Diatomaceous Earth 10kg – Natural Amorphous Silica Powder for Pest Control (Elite)

Natural Amorphous Silica Powder for Pest Control

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from the fossilised remains of diatoms, a type of algae, and is one of the simplest low-toxicity tools for controlling crawling pests around the home, garden, coop and animal areas. This is amorphous silica, food-grade diatomaceous earth, the grade suited to pest control and use around poultry, pets and livestock, not the calcined pool-filter grade. It works mechanically rather than chemically: the fine, hard particles damage the waxy outer layer of insects and absorb their body moisture, so the pest dries out. Because it kills physically, insects cannot build resistance to it the way they can with chemical sprays.

Controls a Wide Range of Crawling Pests

That mechanical action makes DE useful against many crawling insects, including ants, cockroaches, slugs, snails, millipedes and other hard-shelled and soft-bodied pests. It can be dusted along insect trails, entry points and problem areas, and sprinkled onto carpets, pet bedding and around animal areas to help control fleas and ticks. As a natural, chemical-free option, it is popular with gardeners, poultry keepers and pet owners wanting to keep chemical use down.

Handy Around the Coop and Animal Areas

Being a food-grade, amorphous product, it is well suited to use around poultry and other animals. Many keepers dust it through the coop, nest boxes, litter and around living areas, and add it to dust-bathing spots so birds can work it through their feathers to help deal with mites and lice. Always apply it as a light dust and avoid creating clouds of airborne powder around animals.

It Only Works While Dry

The one thing to understand about DE is that it only works while it is dry. It is at its most effective as a fine, dry dust, and it loses its bite when it gets wet, so it needs reapplying after rain or watering. Available in 2kg, 5kg and 10kg sizes, the larger 10kg bag is economical for anyone treating larger areas, sheds, runs or an ongoing pest program.

Key Features & Benefits

• Natural amorphous silica powder made from fossilised diatoms
• Food-grade amorphous DE, not calcined pool-filter grade
• Works mechanically, so pests cannot build resistance
• Controls crawling pests like ants, cockroaches, slugs, snails and millipedes
• Helps control fleas and ticks in bedding, carpet and animal areas
• Suited to use around poultry, coops, litter and dust baths
• Low-toxicity, chemical-free option with a long shelf life
• Available in 2kg, 5kg and 10kg

Product Details

• Product: Diatomaceous earth (amorphous silica)
• Grade: Food grade / amorphous (not calcined pool grade)
• Form: Fine natural powder
• Use: Crawling pest, flea and tick control around home, garden, coop and pets
• Available sizes: 2kg, 5kg, 10kg
• Origin: Made in Australia
• Brand: Elite Pet Products

How to Use

Apply diatomaceous earth as a light, even dust exactly where pests are active, along trails, cracks, entry points, skirting and around problem areas, using a puffer, scoop or shaker. For fleas and ticks, dust lightly into pet bedding, carpets and animal areas, leave it to work, then vacuum or refresh as needed. Around poultry, dust it through the coop, nest boxes, litter and dust-bathing areas. In the garden, dust around plants being attacked by slugs, snails and crawling insects. A little goes a long way, so a light coating works better than a thick layer, which pests tend to walk around. Reapply after rain, watering or once it gets damp, since it only works while dry.

Safety and Responsible Use

Avoid breathing the dust. DE is a very fine powder and, like any fine dust, it can irritate the airways, so wear a dust mask and eye protection when applying, especially in enclosed spaces or on windy days. Apply it directly onto problem areas rather than spreading it broadly, and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Store it sealed in a cool, dry place, as damp DE clumps and loses its effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does diatomaceous earth kill ants?
Yes. Dusted along ant trails and entry points, DE damages their outer layer and dries them out. Apply it as a light, dry dust where the ants are active for the best result.

What pests does it work on?
It works on a range of crawling pests including ants, cockroaches, slugs, snails and millipedes, and it is used to help control fleas and ticks in bedding, carpet and animal areas.

Is this food grade and safe to use around pets and poultry?
Yes. This is amorphous silica, food-grade diatomaceous earth, the type used for pest control and around poultry, pets and livestock, rather than calcined pool-filter DE. As with any fine powder, avoid breathing the dust when applying it.

What is the difference between food-grade and pool-grade DE?
Food-grade DE is amorphous silica and is the type used around pests, pets and animals. Pool-filter DE is calcined (heat-treated), which changes the silica and makes it unsuitable for pest control or use around animals.

How do I use it and how often?
Apply it as a light, even dust where pests are active. It only works while dry, so reapply after rain, watering or once it becomes damp.

Why doesn't it work when wet?
DE controls pests physically through its dry, abrasive particles. When it gets wet it clumps and loses that action, which is why it needs to stay dry and be reapplied after moisture.

Where can I buy diatomaceous earth in Australia?
It is available online from BPG Supplies in 2kg, 5kg and 10kg sizes, with shipping across Australia and local pickup in Bonnyrigg, NSW.