What on Earth is Diatomaceous Earth? DE or "dirt", as referred to by many, has been used by people for many years for colon cleansing, detoxifying, anti-parasitic and as an organic, natural insecticide. For over 4,000 years, the Chinese and Egyptians have dusted DE on their grains, nuts, legumes and seeds. This protected their dry goods from being spoiled by moisture, mold and by unwanted bugs. These process kept them dry and repelled or killed unwanted pest.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is Mother Earth's own creation. It is a safe, organic, natural substance that has many nutritional and health benefits to animals, livestock, humans, the Earth but deadly to bed bugs, fleas, lice, ticks, roaches, ants, spiders, termites, silver fish, slugs, snails, etc..

Diatomaceous Earth is a white chalky rock sediment built up over eons and eons by fossilized skeletal remains of diatoms. These fossilized rock formation are called diatomite. Diatoms are one of the most common types of phytoplankton, a singled celled algae. The diatoms' cells are encased within a unique cell wall made of silica, in the form of silicon dioxide. These rock sediments are crushed and milled into a flour like consistency and hence it is also called Fossil Shell Flour.

Silica is a major mineral vital to all life forms - animals, plants and humans. Dr. Adolf Butenandt, 1939 Nobel Price winner, proved that "life cannot exist without silica". Dr. Barbara Hendel states that "Silica is the most important trace element in human health". Perma-Guard's Fresh Water Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth contains 89 - 95% amorphous silica and 14+ essential trace minerals.

It is important to know that amorphous silica is different from crystalline silica. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth amorphous silica is silicon dioxide in it's natural occurring state. A major mineral that co-exists with essential trace minerals such as: calcium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium, titanium, boron, manganese, copper and zirconium. These are minerals every mammals on the planet needs to live. It becomes crystalline when it is exposed to extreme heat through volcanic activity or commercial manufacturing means. Crystalline silica is used in filtration systems such as those of swimming pools, aquariums, etc... This form is extremely dangerous when inhaled or ingested and not biodegradable.

Food Grade DE is used as: Animal Feed Additive, Anti-Caking Agent, Inert Carrier, Grain Storage Protectant, Trace Mineral Supplements for both animals and humans and food grade insecticide. Churned into soil, it provides the earth with much needed minerals and porosity improving fertility and soil tilth.

In her book, "Going Green Using Diatomaceous Earth How-to Tips", Tui Rose, a concerned mother and registered nurse, does an excellent job in providing fact based data and resources for DE. It is an easy guide book for using a safer alternative, natural mineral, food grade insecticide with over 101 uses.