"Feed grade" vs "Food grade" Diatomaceous Earth

[Ms. Lewis Rich]

I am using that brand now, I called the phone # on the bag and was given another # and a man talked to me a long time and answered my questions.
I use it in my shavings, but the only thing that ever got rid of mites was Frontline, the DE earth did nothing for that problem.

 

[tamiep]

What is the difference between food chemical codex grade (food grade) and feed grade diatomaceous earth?

Although these two types are very similar there is one very important distinction between them. Food Chemical Codex Grade (commonly referred to as “Food Grade”) DE must meet certain specifications regarding heavy metal content. To be considered Food Grade, the diatomaceous earth must not contain more than 10mg/kg of arsenic and no more than 10mg/kg of lead.

Source: http://www.absorbentproductsltd.com/food-grade-diatomaceous-earth-vs-pool-grade.html

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Very nice summary on D.E. One thing that bothers me is I have heard it is bad for bees. I have seen bees sleep on my plants (mostly lavender) and end up on the soil where I could have composted coop waste that containes D.E.

Anyone, do you think it [DE] is residual and can hurt bees? Obviously better than some pestisides in the garden, but how residual is the D.E.?


Thank you for all your good information!

I suspect that DE goes on being DE as long as DE is in the Environment, and most DE at the minimum is about 4,000,000 years old. So yes DE has some residual effects. But one big effect that DE lacks is as an effective Insecticide, at least on most insects.

So if you want to employ DE by all means knock yourself out, but don't expect miracles..