Ncogneato
Member
I don't like chemicals, especially when I know I will be consuming them. But I have a slight problem with thrips right now. So I have spent the last week trying to find Diatomaceous Earth in nurseries, garden centers, pest control stores, feed stores and hydro shops to absolutely no avail. I was met with funny looks and raised eyebrows everywhere I went. Nobody had even heard of diatomaceous earth especially in horticulture. I see that many people on ICmag use it but no one has listed any sources or stores to purchase it. (Besides online) On the other hand, nobody else seems to know what it is or what it does. Therefore, I began doing a shitload of research about this mystery substance. And so, I have decided to contribute some of my newfound knowledge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth
Diatomaceous earth (also known as DE, diatomite, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur and Celite) is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is 86% silicon, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron.
Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorband for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.
Applications
Filtration
The most common use (68%) of diatomaceous earth is as a filter medium, especially for swimming pools. It has a high porosity, because it is composed of microscopically-small, coffin-like, hollow particles. It is used in chemstry, as a filtration aid, to filter very fine particles that would otherwise pass or clog filter paper. It is also used to filter water and other liquids, such as beer. It can also filter syrups and sugar. Other industries such as paper, paints, ceramics, soap and detergents use it as a fulling material.
Abrasive
The oldest use of diatomite is as a very mild abrasive and, for this purpose, it has been used both in toothpaste and in metal polishes.
Pest control
Diatomite is also used as an insecticides, due to its physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the cutical, the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Fick's law of diffusion. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat slugs. However, since slugs inhabit humid environments, efficacy is very low. Beekeepers are apparently experimenting with it, to keep small hive beetles from breeding. It is sometimes mixed with an attractant or other additives to increase its effectiveness. Medical grade diatomite is sometimes used to de-worm both animals and humans. It is most commonly used in lieu of boric acid, and can be used to help control and eventually eliminate a cockroach infestation.
Absorbent
Its absorbent qualities make it useful for spill clean-up and the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends it to clean up toxic liquid spills.
More recently, it has been employed as a primary ingredient in a type of cat litter. The type of silica used in cat litter comes from freshwater sources and does not pose a significant health risk to pets or humans.
In 1867, Alfred Nobel discovered that nitroglyderin could be made much more stable if absorbed in diatomite. He patented this mixture as dynamite, and the mixture is also referred to as guhr dynamite.
Thermal
Its thermal properties enable it to be used as the barrier material in some fire resistant safes.
Safety considerations
The absorbent qualities of diatomite can result in a significant drying of the hands, if handled without gloves. The saltwater (industrial) form contains a highly crystalline form of silica, resulting in sharp edges. The sharpness of this version of the material makes it dangerous to breathe and a dust mask is recommended when working with it.
The type of hazard posed by inhalation depends on the form of the silica. Crystalline silica poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silocosis and can eventually lead to cancer. Amorphous silica can cause dusty lungs, but does not carry the same degree of risk as crystalline silica. Food-grade diatomite generally contains very low percentages of crystalline silica. Diatomite produced for pool filters is treated with heat, causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume its crystalline form.
In the United States, the crystalline silica content in the dusts is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and there are guidelines for the maximum amounts allowable in the product and in the air near the breathing zone of workers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE with a crystalline silica content over three percent (3%) is dangerous for ingestion by humans or animals. Food grade DE (Amorphous Silicon) is not the same thing as the DE used in swimming pool filters. Pool grade DE is Diatomaceous Earth produced for pool filters and it is treated with heat, causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume crystalline form. Pool grade DE should never be used for pest control. Swimming pool DE ranges from 60% to 70% free silica!
I imagine that pool grade DE could be used effectively. However, the health risks may far outweigh the benefits of it's intended use.
This is where I started running into problems. Where to find the Amorphous type of DE. I could find pool grade DE all day long but as I stated above, I could not find anything with with natural amorphous silicon.
Finally with help from my wife, I was able to generate a list of suitable souces of Amorphous DE. This list includes the following products:
1) Ortho Sevin Garden Dust
Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical
Carbaryl 5%
Kaolin clay
Silica, amorphous (Diatomaceous silica) 95%
2) Ortho Sevin Carbaryl Insecticide 5 Dust
Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical
Carbaryl 5%
Kaolin clay <95%
Silica, amorphous (Diatomaceous silica) <95%
3) Jonny Cat Cat Litter 10 lbs.
Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical
Silica, amorphous (Diatomaceous silica) 90-100%
Quartz <10%
4) Everfresh Antibacterial Cat Litter
Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical
Silica, amorphous (Diatomaceous silica) 90-100%
Quartz <10%
5) Perma-Guard
http://www.perma-guard.com/
Please refer to the above website for a range of amorphous DE products. As far as I know, this product is only available online. Products 1-4 can be found at most general stores.
I am assuming the granular cat litters could be used more effectively if it where to be crushed and powdered prior to application. I have no experience with them so any comments will be helpful.
DE appears to be a highly effective and underrated organic pest control product. And something about slicing and dicing and dehydrating those little bastard cannabis munching critters that just puts a smile on my face. It has also been suggested that DE is consumed by pests and shreds them from the inside out. DE can also be carried back to the nest and queen effectively killing both. If anyone has any experience or comments please fill free to respond. I saw that there was a lack of information and experience with DE on ICmag and created this thread to help educate ourselves.
P.S. I was unable to find definate application rates and methods. I would like to start there if anyone has any experience.
I had to figure all this shit out the hard way. So I really hope that this contribution will help you too.
-Ncogneato
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth
Diatomaceous earth (also known as DE, diatomite, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur and Celite) is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is 86% silicon, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron.
Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorband for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.
Applications
Filtration
The most common use (68%) of diatomaceous earth is as a filter medium, especially for swimming pools. It has a high porosity, because it is composed of microscopically-small, coffin-like, hollow particles. It is used in chemstry, as a filtration aid, to filter very fine particles that would otherwise pass or clog filter paper. It is also used to filter water and other liquids, such as beer. It can also filter syrups and sugar. Other industries such as paper, paints, ceramics, soap and detergents use it as a fulling material.
Abrasive
The oldest use of diatomite is as a very mild abrasive and, for this purpose, it has been used both in toothpaste and in metal polishes.
Pest control
Diatomite is also used as an insecticides, due to its physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the cutical, the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Fick's law of diffusion. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat slugs. However, since slugs inhabit humid environments, efficacy is very low. Beekeepers are apparently experimenting with it, to keep small hive beetles from breeding. It is sometimes mixed with an attractant or other additives to increase its effectiveness. Medical grade diatomite is sometimes used to de-worm both animals and humans. It is most commonly used in lieu of boric acid, and can be used to help control and eventually eliminate a cockroach infestation.
Absorbent
Its absorbent qualities make it useful for spill clean-up and the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends it to clean up toxic liquid spills.
More recently, it has been employed as a primary ingredient in a type of cat litter. The type of silica used in cat litter comes from freshwater sources and does not pose a significant health risk to pets or humans.
In 1867, Alfred Nobel discovered that nitroglyderin could be made much more stable if absorbed in diatomite. He patented this mixture as dynamite, and the mixture is also referred to as guhr dynamite.
Thermal
Its thermal properties enable it to be used as the barrier material in some fire resistant safes.
Safety considerations
The absorbent qualities of diatomite can result in a significant drying of the hands, if handled without gloves. The saltwater (industrial) form contains a highly crystalline form of silica, resulting in sharp edges. The sharpness of this version of the material makes it dangerous to breathe and a dust mask is recommended when working with it.
The type of hazard posed by inhalation depends on the form of the silica. Crystalline silica poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silocosis and can eventually lead to cancer. Amorphous silica can cause dusty lungs, but does not carry the same degree of risk as crystalline silica. Food-grade diatomite generally contains very low percentages of crystalline silica. Diatomite produced for pool filters is treated with heat, causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume its crystalline form.
In the United States, the crystalline silica content in the dusts is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and there are guidelines for the maximum amounts allowable in the product and in the air near the breathing zone of workers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE with a crystalline silica content over three percent (3%) is dangerous for ingestion by humans or animals. Food grade DE (Amorphous Silicon) is not the same thing as the DE used in swimming pool filters. Pool grade DE is Diatomaceous Earth produced for pool filters and it is treated with heat, causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume crystalline form. Pool grade DE should never be used for pest control. Swimming pool DE ranges from 60% to 70% free silica!
I imagine that pool grade DE could be used effectively. However, the health risks may far outweigh the benefits of it's intended use.
This is where I started running into problems. Where to find the Amorphous type of DE. I could find pool grade DE all day long but as I stated above, I could not find anything with with natural amorphous silicon.
Finally with help from my wife, I was able to generate a list of suitable souces of Amorphous DE. This list includes the following products:
1) Ortho Sevin Garden Dust
Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical
Carbaryl 5%
Kaolin clay
Silica, amorphous (Diatomaceous silica) 95%
2) Ortho Sevin Carbaryl Insecticide 5 Dust
Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical
Carbaryl 5%
Kaolin clay <95%
Silica, amorphous (Diatomaceous silica) <95%
3) Jonny Cat Cat Litter 10 lbs.
Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical
Silica, amorphous (Diatomaceous silica) 90-100%
Quartz <10%
4) Everfresh Antibacterial Cat Litter
Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical
Silica, amorphous (Diatomaceous silica) 90-100%
Quartz <10%
5) Perma-Guard
http://www.perma-guard.com/
Please refer to the above website for a range of amorphous DE products. As far as I know, this product is only available online. Products 1-4 can be found at most general stores.
I am assuming the granular cat litters could be used more effectively if it where to be crushed and powdered prior to application. I have no experience with them so any comments will be helpful.
DE appears to be a highly effective and underrated organic pest control product. And something about slicing and dicing and dehydrating those little bastard cannabis munching critters that just puts a smile on my face. It has also been suggested that DE is consumed by pests and shreds them from the inside out. DE can also be carried back to the nest and queen effectively killing both. If anyone has any experience or comments please fill free to respond. I saw that there was a lack of information and experience with DE on ICmag and created this thread to help educate ourselves.
P.S. I was unable to find definate application rates and methods. I would like to start there if anyone has any experience.
I had to figure all this shit out the hard way. So I really hope that this contribution will help you too.
-Ncogneato
Pool supply store? Please read this thread again.
guineapig has spoken "BONG" 
