NO kidding! I went to high school in Lompoc (and Cabrillo when I was living at Vandenberg). Joined the Navy a couple years later and never went back, but my mom and little sister still live there. On the "unauthorized" school holidays, frequently went to Jalama Beach or Gaviota, and drove past the Johns-Manville plant many times.
And the answer is yes. food grade DE is specifically for internal parasites, and also used for external parasites.
My husband was born and raised in Lompoc and attended Lompoc High as well. He's probably older than you I'm guessing. I was a Valley girl (SY).
Thanks to you, Gallo and LDK for all the info on the DE. I read the link cityfarm posted too and it still seems confusing. That site sells a 'crawling insect killer' that you are NOT to use around pets. They also sell a pet and human consumable DE. It just isn't clear that the food grade DE will also kill crawling bugs, but I am taking your word for it! I sprinkled some last night around my slider and the patio area where my girls eat their FF snack in the afternoons. There seemed to be FAR fewer crickets tonight, no small ones at all and all the big ones were very slow moving.
My humidity today was only 9% so I think I should be good to go. I'm going to douse my run tomorrow morning. I'm ready to reduce this sudden infestation! I will have to avoid watering down for a couple days. It was 116 yesterday, 112 today and supposed to be 112 again tomorrow. Thankfully will be cooling down over the weekend 103-108 most days.