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Diatomaceous earth benefits reflect the wisdom of our Creator. Though some 200 species of diatoms exist today, an estimated 100,000 species are extinct, known only by their fossil remains.
“Diatoms are a widespread group and can be found in the oceans, in freshwater, in soils, and on damp surfaces… they are estimated to contribute up to 45% of the total oceanic primary production.”
Why does this matter? Because it reveals how God used microscopic life to produce nearly half of all oceanic organic material—proof that His design is both purposeful and powerful.
Just What Are Diatoms?
Diatoms are small. The largest ones are only two millimeters in length. These tiny creatures live in a silica shell, similar to a clam, and, when they die, the shell remains. Yet, in spite of their size, Diatomaceous Earth (soil made up entirely of these remaining shells) is so plentiful, mining it is a major industry in various places around the globe. This picture shows a 15 million ton deposit in Queensland, Australia. Deposits are found in both freshwater and saltwater areas. It is a good thing DE is found in abundance for its uses are legion. Here are a few.
Diatomaceous Earth Benefits: Uses & Applications
Diatomaceous earth benefits include practical, everyday applications—from gardening to health—highlighting how God’s provision meets our needs.
1. Natural Pest Control and Insecticide
How does diatomaceous earth kill bugs?
DE eliminates fleas, ticks, bed bugs, ants, and more by physically cutting and dehydrating them. Its microscopic silica shards abrade insects’ exoskeletons, causing fatal moisture loss. Basically, if the bugs eat it, it shreds their insides!
Is DE safe for pets and humans? Absolutely—when you use food-grade DE. This low-crystalline form is safe for home use, though you should avoid inhaling it. Pool-grade DE, however, contains hazardous crystalline silica and should never be used in homes or around animals.
How thick should DE be for effective pest control?
Even a thin layer—about 1–2 mm—is effective when kept dry. Thicker piles can clump and lose efficacy, and heavier dusting increases inhalation risk.
2. Superior Absorbent for Cleaning, Beauty, and Industry
What makes DE great for cleaning and beauty?
DE’s high absorbency soaks up oil, chemicals, toxins, and moisture. It’s commonly found in facial masks, exfoliants, cat litter, and agricultural grain storage because it kills pests, absorbs moisture, but doesn’t clump.
3. Essential in Dynamite Stability
How did diatomaceous earth help in dynamite creation?
In 1866, Alfred Nobel soaked nitroglycerin in DE to stabilize it. This led to his invention of dynamite in 1867.
4. Powerful Filtration Medium
Does diatomaceous earth filter water effectively?
Yes! DE filters capture particles as small as 1–6 µm—including bacteria, algae, viruses, and parasites—making it one of the most trusted media for pools, drinking water, aquariums, and industry.
Is diatomaceous earth toxic to breathe?
Food-grade DE is low-risk but may irritate the lungs if heavily inhaled. Pool-grade DE is much more dangerous—its crystalline silica content can scar lungs and lead to silicosis. Use a mask to apply any dust, and ventilate the area.
What is the difference between food‑grade and pool‑grade DE?
Food-grade DE is uncalcined with <1% crystalline silica—safe for food, pets, and homes. Pool-grade is heat-treated (calcined), with high crystalline silica, toxic when inhaled or ingested.
5. Health Benefits and Detox Support
Can diatomaceous earth lower cholesterol or support detox?
Early research shows promising effects. One study found a 13.2% reduction in total cholesterol after eight weeks of daily DE intake, along with improved LDL, triglycerides, and HDL levels—evidence of its potential health benefits.Additionally, DE may help eliminate heavy metals and support hair, skin, and nails.
What Is the Best Explanation for Diatomaceous Earth?
Evolution explains these tons of microscopic shells deposited around the world as the remains of processes that took place over millions of years. A better explanation, however, fits the biblical worldview: diatoms lived in abundance before the flood and were buried as the worldwide flood waters calmed.
Beauty from the Ashes
Billions of tiny creatures died in God’s judgment. Yet, now their remains help to make life better. God brings good from judgment, beauty for ashes, joy from mourning (Is. 61:3). God’s ultimate example of this is the salvation He provides through the hateful murder of His Son, Jesus Christ. Do you know Him?
Final Thoughts: A Mirror of Divine Design
From protecting us against pests and filtering water to promoting health and enabling innovation, diatomaceous earth benefits remind us of God’s detailed wisdom—even in microscopic fossils.
Sources
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The Spruce – Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Spider Mites?
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The Spruce – How to Use Diatomaceous Earth in Your Garden
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The Spruce – Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Spiders?
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PubMed (European Journal of Medical Research) – Diatomaceous Earth Lowers Blood Cholesterol Concentrations
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Wikipedia – Diatomaceous Earth (Industrial Uses Overview)
After my teenage son and his gilrfriend brought bed bugs home from one of their teenage friends apartment, I was horrified this was going to be an ongoing problem. I read all about bed bugs on the internet and was very distressed. Both my brand new couches were infested. I originally thought it was from the factory until she came over one day after they slept over (john does) house a few nights in a row covered head to toe in bites. Their friend has since thrown out the furniture. My older daughter and I searched and found about 5 or 6 fully grown bed bugs hiding in the cloth parts of my leather couches. A tiny nest of real little ones were found hiding in the zipper flaps and I was near tears because of how very hard it was to see them. I cleaned, sprayed and vacuumed the furniture until the sweat poured from both our faces. I repeated the process two times a week for about 3 weeks. Things were ok for a week or two after that, then small bites started to appear again on anyone who slept or sat on the furniture for a long period of time. How much more could I do?? Throw out my new furniture?? NOT a happy camper. I read about this product that contains diatomaceous Earth and ordered it. I read that if the bugs crawled thru it to get to the host it would kill them. I vacuumed both couches again and sprinkled this powder under the cushions and in the cracks, basically covering any path they might take to get to whomever was sitting or sleeping on the furniture. Sprinkled alittle on the carpet around the legs of the furniture also. Hoped and prayed and sure enough, after only one application, the bites stopped, not one sign of the infestation since then. It has been three months now and not one bite. I really recommend this if anyone has a bed bug problem.