[Jacob-list] Diatomaceous Earth

[Karen]

           Peaceful Valley Farms- www.groworganic.com states:

    "D.E. is the fossilized shells of tiny water-dwelling organisms 
called diatoms which when ground, have microscopically fine, sharp edges 
which break the outer protective layer of the insect and desiccate them 
externally on contact or internally, upon ingestion. D.E. can be applied 
as a dust or mixed into a slurry for foliar spraying. It is often used 
as a barrier to crawling pests such as slugs, snails, earwigs, etc. (it 
must be dry to be an effective barrier). Dusted onto damp foliage, it 
can be used to control soft bodied insects, as well as cockroaches, 
ants, silverfish, fleas, etc. In addition, diatomaceous earth is an EPA 
approved animal feed additive for worm and parasite control at 1:100 
ratio. It is approved as a stored grain additive at 4 oz/100 lb. It is 
also used as a dust on manure for fly control. Apply early morning or 
evening to minimize disruption to beneficials. Use a mask to avoid 
breathing the dust. This product is untreated, unheated agricultural 
food grade freshwater D.E (not the D.E. used in swimming pools). It 
contains at least 12 minerals including 19% calcium and 33% silica."

Karen Sigler
Benjamin Farms,  Utah