can't wait to purchase some for myself and all my domestic and farm animals.
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greenspirit
May 1, 2012 @ 5:33 am | delete
- I've never heard of this...Thank you for teaching me something totally new!
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AnnaleeBlysse Apr 21, 2012 @ 6:36 am | delete
- So much information here! Happy Earth Day!
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jed78
Apr 13, 2012 @ 8:00 pm | delete
- We use DE around the farm for all the above stated reasons, good stuff
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daria369
Mar 25, 2012 @ 10:53 am | delete
- Very interesting! I knew about DE and heard about some of the uses - but this lens very much expanded my horizons, thank you!! :)
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YourIslandRoutes Mar 25, 2012 @ 2:57 am | delete
- We've used DE to kill ants in the yard. It works great!
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gpsjim
Mar 24, 2012 @ 3:11 pm | delete
- Really interesting, have never heard about it before!
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SallyForth
Mar 24, 2012 @ 1:48 am | delete
- Nice article on diatomaceous earth. Very interesting.
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AstroGremlin
Mar 23, 2012 @ 9:15 pm | delete
- What a super lens. Diatoms and the deposits they create are interesting for practical reasons and ordinary curiosity.
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LiteraryMind
Mar 23, 2012 @ 6:05 pm | delete
- Very interesting a lot of new information. The only thing I ever read about Diatomaceous earth was that a snake will not cross a line of it. Makes sense after reading this.
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Ronin2012
Mar 23, 2012 @ 2:12 pm | delete
- It was quite useful.Thanks for such a lens.
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elynmac
Mar 23, 2012 @ 9:15 am | delete
- This was really interesting. I knew about using it in toothpaste, but not for anything else! Thanks for this interesting and informative lens.
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wheresthekarma
Mar 23, 2012 @ 2:53 am | delete
- This is such an interesting lens. I use DE for my dogs for a natural flea and tick repellent.My dog and I also take it orally, we both have lyme disease and its supposed to help.
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ScottiesRock
Mar 22, 2012 @ 11:21 pm | delete
- Great info! I never knew there were two kinds and one was edible. Thankfully, you mentioned this or I would have been trying to eat my pool chemicals. :)
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bushaex
Mar 22, 2012 @ 3:35 pm | delete
- It was all news to me! Thanks for the fresh overview.
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christhecopywriter
Mar 22, 2012 @ 12:48 pm | delete
- Interesting lens on diatomaceous earth. I've seen it also used as a short term filtering medium in aquariums.
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BuddyBink
Mar 22, 2012 @ 9:38 am | delete
- Very interesting. I have never heard of this before, Thanks for the information.
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IYenForZen
Mar 21, 2012 @ 7:36 pm | delete
- I have never heard of this and found your lens fascinating! Great read!!
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ckolander
Mar 21, 2012 @ 3:59 pm | delete
- Well put together! I heard of DE a year ago, but I haven't tried it yet.
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gjorep
Mar 21, 2012 @ 5:53 am | delete
- That was really informative, thank you!
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SheWritesaLot
Mar 20, 2012 @ 10:54 pm | delete
- I have to tell you - this is NOT the type of lens I'm normally interested in. Your title and your intro picture are what really attracted me, so kudos for that. But it's your writing that really kept me on the page. You took what, to me, would have been a boring topic, and held my interest all the way to the end. So much so, that now I want to know more about this! Great job!
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jsr54
Mar 20, 2012 @ 2:17 pm | delete
- I use DE for my pool filters but never knew about it's other uses. Thanks for a very informative lens!
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TomMaybrier
Mar 20, 2012 @ 1:15 pm | delete
- I love this lens! Great work.
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Ribolov
Mar 20, 2012 @ 9:19 am | delete
- Nice lens, nice pictures, great infos. Thnx for this lens.
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intermarks
Mar 20, 2012 @ 6:53 am | delete
- This is really something new to me. Thanks for the information. I learn a new thing today.
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