When it comes to choosing the best food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE), it’s important to pick a high-quality product that is safe for use around humans and pets, effective for pest control, and meets specific industry standards. Here’s a breakdown of what makes certain brands stand out and how to choose the best food-grade DE for your needs.
What to Look for in the Best Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Before we dive into specific brands, here are the key factors to consider when selecting the best food-grade diatomaceous earth:
- Purity: Look for products that are 100% natural and pure with no added chemicals or fillers. The best DE is unadulterated and sourced from freshwater deposits.
- Certification: Choose DE that is certified by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or meets the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) standards for food-grade products.
- Particle Size: Finer particles are better for pest control because they can adhere to insects more effectively. However, particle size should not be so fine that it becomes a significant inhalation hazard.
- Packaging: A resealable bag or container is important to keep DE dry and prevent contamination.
- Customer Reviews: Look for products with positive customer feedback regarding effectiveness, safety, and packaging.
Top Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth Brands
Here’s a list of some of the best food-grade diatomaceous earth brands based on purity, safety, effectiveness, and customer reviews:
1. Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade
- Purity: 100% pure freshwater diatomaceous earth with no additives.
- Certifications: OMRI Listed for organic use, certified food-grade by the FDA.
- Particle Size: Finely ground for effective pest control and easy application.
- Packaging: Comes in a resealable bag with an included powder duster for easy application.
- Pros:
- Affordable and widely available.
- Excellent for indoor and outdoor use.
- Highly effective for pest control and as a natural deodorizer.
- Cons:
- The powder duster included is not the best quality; consider purchasing a separate duster for more precise application.
2. DiatomaceousEarth.com Food Grade DE
- Purity: 100% pure, freshwater diatomaceous earth sourced from the USA.
- Certifications: Food-grade certified and meets the U.S. Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) standards.
- Particle Size: Ultra-fine powder for excellent coverage and adherence.
- Packaging: Comes in a variety of sizes with resealable bags for long-term storage.
- Pros:
- Extremely high purity level with no contaminants.
- A trusted brand with a solid reputation and excellent customer service.
- Versatile for pest control, as a dietary supplement, and more.
- Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some other brands, but the quality justifies the price.
3. Nature’s Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
- Purity: 100% natural and pure, derived from freshwater deposits.
- Certifications: OMRI Listed for organic use, certified as food-grade.
- Particle Size: Medium-fine particles suitable for pest control and as a natural supplement.
- Packaging: Available in various sizes from 1 to 50 pounds with resealable packaging.
- Pros:
- Excellent for use in gardens, around pets, and for internal parasite control.
- High-quality and widely recommended for home use.
- Cons:
- Slightly coarser compared to other ultra-fine powders, which might not be as suitable for certain applications.
4. Earthborn Elements Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
- Purity: 100% natural diatomaceous earth with no added chemicals.
- Certifications: Food-grade and safe for internal and external use.
- Particle Size: Fine powder for easy application and effective pest control.
- Packaging: Comes in resealable bags for freshness and ease of storage.
- Pros:
- Suitable for a wide range of applications from pest control to personal health.
- Affordable and provides good value for the amount provided.
- Cons:
- Some users report that the packaging could be more durable for long-term storage.
5. Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth
- Purity: 100% diatomaceous earth with no fillers or additives.
- Certifications: OMRI Listed for organic use and certified food-grade.
- Particle Size: Designed specifically for pest control with an optimal particle size for effectiveness.
- Packaging: Packaged in a convenient, easy-to-use shaker bottle.
- Pros:
- Shaker bottle makes application easy, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
- Well-regarded for pest control use, particularly against ants, bed bugs, and roaches.
- Cons:
- The quantity might be small for large-scale applications; better for targeted indoor use.
Tips for Choosing the Best Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
- Determine Your Needs: Are you looking for DE for pest control, as a dietary supplement, or for gardening? Choose a brand that specializes in the type of use you need.
- Check for Certifications: Look for OMRI-listed and food-grade certified DE to ensure it is safe for both humans and pets.
- Read Customer Reviews: Real-world feedback can help you gauge the effectiveness and reliability of a product.
- Consider Packaging Size: Choose a size that fits your needs. Larger bags are usually more cost-effective for outdoor use, while smaller containers work well for home and pet applications.
- Invest in a Good Applicator: Even the best DE won’t work well without proper application. Consider purchasing a quality duster or shaker for precise and effective use.
Conclusion
The best food-grade diatomaceous earth should be pure, safe, effective, and easy to use. Brands like Harris, DiatomaceousEarth.com, and Nature’s Wisdom stand out for their quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re using DE for pest control, as a dietary supplement, or for your garden, choosing a trusted brand will ensure you get the results you’re looking for.