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It seems that with just a small number of everyday products, such as baking soda, vinegar, or Borax, we can solve a huge range of problems on the homestead. These basic ingredients offer a wide range of uses, from cleaning and pest control to plant care and livestock management. But what about diatomaceous earth – is this simple product as wonderful as people claim?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine, powdery substance, made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. Sounds a bit weird, right? But it turns out that these minuscule fossils have razor-sharp edges that make them useful for a whole range of purposes.
It is a safe and effective alternative to chemical pesticides and can be used to solve many problems around the homestead. When buying diatomaceous earth, make sure to purchase a food-grade product that is non-toxic to humans and animals.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most effective uses for diatomaceous earth!
1. Garden Pesticide
Diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural insecticide in gardens to control pests like aphids, slugs, and beetles. This abrasive powder damages the soft outer skeleton of these bugs, causing them to dehydrate and die.
The great news is that this safe, chemical-free option doesn’t harm beneficial insects like bees when applied correctly. To use, simply dust it around plants or on the soil surface to create a barrier and reapply it frequently, particularly after rain.
2. Water Filtration
Studies have shown that diatomaceous earth is effective at filtering out bacteria, parasites, and debris from water. Purpose-built filters are widely available, or you can make your own filtration system using a plastic bottle. It is important to remember that water filtered through DE is not guaranteed to be safe to drink unless it has undergone a further purification process.
3. Odor Absorber
Keep your animal pens and coops dry by using diatomaceous earth as an odor-neutralizer. This fine powder absorbs excess moisture, including urine, helping to get rid of unpleasant smells. Keeping moisture levels low also reduces the risk of disease and cuts down on the amount of fresh bedding you need to use.
4. Mold and Mildew Prevention
The moisture-absorbing properties of diatomaceous earth also make it effective in preventing mold and mildew by keeping humidity levels low. Simply sprinkle a layer at the base of storage containers or in areas prone to dampness to keep mold and mildew at bay.
5. Natural Dewormer
Some people recommend using diatomaceous earth as a natural dewormer for livestock and pets, but it is important to note that there is no evidence to support how effective it is. On our homestead, we tend to use DE as a routine preventative dewormer, but if we suspect that any of our animals have a problem with intestinal worms, we use a medicinal product recommended by our veterinarian instead. This system helps keep medication use to a minimum whilst also keeping our livestock in top condition.
6. Slug and Snail Repellent
The sharp particles in diatomaceous earth cut through the soft bodies of slugs and snails, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle a thin layer around newly planted seedlings to keep them safe from harm until they become well-established.
7. Compost Accelerant
Diatomaceous earth aids in breaking down organic matter by absorbing excess moisture and improving airflow. This speeds up the composting process, turning your garden waste and kitchen scraps into beautiful compost in no time at all.
8. Natural Cleaner
The abrasive texture of diatomaceous earth makes it ideal for removing tough stains on surfaces like countertops, pans, and tiles. Simply sprinkle a small amount of powder on the stained area, add a bit of water, and scrub away the grime. Take care near surfaces that scratch easily, and never use DE to scrub out your non-stick pans!
9. Food Storage
Keep your dry food supplies safe and in top condition by sprinkling diatomaceous earth in containers and on shelves. This not only reduces moisture levels but also keeps pests at bay and extends the shelf life of dried foods such as grains and beans.
10. Parasite Control
Diatomaceous earth is an effective and natural way to control fleas, ticks, mites, and lice in livestock housing, pet bedding, and soft furnishings around the home. We struggled to get rid of mites in our chicken coop until we started regularly sprinkling DE over the bedding and along the roosting bars. If using it in the home, make sure to use food-grade DE that won’t harm your pets if ingested.
11. Skin Exfoliant
If you love making natural skin care products, diatomaceous earth is a valuable addition to your ingredient stash. Its fine, abrasive particles help slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. My favorite method is to mix food-grade DE with coconut oil, honey, and yogurt to create a gentle scrub that looks good enough to eat!
12. Ant & Roach Control
Diatomaceous earth is an effective way to control ants and cockroaches in and around your home. Apply the powder to cracks, crevices, and other entry points where pests are entering your home, creating a natural barrier to keep them at bay.
13. Bed Bug Exterminator
Urgh, bed bugs – definitely not something you want in your life! Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on your mattress to ensure your bed remains free from unwanted nighttime visitors.
14. Dietary Supplement
Purified, food-grade diatomite contains high levels of silica, making it useful for treating high cholesterol levels and digestion issues. It is also thought to help remove toxins and heavy metals from the digestive system and provide relief from constipation.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
