Diatomaceous Earth 85% - Questions & Answers

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  • Asked by Jennifer
    06/14/2011
    Q
    Is Diatomaceous Earth 85% safe to use in gardens and on vegetables?
    Can I dust this on tomatoes and other garden food to control ants as long as I wash it off before eating?
    A
    Diatomaceous Earth 85% in not labeled to be used on edible vegetation. We carry do Fertilome Dipel dust and Sevin dust which are both labeled to be used in vegetable gardens.
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    7 of 7 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Monique from Ormond Beach, Florida
    03/25/2014
    Q
    Will Diatomaceous Earth 85% be effective to get rid of red ants, fire ants?
    Does this product break down into the ground? I have a dog that keeps his nose to the ground and I wouldn't want him inhaling particles even though this is safe for pets and humans. From what I've read, it seems to be the safest option. Thank you.
    A
    Yes, Diatomaceous Earth 85% will kill and control all ant species. However, once you have performed an application of the Diatomaceous Earth 85% it is important to keep your dog out of the treatment area until the application is complete being sure to only apply a light thin coating of the Diatomaceous Earth 85%. As long as it hasn't been misused or overused then the Diatomaceous Earth 85% is completely safe for pets.
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    7 of 7 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Trevor from San Diego, Ca
    06/09/2018
    Q
    Is the Diatomaceous Earth 85% safe for cats?
    A

    The Diatomaceous Earth 85% is safe when used as directed.  Mainly, you want to focus on cracks, crevices and wall voids. It is important to keep your kittens out of the treatment area until the application is complete being sure to only apply a light thin coating of the Diatomaceous Earth 85%. As long as it hasn't been misused or overused then the Diatomaceous Earth 85% is completely safe for pets.

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    6 of 6 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Judi from Suring, Wi
    07/15/2015
    Q
    Will Diatomaceous Earth 85% be ok for my dogs to be around after I sprinkle it on carpeting, beds, etc?
    A

    Diatomaceous Earth 85%  should be lightly dusted and then raked or swept into carpets. Other areas of application will be in areas dogs cannot get to. Be sure to keep them out of the area until the dust settles. 

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    6 of 7 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by J
    07/29/2017
    Q
    Does Diatomaceous Earth work for scorpions?
    A

    Yes, Diatomaceous Earth can be used as part of a scorpion control program.  Please take a moment to look over our Scorpion Control Guide for more information on treating and preventing scorpions. 

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    5 of 5 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Carol
    02/16/2017
    Q
    Will Diatomaceous Earth 85% kill head lice?
    A

    No, Diatomaceous Earth 85% is not labeled to treat for head lice. You may find a list of products labeled to treat for lice here

    Lice treatment in your home isn’t as stressful as you might think. Since lice die so quickly away from their host, there is virtually no chance an infestation will grow in your home. However, when people in your home are experiencing an active lice infestation, it’s a smart idea to treat vulnerable areas and items with a mix of cultural and insecticidal control. Here are some tips on using products and techniques:

    • Clean your environment: This will help to eliminate any further infestation. Vacuum all carpets and rugs, launder (or dry on hottest setting) bed linens and clothing worn on days live lice have been seen. Stuffed animals can be washed or dried as well.
    • Furniture, carpets, mattresses, and other items that can’t be laundered or vacuumed can be sprayed with a lice spray like Sterifab or Microcare, which will kill any live lice on contact.
    • Greenway Formula 7 Head Lice Eliminator, a natural product, can be sprayed onto backpacks, coats, and even hair, which makes it a perfect product to use on kids before and after school to prevent and kill any lice that have been brought home or contracted during the day.
    • Treating pest can also be useful in ridding your home of lice, especially if people infested with lice have come in close contact with the pets. Lice don’t generally feed on pets, but many flea and tick products also control lice, like Petcor.
    • Other products, including dusts and insecticide concentrates, will not only control lice, but other insects as well, helping to prevent and control a wide variety of insect pests all at once. 
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    5 of 17 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Sherri from Cloverdale, In
    06/07/2016
    Q
    Why does the label say to remove clothing if you get Diatomaceous Earth 85% on it?
    When label says safe to put on furniture and mattresses. I am not sure what is really ok.
    A

    When using Diatomaceous Earth 85% - 4 lbs. on mattresses you are only applying to areas that do not make contact with humans, folds and edges as directed on the label.  It would not be applied on other furniture, only under it.  As the product is a desiccant, it can cause skin to dry out, so contact should be avoided. Hence, why you should wash clothing if the product gets on your person during treatment.

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    5 of 5 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Ronald from San Antonio, Tx
    10/25/2015
    Q
    Can you apply Diatomaceous Earth 85% wet?
    A

    Diatomaceous Earth 85% should be applied dry with a hand duster or a power duster per the product label instructions.

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    5 of 6 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Ryan from Chillicothe Illinois
    06/26/2015
    Q
    Can I use this product in my chicken coop?
    Sprinkle it in the bedding to prevent bug infestation
    A
    Diatomaceous Earth is not labled to be used in chicken coops.
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    5 of 5 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Avo from Belvedere, Ca
    03/30/2016
    Q
    Will Diatomaceous Earth 85% kill fly eggs/larva?
    If not, what do you suggest for outdoor use in a dog run area of artificial turf? Thank you!
    A

    Diatomaceous Earth is not labeled for flies. 

    Are you able to hang a fly trap in the area? If so, we would recommend using the Flies Be Gone Trap. It does need to be placed at least 30 feet away from the area you are wanting to treat. It does have a strong odor when there are flies inside of it. It will protect the area between 50 to 100 yards away. 

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    3 of 5 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Rory from Sioux Falls, Sd
    08/18/2014
    Q
    Is Diatomaceous Earth 85% a food grade product?
    Is Diatomaceous Earth 85% a food grade product?
    A
    No, Diatomaceous Earth 85% is not a food grade product. This product is insecticide grade DE made from fresh water diatoms and it is not for consumption by anyone.
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    2 of 4 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Bed from Greenville, Tx
    06/14/2014
    Q
    Will this 85% DE in the 4 lb bag cause breathing problems or be toxic if it has already been put on mattress?
    In my apartment, I have dusted it on the baseboards, carpet and all over the carpet in the area by the kitchen. I have also dusted it a foot around the baseboards, the window sill and on the mattress that I sleep on. I was wondering if this is too much or if it can hurt me or my lungs? I have had it down about a week. I have used it for bed bugs. So far it has worked.
    A
    Diatomaceous Earth 85% - 4 lb. bag is labeled to be applied to cracks and crevices, carpet and mattresses. Please refer to the MSDS for more information on inhalation exposure. We always recommend wearing a mask during application. For additional safety information, please contact the manufacturer, VPG at 888-583-5296.  
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    2 of 2 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Don
    08/18/2016
    Q
    Will Diatomaceous Earth hold up in the rain?
    A

    Diatomaceous Earth 85%  should be applied to areas where these insects are found such as patios, outdoor sills, window and door frames. Dust around foundations, along ant trails and around sewer pipes and drains. You will need to reapply when the ground is dry again if the product has been washed away from these areas.

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    2 of 4 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Joycelyn from Newton, Kansas
    05/16/2016
    Q
    Can I use Diatomaceous Earth 85% - 4 lbs. alone for indoor ant control with no other added ingredients?
    A

    Diatomaceous Earth 85% - 4 lbs. alone will not get rid of ants. It may kill ants that cross it, but it will not stop them from invading. You will need something they will carry back to the colony like the Indoor Ant Kit. 

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    2 of 3 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Gwen from Bellingham Wa
    06/16/2015
    Q
    I sprinkled Diatomaceous Earth 85% on my pepper and tomato plants to get rid of flea beetles.
    After reading the FAQ, I'm worried about the safety of my vegetables and greenhouse now. Please advice me what to do.
    A
    If anything edible was treated with Diatomaceous Earth 85%, we recommend that you discard the food as it is not labeled for edible vegetation. We carry do Sevin Dust which is labeled to be used in vegetable gardens.
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    1 of 1 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Teri from Saint Petersburg, Fl
    04/18/2017
    Q
    Can I sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth 85% in my yard for fleas?
    I live in FL. Will it harm the lizards?
    A

    Diatomaceous Earth 85% is not labeled for fleas in the yard.  We would not recommend using dust outdoors for fleas. When the dust gets wet, it will be ineffective. We would recommend using any type of dust indoors, inside the wall voids. For Outdoors, we would recommend using our Outdoor/Indoor Flea Kit.  It should not harm lizards.

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    1 of 2 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Lisa from Cole Camp
    04/30/2016
    Q
    Does Diatomaceous Earth help with snakes?
    A

    Diatomaceous Earth 85% - 4 lbs. is not labeled to eradicate snakes only the listed insects. We do carry snake repellents such as Snake Out and Snake Away.

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    1 of 4 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by John from Everett Wa
    10/22/2019
    Q
    After applying Diatomaceous Earth 85% to carpet for moths, do you vacuum?
    A

    Vacuuming after an application of Diatomaceous Earth 85% does have the potential to remove the dust.  Sweeping it into the nap of the carpet using a stiff broom will help it to not be removed as much.  Please keep in mind it is not labeled for moths.  Depending on the type of moth you’re dealing with, other products that are specifically labeled for your particular pest would be necessary for treatment.  

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    1 of 1 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Dorothy
    08/27/2019
    Q
    How often should Diatomaceous Earth be applied?
    A

    Diatomaceous Earth 85% remains effective in the control of insects as long as the product is present.  It should be applied as needed if it is removed/washed away from the area.

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    1 of 1 people found this answer helpful.
  • Asked by Beth from Jamestown, New York
    08/13/2018
    Q
    Is the Diatomaceous Earth 85% safe for cats/dogs?
    A

    The Diatomaceous Earth 85% is safe when used as directed. Mainly, you want to focus on cracks, crevices and wall voids. It is important to keep your cat/dogs out of the treatment area until the application is complete being sure to only apply a light thin coating of the Diatomaceous Earth 85%

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    1 of 1 people found this answer helpful.
Displaying 21 to 40 (of 57 questions)