Survivalists love hacks that can help out in many different situations. That’s why preppers stock up on diatomaceous earth (DE). This organic product keeps animals – including us humans – healthy, protects food storage, gardens, and living quarters, and can help filter water.
You say you’ve never heard of this miracle stuff, much less how to pronounce it? Take heart, you are not alone.
First off, say “die-uh-tuh-MAY-shous” a few times to get the hang of it. Or use its short handle DE.
Diatomaceous earth is completely natural. It’s made from the fossilized remains of tiny algae-like organisms called diatoms (“DI-a-tomz“) that lived in ancient lakes, rivers, and oceans. Today, diatoms are mined to manufacture the soft white or off-white powder that has slightly abrasive properties.
Silica (or silicon dioxide) occurs is one of the two most abundant elements found in the Earth’s crust. Silica sand is used to make concrete and mortar. It is also used as a fine grinding polish for glass and stone, in foundry molds, and in glass-making.
Silica gel is often used as a desiccant, something that removes moisture.
The silica powder made from DE feels soft to our fingers but, in fact, is like microscopic concertina wire for insects. Tiny razor-sharp edges cut down any small-scaled intruder that attempts to cross a perimeter.
It might surprise you to know that diatomaceous earth comes in a food grade form that is safe and healthy for human consumption. [CAUTION: Non-food grade diatomaceous earth is NOT SAFE to be inhaled or ingested.]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) strictly regulates food grade DE, for obvious reasons. Lives are at stake. Products must be clean, uncontaminated, and safe for internal bodily use. Non-food grade DE is used mostly as an agricultural and household insecticide.
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