What is DE!

[Wyo Chick]

I am new to the website and have heard a lot of you use DE for the deep litter method. What is it and how does it work?!! Thank You.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/diatomaceous-earth.html

"100% Organic. Diatomaceous Earth is the finely ground fossils of prehistoric fresh water diatoms. Kills household and garden pests like cockroaches, ants, slugs, fleas, beetles and many other crawling insects. Works great indoors or out. Insects die within 48 hours of contact. Contains less than 0.1% Crystalline Silica. Food grade. OMRI Listed for use in organic production."

 

[Wyo Chick]

How does this product help with the deep mulch method?

 

[ChickenToes]

When using the deep litter method, DE helps to dry up the poo, keep the smell down, and keep mites away.

 

[Wyo Chick]

Thank you for the info! I have wanted to do the deep mulch method, but the flies seem to take over. Yuck! I'll look for the DE today and start before winter hits. I love this site. I am so glad I found itj. Thanks

 

[ChickaD]

Just be sure to get the food grade DE, as hypnofrogstevie pointed out (nice explanation, btw!), as there's a critical difference. One source is custommilling.com Mine came from Permaguard years ago and it's still just fine.

Some online sellers charge WAY too much, or get you on the shipping

 

[kalaim]

You can also buy directly from their website too.

 

[spatcher]

www.freshwaterorganics.com/what_is_de.htm

 

[sundance]

Google Golden Blend group, Ibuy mine from them.Ipay $20.00for50lbs. The rep has a stall at the local flea market since he sell all kinds of exotic animal feed so idon't have to pay shipping charges.marrie

 

[Wraith]

What would this do to fire ants? Would it be an effective treatment or would it just kill the ones that come out of the nest and leave the rest unharmed?