Question 1

Is this food grade?

Accepted Answer

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is fossilized diatoms mined from the earth. It receives no heat treatment before going out to the consumer. It is not considered harmful to humans. The shape and size of the fossilized diatoms will drain the oil out of small creatures via capillary action making it a good non chemical pesticide.

Calcined Diatomaceous Earth is what treatment over 1000*F which turns the amorphous silica in the diatom fossils to crystalline silica. This makes it a better filter media but makes the DE powder harmful to humans. Very common in pool filters. When touched it can cause irritation and when inhaled it can lead to silicosis. A correctly rated filter mask and gloves should always be worn when working with calcined DE powder.

It’s very important to verify which type of DE powder you are purchasing and follow the recommended safety measures.

Question 2

How do you make insects eat this thing? Do you mix it with sugar or fat to make palatable for bugs?

Accepted Answer

Diatomaceous Earth is the microscopic fossilized shells of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled unicellular eukaryotic microorganism, which are mined and processed for food and industrial uses. DE does not need to be eaten by insects to be effective, Insects "breathe" through very small holes in their exoskeletal shells. DE is small enough to infiltrate these holes and disrupt their functionality. However, DE is equally effective if consumed by insects. Some formulations of DE will add insect baits and are not "food grade" safe. Any DE product not certified for human (or animal) consumption should not be used for human (or animal) consumption. There are plenty of low cost "food grade" DE products available, which can also be used as a long term pest control powder.

Question 3

After dusting, how does one clean it up? Do you simply vacuum it up?? And how long do you wait to clean?

Accepted Answer

To clean up the dust on a solid surface, a damp cloth can be used. The product can also be vacuumed using a filterless vacuum or a shop vac.

Question 4

Is this safe to use around pets? (cats to be exact)

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. As others mentioned, this isn't fold grade, so if your pet has sensitive skin or has a habit of tasting everything, I'd recommend getting food grade. This hasn't bothered my dog or cats to be around. Made my hands slightly itchy, but no rash. Nobody has been ingesting it so it's been fine. The only things not safe around my pets are Styrofoam and rubber bands lol.

ASIN	B01D60GAW2
Active Ingredients	Silicon Dioxide from Diatomaceous Earth - 85.0%,Other Ingredients: - 15.00%,Total - 100.00%
Best Sellers Rank	#1,470 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ( See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ) #82 in Garden Fertilizers
Brand Name	Safer
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (26,161)
Included Components	Safer Brand 4lb Diatomaceous Earth - Bed Bug, Flea, Ant, Crawling Insect Killer
Item Form	Powder
Item Type Name	Flea, Ant, Crawling Insect Killer 4 lb"
Item Weight	4.2 Pounds
Liquid Volume	4 Fluid Ounces
Manufacturer	Woodstream Corporation
Model Number	SH51703
Part Number	SH51703
Specification Met	OMRI
Target Species	Insects
UPC	038241517032
Unit Count	67.2 Ounce
Warranty Description	Warranty

Safer Home Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb Organic OMRI DE - Cockroach Killer Indoor Home, Bed Bug Killer, Kills Fleas, Ants, Silverfish, Earwigs & Crawling Insects

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