Diatomaceous earth, the cheap, food‑grade powder made from fossilized diatoms, is booming in home and garden circles. It’s inexpensive, sold as a filter aid for pools and as a food‑grade product for pest control and human health uses.
Where to Get DE
Home‑improvement chains such as Home Depot and Lowe’s rarely stock food‑grade DE, forcing shoppers to order online. Amazon Prime offers the best deals, while specialty garden stores often carry it in limited quantities.
Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
Mix 3/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup cornstarch, then stir in melted coconut oil until the blend reaches the desired consistency. Transfer the mixture to a sealed jar and apply a small amount to underarms as needed.
Facial Scrub and Mask
Combine one tablespoon of DE with water, milk, aloe vera gel, or diluted honey to form a thin paste. Massage onto the face for one to two minutes, then wipe clean with a warm washcloth for gentle exfoliation.
Toothpaste
Lightly dust DE onto a toothbrush loaded with regular toothpaste for extra stain‑removing power. Use only once a week, as the mild abrasive works effectively in small doses.
Cockroach, Ant, Spider, Tick, Silverfish Control
Food‑grade DE destroys the exoskeletons of crawling insects, providing a non‑toxic barrier around homes. Sprinkle it along baseboards, entry points, and inside infested areas; a powder duster helps target the spots.
Chicken Feed
Mix DE into chicken feed at a rate of 2 % of total weight — about half a pound per 25 pounds — to supply trace minerals and improve weight gain, according to FDA‑approved livestock feed guidelines. Researchers also report reduced parasite loads in flocks fed DE.
