...........................................................................................................................................................
Safer®
Brand
Discovered around 1836
by Peter Kasten in Germany, diatomaceous earth (DE) was originally used to make
dynamite.
It now has dozens of
uses including: metal polishes, toothpaste, pest control and water filters.
The mineral is a
result of dead single-celled algae called diatoms usually found in marine
sediments.
Diatoms account for ¼
of all photosynthesis on Earth.
The size of each
diatom is about the width of a human hair (0.5 mm).
While some diatoms
float by themselves, many diatoms group together and form suspended chains near
the surface of water or attach themselves to rocks or plants under water.
Diatoms have hard
shells that resemble tiny pill-shaped glass houses made from silica.
Silica is one of the
hardest solids on earth and can be found in glass and concrete. Silica makes up
26% of the earth’s crust by weight.
Diatomite deposits
can be found all over the world, including notable extractions sites such as
Neuohe.
TWO TYPES OF DE: POOL
GRADE VS FOOD GRADE
The quality of DE
depends mostly on two factors: 1) where it’s mined and
2) how it’s
processed.
In the United States,
according to the U.S. Geological Survey, DE is mined and processed in
California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
However, diatomite
deposits can be found all over the world.
At the processing
plant, the diatomites are crushed, dried, and milled to create food grade
diatomaceous earth.
Pool grade (also
called filter grade) diatomaceous earth is treated with very high heat in a
process called calcination, which changes the silicon dioxide into crystalline
silica.
Pool grade DE is
toxic and should only be used in filtration.
Food grade DE has
less than 1% of crystalline silica and no more than 10mg/kg of arsenic or lead.
HOW DE WORKS TO KILL
BUGS
One of the most
common household uses for DE is pest control.
Safer® Brand
Diatomaceous Earth is deadly to insects with an exoskeleton.
When a bug comes into
contact with DE, it works under the insect’s shell and punctures the body with
DE’s microscopic sharp edges, absorbs all the moisture, and causes the bug to
die of dehydration.
Let’s take a look at
how to use diatomaceous earth to kill bed bugs.
In the past few
years, the U.S. has seen a rise in bed bug infestations because the bugs built
up resistance to the toxic chemicals companies used to get rid of them.
Since diatomaceous
earth kills bugs physically they can never become immune to it.
Homeowners can safely
apply diatomaceous earth to their bed, couches, closets and whole house to
eradicate bed bugs without harming their pets and kids.
Once bed bugs come
into contact with DE it takes less than 48 hours to kill the insect.
Ways to use DE to
Kill Bugs
Wear a dust mask when
applying DE as it can irritate your nose and lungs.
Diatomaceous earth
must be dry in order to work. If using outside, reapply after it rains.
Leave bugs dead in
the dust and feel good about using nature’s remedy.
Check out Safer®
Brand’s diatomaceous earth products made from food grade diatomaceous earth.
Our products are OMRI
Listed® and compliant for use in organic production.
Safer Diatomaceous
Earth for Pest Control
When using desiccants
(diatomaceous earth or boric acid) to control bed bugs it is critical to use
those that are registered by EPA and labeled for bed bug control.
Desiccants that are
intended for other uses, such as food-grade or for use in swimming pools, pose
an increased inhalation risk to people.
Learn more here: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/pesticides-control-bed-bugs
All of Safer®
Brand's products stem from our belief that the health of our soil impacts
the health of our food, our bodies, and the planet. We want to go back to the
time when soil was safe.
Because
it's no secret that chemical pesticides deplete the nutritional value of our
soil and the microorganisms essential for the health of plants. When plants are
fed a chemically – altered diet, the yield suffers and our health is
compromised.
IT'S ALL
ABOUT CREATING CLEAN SOIL, A CLEAN HOME AND A CLEAN CONSCIENCE
Our
commitment to organic living doesn't stop with a healthy garden. Safer® Brand's
line of pest control products for organic gardening eliminates harmful invaders
in order to create an optimal environment for plants to thrive, season after
season. Gardening eliminates harmful invaders in order to create an optimal environment
for plants to thrive, season after season.
WE SEE
THE BEAUTY AND BOUNTY OF GOING ORGANIC.
Organic
gardening creates goodness. Gardens soak up the soil's rich nutrients without
taking in harmful chemicals. Homes are free from toxic sprays and insecticides.
Parents worry less about their family's wellbeing.
And,
most delicious of all, that backyard-grown meal is packed with richer flavors,
more nutrients, and a peace of mind.
No comments:
Post a Comment