Diatomaceous earth is a powerful and unique pest control solution because it is deadly to pests while being harmless for people.
If you want to use diatomaceous earth for pest control at a food service facility, there are some basic things you need to be aware of to maximize your success.
The following are five things you need to know when using diatomaceous earth to control pests in a food service environment:
1. Diatomaceous earth kills pests by causing the exoskeleton of pests to break down.
The reason why diatomaceous earth is effective against pests is that the diatoms that make it up contain silica. Silica diatoms are sharp and will pierce through an insect's exoskeleton. If an insect's exoskeleton becomes pierced in this manner, the insect will eventually die due to dehydration.
Diatomaceous earth kills pest through a physical reaction rather than through a chemical reaction. Because of this, pests cannot develop resistance to diatomaceous earth over time.
2. Diatomaceous earth is made from all natural substances.
Diatomaceous earth is made up of diatoms from single-celled algae organisms that have become fossilized over time. This means that it is an all-natural, organic substance.
3. Diatomaceous earth is effective against a variety of pests including fleas, ants, cockroaches, and bed bugs.
Whatever insect pest that you are attempting to protect against at your facility, diatomaceous earth is likely to be an effective solution. Insect anatomy typically includes a protective exoskeleton against which diatomaceous earth is effective.
Diatomaceous earth can kill fleas, ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, and many other types of insect pest.
4. It's important to use only "food-grade" diatomaceous earth in a food service facility.
There are numerous types of diatomaceous earth sold for pest control purposes. It's important that only "food-grade" diatomaceous earth is used in a food service context.
Diatomaceous earth preparations are also prepared to be used in swimming pools. This type of diatomaceous earth typically contains excessively high concentrations of crystalline silica.
Pool-grade diatomaceous earth should not be used in a food service context because it can be harmful to human health.
5. Food-grade diatomaceous earth can technically be safely eaten.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is made of all natural substances that are harmless to humans. This means that it could technically be eaten without any adverse health effects.
Diatomaceous earth is already in use as an ingredient in many common substances like toothpaste, pet food, and beverages. It is commonly used by farmers to protect grain and other stored crops from insect pests. For more information, contact your local diatomaceous earth insect pest control service.
