These 10 Uses for Diatomaceous Earth for Home & Farm range from indoor pest control and teeth whitening to food preservation and animal health. Grab this budget-friendly home, garden, & farm helper and see the list for what all it can be used for!

 

Diatomaceous earth (or DE) is a natural and organic insecticide that kills insects by breaking their exoskeletons and causing them to dehydrate. It is used in industry as a filtration aid, abrasive, absorbent, stabilizer, thermal insulator, and filler.

It can be found in food-grade (safe for human consumption) and non-food-grade (used in industrial settings) forms, but we want to avoid the non-food-grade stuff for the purposes of this post.

10 Uses for Diatomaceous Earth for Home & Farm

Food-grade DE can be an impactful addition to your natural lifestyle and hobby farm. While there are countless benefits and uses, I’ve highlighted 10 here.

1. Body Detox

DE can help detoxify your body and maintain optimal gut health by attracting harmful toxins and flushing them from the body.

To detox, you can take about one teaspoon of food-grade diatomaceous earth with water once a day. Drink plenty of water afterward and throughout the day to stay hydrated.

You can also mix it with other things—juice, smoothies, yogurt, etc. Make sure to still drink plenty of water with it. You can slowly work up to 1 tablespoon a day, keeping in mind that it’s best not to use it continuously for long periods of time.

2. Joint, Bone & Ligament Health

DE has been shown to support bone and connective tissue health. Take it orally, as described above, to fight against osteoporosis and other bone disorders.

3. Kills Parasites & Viruses in Humans

Taking DE as part of a detox process can kill parasites and harmful viruses to improve overall health.

4. Teeth Whitening

DE is a gentle abrasive that can help clean and whiten teeth.

To deep-clean, simply sprinkle a bit of the dust over your toothpaste every so often.

Do not do this continuously to avoid harming your teeth’s natural enamel.

5. Plant Health and Growth

Add DE to potting soil to help it retain moisture and nutrients, allow oxygen to circulate freely, and fight off parasites.

6. Indoor Pest Control

DE removes the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, which helps them maintain moisture and causes them to dehydrate. Use it on carpets, upholstery, or anywhere else you think bugs or pests may be lurking.

Brush or vacuum the area first, then spread a light film of DE over the whole surface. Leave it for 4-12 hours and then vacuum. Repeat weekly for 3-4 weeks.

You can also spread it around the outside of your home or in other areas inside where pests like spiders and ants appear. It’s safer and cheaper than harsh chemicals!

7. Natural Garden Pest Control

Lightly sprinkle it where slugs, Japanese beetles, or other unwanted pests will come in contact with it.

Keep it away from insects you do want, like bees.

DE is best used dry and is not as effective when wet. Refresh the treatment if the area gets wet.

8. Animal Health

DE helps keep unwanted pests away from your animals.

Include DE in your chickens’ dust bath to prevent lice or in your animals’ feed as a natural way to fight off fleas, worms, and other parasites.

You can also lightly dust your indoor pets (or their beds) to help fight against fleas and allergies.

I also like to put down a layer of DE in the bottom of the chicken coop and in nesting boxes after cleaning and before bedding is added to help prevent mites and lice.

9. Skin Exfoliation

DE can be a great exfoliator every once in a while.

Use it as part of a facial scrub or mask by mixing 1 tablespoon with water, milk, or diluted honey to make a thick paste. Massage it into your face in circular motions and let it set for 1-2 minutes before removing with a warm washcloth, again in small, circular motions.

10. Food Preservation

Mix a small amount of DE with dry grains and legumes (about 1 tablespoon in a 5-gallon bucket of grain) to prevent weevils.

If you’ve ever had weevils, you know how frustrating it can be to get rid of them!

FAQs About Diatomaceous Earth

References

• https://draxe.com/diatomaceous-earth/
• https://www.mommypotamus.com/diatomaceous-earth-uses/
• https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/pest-control/how-to-use-diatomaceous-earth-zw0z1304zkin#axzz3K0OnalDR
• https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/uses-of-diatomaceous-earth-on-the-homestead

Disclaimer: Melissa Griffiths/Bless this Mess is not a medical expert. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.

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How have you used Diatomaceous Earth in your home, garden, or farm? Share in the comments below!