What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth, otherwise known as Diatomite or DE, is a type of sedimentary rock composed of tiny fossilized organisms called diatoms. It has a number of functions, but is known for its use as a pesticide.

Diatoms

• Diatoms are unicellular organisms that serve as food for other marine organisms. When they die, their silica shells collect on the floor of their habitat and become fossilized, forming diatomaceous earth.

Composition

• Diatomaceous earth is typically a lightly colored (white to gray) powder made of the fossilized remains of diatoms. The rock typically comes crushed into a fine powder that has the quality of small pieces of glass.

Locations

• Diatomaceous earth can be found in such states as California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, but the United States also imports it from other diatomite-producing countries such as Algeria, China, Denmark, France, Mexico and Russia.

As Pesticide

• An insect's body picks up the particles, which cut through the insect's protective wax layer, drying it out and killing it. It can also tear an insect's inner organs if ingested. Diatomaceous earth is commonly used for many types of insects including earwigs, ants, silverfish, cockroaches, snails, flies, ticks and bedbugs.

Other Uses

• Diatomaceous earth is very porous, which gives it use as a filter for drinking water, beer, wine, and even swimming pools. It's also used as pet litter, an abrasive in toothpaste and polishes, an absorbent for industrial spills, and insulation material in furnaces.