As others have pointed out, diatomaceous earth kills insects
by cutting their skin and desiccating them. It doesn't absorb their
bodily fluids so much as it allows them to drain away. It works for
cockroaches the same way. Any insect that drags their body through
it is susceptible. It is relatively safe because it is not poisonous
if you ingest a little. DE is mostly silica, so it is not reasonable
to distinguish it from other forms of silica on a chemical
basis. The physical form is what is more important. Silicosis is a
serious problem for miners who breath silica dust. As insecticides
go, it is pretty benign.
Mark Minton
At 01:47 PM 12/11/2009, Fritz Holt wrote:
An interesting part of this string is the mention of diatomaceous
earth. At one time I had an above ground pool and am vaguely
familiar with this very fine white powder used in the filter. If
kept dry, does it actually kill certain pests such as fire ants? I
assume that 'kills mechanically" means that it gets on their feet
and disrupts some bodily function.
Hopefully Mark Minton or someone can give us more detail.
Fritz
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