.csBE29F54{margin:0pt 0pt 10pt 0pt;text-align:left;text-indent:0pt} .cs31344E4{text-align:left;margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;line-height:1.6;text-indent:0pt} .cs976145C{12pt;font-weight:normal;color:#0A0A0A;font-style:normal;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt;text-align:left;line-height:1.6;list-style-type:disc;Arial} .cs298514B{12pt;font-weight:normal;color:#0A0A0A;font-style:italic;Arial;} .csE1489EB{12pt;font-weight:normal;color:#444444;font-style:normal;Arial;} .csD83A9CB{12pt;font-weight:normal;color:#0A0A0A;font-style:normal;Arial;} .csE26DE9B{12pt;font-weight:normal;color:#00A29D;font-style:normal;Arial;text-decoration: none;} .cs3274494{margin:0pt 0pt 9pt 0pt;text-align:left;text-indent:0pt} .csB2B83AB{12pt;font-weight:normal;color:#000000;font-style:normal;Arial;} .cs72A951B{12pt;font-weight:normal;color:#00A29D;font-style:normal;Arial;} .csBE25D54{margin:0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;text-align:left;text-indent:0pt} .cs3388614{text-align:left;margin:0pt 0pt 10pt 0pt;line-height:1.15;text-indent:0pt} Diatomaceous earth, also known as diatomite, celite, or kieselguhr, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from more than 3 mm to less than 1 μm, but typically 10 to 200 μm. Depending on the granularity, this powder can have an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and has a low density as a result of its high porosity. Fights parasites in animals A 2011 study published in the Oxford Journal of Poultry Science suggested that diatomaceous earth has the potential to be an effective treatment to help control internal worms (parasites). Interestingly enough, this was observed in hens that produce organically raised, free-range eggs.Giving two breeds of commercial egg-laying hens diatomaceous earth improved production of their eggs and egg quality compared to control groups, effectively working as a parasite cleanse in the process.The two groups of hens used in the study were found to differ in their resistance to internal parasitic infections, which was observed by examining their gastrointestinal tracts. The hens fed diatomaceous earth had significantly lower incidences of infections.Those fed diatomaceous earth were also significantly heavier in weight, laid more eggs and consumed more feed than hens fed the control diet — plus their eggs had larger yolks and therefore were more concentrated with nutrients.How does diatomaceous earth work to get rid of insects and pests?It’s a natural insecticide, since it absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, which causes them to dehydrate and die of water deficiency. This is why it’s also useful in food preservation, as a natural home deodorizer and cleanser, and for helping treat livestock suffering from parasites.Does diatomaceous earth kill fleas and ants? Research has suggested that using diatomaceous earth can help eliminate bed bugs, house dust mites, cockroaches, ants (such as ant hills), fleas and other pests within your home without the use for harsh chemicals.The website for Pest Control Technology indicates that silica gels have been used by the pest control industry for more than a half century since they safely produce an electrostatic charge that helps them adhere to critters crawling over treated surfaces.Silica gel and diatomaceous earth have been found in studies to kill pests by removing a portion of the razor-thin, waxy outer coating that helps an insect conserve moisture. This allows them to work better than other products that rely on abrasion or poisoning.There are a number of ways to use diatomaceous earth. Some of the most popular diatomaceous earth uses include: pet nutrition products products used on pets like dogs and cats to kill fleas bed bug-killing treatments sprays and products used for pest control, including cockroaches, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders rodent sprays water filters skin care products toothpastes foods and beverages, such as in beer and wine anti-caking and clarifying ingredients used in food manufacturing supplements and medicines rubbers and paints used in construction abrasive products used as defoliators and for cleaning
