Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth works great as a natural insect killer.  The white powder is made from the fossilized shells of tiny creatures called, diatoms.  The powder is sharp and glass-like, cutting the insect's cuticle causing it to dehydrate and die.  Doesn't sound nice, but it gets rid of the pesky critters in your garden.

I use diatomaceous earth every year to kill the slugs around my hostas, lady's mantle, and wild ginger plants.  I use an old parmesan cheese or spice type container with a shaker screw-on lid, which makes it easy to sprinkle the garden.  Sprinkle around the base of the plant for slugs.  Sprinkle the foliage of plants to be rid of beetles or aphids.  If it rains, you must reapply the powder.  You can also sprinkle a line across basement windows or the house foundation to prevent ants from coming into the house.  Or pile some diatomaceous earth powder on an ant hill to discourage them from remaining in your yard.  It is even safe to use on your vegetable garden or fruit trees, and it is safe to use where children or dogs might wander.

Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic to mammals.  It can be brushed into the hair coat of goats, dogs, or cats for flea control.  You can also spread it around their bedding.  I have used it to get rid of fleas on a carpeted area.  Simply sprinkle the area and let it set undisturbed awhile and then vacuum.  It can be used with chickens for lice and mite control.

Use food grade diatomaceous earth with your animals or on your vegetables.  Then if a bit is ingested, it does no harm...in fact it will kill internal parasites.  The powder may be mildly irritating to the lungs, eyes, or skin, so you may want to wear a mask, eye protection, long sleeves, and gloves while working with it.  Some people will add it to grain buckets before storing them, to keep the insect critters out.  For more information go to:   www.earthworkshealth.com

If you are looking for inexpensive, non-toxic, and natural options to kill those pesky bugs...give diatomaceous earth a try.

Lisa Purdy is not a physician, and all recommendations are not to be considered diagnosis or prescription.  Any information given is for educational purposes only.  You are responsible for your own health choices.