What is diatomaceous earth (DE)?
“Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder material made from grinding diatoms mined from ancient sea or fresh water lake beds. DE used for grain and seed processing and storage systems is similar to the diatomaceous earth used in home system water filters and as an additive or filler in some food products, including tooth paste. Fresh water diatoms reportedly make superior DE for use as a non-toxic insect protectant in grain storage systems. The diatoms are ground down to particles in the 5 to 10 micron size. Some DE designed for grain storage contains about 10% silica to provide more rigorous cutting action of insect body wax coatings.
