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Article: Diatomaceous earth is tops for pest control.(The garden)
- Article from:
- Countryside & Small Stock Journal
- Article date:
- January 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Countryside Publications Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Diatomaceous earth is nontoxic to mammals and birds. However, there are several types of DE. Use only food-grade DE in and around your home or business. It is labeled GRAS or Generally Regarded As Safe, and kills insects more effectively. Do not use swimming-pool grade as this form is not effective as an insecticide. It also may contain a high level of crystalline silica which, when inhaled, can cause silicosis, a deadly lung disease.
Food-grade DE is sold as "fossil shell flour," and is approved by the FDA to be added to livestock rations at a rate not to exceed two percent. As a livestock feed additive at one percent to two percent, it can kill worms and other ...