Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural, abrasive powder from the fossilised remains of ancient algal shells called Diatoms or Phytoplankton. The Diatoms living in the waterways absorbed minerals and elements from water enabling them to ‘build‘ their tiny shells. Consequentially, the fossilized remains have captured and contain the 15 trace minerals used to form the shell. As they die the microscopic diatoms drop to the bottom of the waterways and form deposits of sediment. These sedimentary deposits are later mined, milled, dried and bagged creating Diatomaceous Earth or more commonly known as DE. It is widely used internationally for a host of industrial, agricultural and horticultural applications.
Our DEBug & DEHealth Diatomaceous Earth products contain no less then 91-94% percent amorphous Silica. As well as a high silica percentage it also contains many essential trace minerals including phosphorous, selenium, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron.
Silica is the most plentiful element on earth, following oxygen; but there are very few foods that contain an adequate amount to supply the quantity your body needs. Silica is crucial to bones, tendons, skin, cartilage and blood vessels. Silica is even located in the blood itself and important organs such as the liver, heart, and lungs.
Mixed with your animals normal feed it promotes improved health, well-being, vitality and productivity when used on a daily basis.
Pest control
Diatomite is used as an insecticide, due to its abrasive and physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons. By cracking open their joints and by rubbing holes through their outer shellsm the bugs die quickly, since the holes let air in and let out moisture from the insects’ bodies causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Fick’s law of diffusion. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat insects. There is no build up or chemical residues, and insects will not become tolerant or build up immunity.
As this process is mechanical, there is no plant or livestock with-holding period for human consumption.
Please refer to our pages on Garden and Animal pest control for further details.
Health and Feed Supplement
Food grade diatomite can be used for both animals and humans.
Our supplement product is made from raw, natural, fresh water diatoms and has food grade particles containing more than 94% Silica. DE taken as a supplement has many reported health benefits and is widely used by naturopaths, health practitioners, vets and alike.
Please read our pages on DEHealth supplement and how DE can help you and your animals achieve better health.
BioGro Certification
Our Diatomaceous Earth range of products have gained BioGro Organic Certification here in New Zealand. They has been through very complex procedures and audits and is now registered under the following three categories.
- Livestock Feed & Nutrition
- Soil & Plant Nutrition
- Crop Management (domestic use only)
The Crop Managment registration is the first ever done on any Diatomaceous Earth product in New Zealand, and means that our DE is the ONLY Fresh water, Food grade DE to be registered as an organic insecticide for your garden.
View our certificate here.
