The Best Natural Pest Preventer

In my recent article on eating organic, I mentioned a product called Diatomaceous Earth, or DE.  It’s a natural AND safe product used to prevent and destroy pet infestations by home owners and farmers alike.  It kills all types of insects, including ticks, ants, and fleas.

Today, I want to talk a little more about DE and why it is the best natural pest preventer on the market.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Here it is magnified 7000 times

DE is nothing more than the tiny fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of microscopic algae.  This is then ground up into a very fine powder and sold as “Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth.”

There is also a pool/filter grade DE, but this is highly toxic to humans and pets and definitely NOT the DE I’m referring to in this article.

How Does It Work?

You’re probably wondering how in the world a bunch of old, dried-up algae can destroy ANYTHING!

It’s pretty simple, actually:

When Diatomaceous Earth comes into contact with certain insects—like a disgusting, blood-sucking tick, for instance—its super sharp edges tear through the bug’s exoskeleton.  All of the water is then absorbed by the DE and the bug dies of dehydration.

No chemicals necessary so it’s safe enough to use around your house, in your garden, and even ON your pets as a non-poisonous pest control.

COOL!

How Do You Use DE?

It’s super easy.

For home/garden use, just spread the Diatomaceous Earth anywhere around your premises, paying special attention to dark, damp areas.  An even easier method is to mix the DE with water and spray the mixture using your hose (just like you would with plant fertilizers).

For pets, just rub the powder directly into their fur.  You can even put the DE into a spray bottle mixed with water and apply it that way, if you wish.

You should begin applying DE around your home/on your pets BEFORE the pest you’re trying to prevent starts showing up.  For ticks, fleas, ants, etc. this usually means mid-to-late spring.

If you already have a flea infestation, DE can help you get rid of it.  I’ll be talking about that more in a soon-to-come article.

Can You Eat It?

While some people DO eat Diatomaceous Earth (I think it’s used to “clean the colon” or something), this is not a practice I recommend.  There is just no need to consume the fossilized bodies of prehistoric algae.

If you are eating a low fat, high fruit raw vegan diet, your colon is doing just fine.

WORD OF CAUTION: No matter what you want to use Diatomaceous Earth for, make sure to purchase FOOD GRADE.  As I said, the stuff used to clean swimming pools is highly toxic.

How Much Does It Cost?

2.5 lbs for $11.50!

The best part is that this stuff is incredibly cheap.  You can buy a 50 POUND BAG for less than $30!  I bought 25 lbs of DE last summer and I’ve barely made a dent in it.

Does It Really Work?

Yes, it really does work.  I’ve had two flea infestations in my house and DE cleared it right up for me without any need for an exterminator.

No, I’m not being paid by anyone to say that.  I just really think DE is a great product.  It destroys pests, it prevents them from coming back, and it’s completely non-toxic!

To think I used to put those horrible, poisonous flea and tick control products on my little furry friends.

*sigh*

Anyway, go buy some Diatomaceous Earth!

Go raw, be fit, and stay pest-free,

Swayze

P.S. I don’t get paid if you order a bag of food grade DE, but I DO get paid if you order a copy of my recipe e-book!

“Low Fat, Fruit Filled, High Fun Raw Recipes”

Low Fat, Fruit Filled, High Fun Raw Recipes