Diatomaceous earth
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finchandlovebird
- Proven
- Posts: 2052
- Joined: Fri Sep 02, 2011 7:35 pm
- Location: Wisconsin
Diatomaceous earth
I had heard this phrase about DE a couple of times on threads. What is it? Where do you buy it? What is used for? I read one post that says it's used to prevent seed moths. Clue me in please (and thanks)
Dolly J
1 Canary, 1 Parakeet
Raised Gouldians & Scarlet Chested Parakeets in past years
1 Canary, 1 Parakeet
Raised Gouldians & Scarlet Chested Parakeets in past years
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Sally
- Mod Extraordinaire
- Posts: 17929
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 11:55 pm
- Location: DFW, Texas
Re: Diatomaceous earth
It is the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. It comes in a fine powder and is often used as an organic insecticide. It cuts through the exoskeleton of various insects and kills them.
I read on one site about using it in seed to deter seed moths, so I tried it. However, my seed hoppers all got coated with the fine powder, some of my birds were not thrilled, and it just didn't seem worth the effort--maybe I didn't do it right.
Many organic websites suggest feeding D.E. to dogs to rid them of fleas. Fleas are such a huge pest in my area that I admit that I use the pills that are now dispensed to prevent fleas in my dog.
If you chose to use D.E. around your birds, be sure to get the food grade D.E., you can get it at health food stores. DO NOT use the D.E. that is sold for use in swimming pools, it is not safe to use with birds or any of our pets.
This site tells of how they use it in their seed: www.friskyfinches.com/
I read on one site about using it in seed to deter seed moths, so I tried it. However, my seed hoppers all got coated with the fine powder, some of my birds were not thrilled, and it just didn't seem worth the effort--maybe I didn't do it right.
Many organic websites suggest feeding D.E. to dogs to rid them of fleas. Fleas are such a huge pest in my area that I admit that I use the pills that are now dispensed to prevent fleas in my dog.
If you chose to use D.E. around your birds, be sure to get the food grade D.E., you can get it at health food stores. DO NOT use the D.E. that is sold for use in swimming pools, it is not safe to use with birds or any of our pets.
This site tells of how they use it in their seed: www.friskyfinches.com/
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wellingtoncdm
Re: Diatomaceous earth
I use it mixed in the seed as well as in nest boxes. It helped with moths and ants.