Diatomaceous earth is a versatile and eco-friendly product that has a wide range of uses in and around the home. It is made from the remains of diatoms, which are microscopic algae with a hard silica shell. This naturally occurring substance is typically ground into a fine powder, known for its excellent absorbency and abrasive properties.
Using diatomaceous earth can be an effective method for controlling household pests such as fleas, ticks, and bed bugs, as well as for gardening purposes, including soil amendment and as an insecticide. Its natural properties make it an ideal alternative to chemical-based products, providing a safe and sustainable solution for various household needs.
When choosing diatomaceous earth, it is essential to pay attention to the product’s quality, purity, and specifically whether it is food-grade or not. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human and pet consumption and is the preferred choice for most home applications, whereas non-food-grade varieties can be toxic when ingested. Particle size, packaging, and source of origin are also factors to consider, as these can affect the effectiveness and safety of the product.
With these factors in mind, we spent a significant amount of time researching and comparing different diatomaceous earth brands to bring you our top five choices that excel in quality, effectiveness, and safety.
Top Five Diatomaceous Earth Brands
We’ve researched and tested various diatomaceous earth brands to bring you our top five picks, ensuring you get the highest quality and most effective product for your needs.
Safer Brand 51703 Diatomaceous Earth
We highly recommend Safer Brand 51703 for effectively eliminating a variety of crawling insects, while being compliant with organic gardening practices.
Pros
- Effective against various crawling insects
- Mechanical killer, preventing insect immunity
- OMRI Listed for use in organic gardening
Cons
- Can be messy to apply
- May have an unpleasant smell
- Requires a duster for application
We recently used the Safer Brand 51703 Diatomaceous Earth and found it to be a potent and versatile insect killer. It targets a range of crawling insects such as ants, roaches, fleas, silverfish, earwigs, and bed bugs. Made from diatomaceous earth and selected baits, this powder attracts insects and causes them to dehydrate and die within 48 hours of contact.
One of the great benefits we found is that since it’s a mechanical killer, insects cannot build immunity to it. This makes it a long-term solution for getting rid of pests. The powder is OMRI Listed and compliant for use in organic gardening, giving us peace of mind knowing we were using an eco-friendly option.
However, using this product did come with some drawbacks. We found it can be a bit messy to apply, especially in tight spaces, and it had an unpleasant smell. Additionally, it’s recommended that first-time buyers purchase a duster for proper application.
Overall, the Safer Brand 51703 Diatomaceous Earth is a powerful and organic solution to tackling various crawling insects in your home and garden. Despite some minor downsides, its effectiveness and eco-friendliness make it a top choice for eliminating pesky pests.
HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 10lb with Powder Duster
A natural and effective way to control pests, HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth is a must-have for any household seeking eco-friendly solutions.
Pros
- 100% natural with no additives or fillers
- OMRI Listed for organic standards
- Comes with a powder duster for easy application
Cons
- Bag may not reseal easily
- Duster might be hidden deep within the product
- May not be suitable for all pest types
We recently used HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade to address a bug problem in our home. This 10lb bag was perfect for our needs, and we were pleased to discover it’s made from 100% ground freshwater diatomaceous earth with no additives or fillers. Furthermore, it’s OMRI Listed, ensuring compliance with organic standards.
The product comes with a handy powder duster in the bag, making it easy to apply in hard-to-reach areas. We found that the duster was incredibly useful for spreading the powder evenly and efficiently. However, one small downside was that it wasn’t immediately obvious where the duster was located within the bag. After some rummaging, we eventually found it nestled deep inside.
In our experience, HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth effectively dehydrated a variety of insects, such as ants and fire ants, without causing harm to our pets or the environment. It’s important to note that this product may not work for all pest types, so it’s essential to do some research before using it for specific infestations.
One minor inconvenience we encountered was that the bag did not reseal easily. To avoid spills, we recommend transferring the product to another container with a secure lid once opened.
Overall, HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade is an excellent natural pest control solution that offers a safer alternative to chemical products. We highly recommend it for households looking for an eco-friendly way to keep bugs at bay.
Earthborn Elements Diatomaceous Earth
We highly recommend Earthborn Elements Diatomaceous Earth for its versatility, effectiveness, and resealable packaging.
Pros
- Pure and undiluted with no additives or fillers
- Versatile for various household uses
- Resealable bucket for convenient storage
Cons
- Difficult to open bucket lid
- No included spreader or mask
- Can be messy during application
The Earthborn Elements Diatomaceous Earth comes in a resealable 5-gallon bucket, making it a great choice for those who need a large supply for various uses around the house. As a natural source of freshwater amorphous silica, this product has a range of applications, such as pest control and cleaning.
One of the biggest advantages of this particular diatomaceous earth product is its purity. There are no additives or fillers, ensuring you get only the best quality for your needs. Moreover, the packaging is a strong plus – with the resealable bucket, you can easily store it without worrying about spillage or damage.
On the other hand, some users have reported difficulty opening the bucket lid, which may be a minor inconvenience for some. The lack of an included spreader or mask can also make the application a bit messy, but these tools can be purchased separately to make the process more manageable.
Overall, Earthborn Elements’ Diatomaceous Earth is a versatile, pure, and effective product that we think would make a valuable addition to any household. Its resealable packaging keeps the product fresh and easy to use, making it a worthwhile investment for those in need of a good quality diatomaceous earth.
HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 4lb with Powder Duster
We highly recommend the HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade for its effectiveness, natural ingredients, and additional powder duster.
Pros
- 100% natural, ground freshwater diatomaceous earth
- OMRI Listed for organic standards compliance
- Includes powder duster for easy application
Cons
- May cause a bit of a mess during application
- Not a quick-fix solution for certain pest problems
- Not suitable for wet areas
We recently used the HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade product, and we were impressed by its overall effectiveness. This natural product consists of 100% ground freshwater diatomaceous earth without any additives or fillers. We found it gentle and safe for our household, as it’s listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute (OMRI) which ensures compliance with organic standards.
The included powder duster is a game-changer, making application on animal feed and other surfaces a breeze. It’s important to note that HARRIS donates 10% of its profits to support the local Etowah Valley Humane Society, which is a great cause.
While the HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade has its benefits, it doesn’t come without its drawbacks. The product can get quite messy during application, and it might not be a quick-fix solution for all pest problems. However, patience and consistent application will yield excellent results over time. It is also important to remember that it loses its effectiveness in wet or damp areas, so it is not suitable for all environments.
Overall, the HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade effectively tackles pest issues while staying safely grounded in natural and organic ingredients. Just be prepared for a bit of a mess and have patience while waiting for the results.
DiatomaceousEarth 10 LBS FOOD GRADE
We highly recommend this product as it’s 100% organic, food-grade, and provides a wide range of uses for home, garden, and pet care.
Pros
- Trustworthy and pure food-grade quality
- Official and certified organic supplement
- Wholly produced in the USA
Cons
- Comparatively more grainy texture
- Dark color may be off-putting for some
- Packaging in a paper bag is not ideal
When we first used Diatomaceous Earth, we quickly noticed its powerful versatility – from health supplements to pest control in our garden. As one of the only producers of food-grade diatomaceous earth products meeting all USA health supplement requirements, we felt at ease using it around our children and pets. Sourced and packaged entirely in the United States, it’s a trustworthy choice for maintaining a healthier home and garden.
However, we did find the product to have a more grainy texture compared to other brands we’ve tried. Additionally, the dark color might not be visually appealing for some users. The paper bag packaging also seemed less sturdy, which could lead to potential spillage during transport and storage.
In conclusion, the Diatomaceous Earth 10 LBS FOOD GRADE product is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a variety of natural remedies and solutions for household and gardening needs. While there are some minor drawbacks regarding the product’s texture, color, and packaging, its trustworthy reputation, effectiveness, and organic certification are huge advantages that make it worth considering.
Buying Guide
Quality of Diatomaceous Earth
When choosing a diatomaceous earth brand, it’s essential to look for a high-quality product. To ensure the effectiveness of the product, make sure it’s made from 100% freshwater diatomaceous earth. This type has been proven to deliver the best results in various applications, such as pest control and natural health supplements.
Food Grade vs. Non-Food Grade
There are two types of diatomaceous earth products: food grade and non-food grade. We recommend choosing a food-grade product, as it is safe for human consumption and has undergone more rigorous quality control. Non-food grade products are more suitable for industrial and agricultural uses, but not for personal use.
Particle Size
The particle size of diatomaceous earth can affect its effectiveness. Finer particles have more surface area and are generally more effective. However, they can also be more challenging to work with, as they can create dust and irritate our respiratory system. Consider your intended usage and choose a particle size that meets your needs without causing too much dust.
Packaging and Storage
Diatomaceous earth should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Brands that offer high-quality packaging, such as resealable bags or sturdy containers with tightly sealed lids, are preferred as they can help maintain the product’s quality and effectiveness.
Available Sizes
We might have different requirements depending on our intended usage. Choose a brand that offers various sizes or quantities of diatomaceous earth to ensure we get the right amount for our needs. This will help us avoid wasting product or buying more than we need.
