Uses of Diatomaceous Earth

Commodities that can be treated with DiaSource® D.E.

Factors influencing insecticidal activity of DiaSource® D.E.

Mode of action
As adult and larval stages of insects crawl through DiaSource D.E. they pick up some of the dust on their outer waterproofing layer (epicuticle). The tiny particles of dust absorbs a small portion of the waxy epicuticle which protects the insect from water loss. As a result, insects rapidly lose body fluids and die of dehydration.


Commodities that can be treated with DiaSource® D.E.
DiaSource D.E. kills exposed stages of the following stored-grain pests: Adult rice weevils, granary weevils, flat grain beetles, rusty grain beetles, saw-toothed grain beetles, merchant grain beetles, lesser grain borer, and red flour beetles. DiaSource D.E. is most effective on newly hatched larvae of the Indian meal moth, saw-toothed grain beetle and red flour beetle.

Factors influencing insecticidal activity of DiaSource® D.E.
The effectiveness of the D.E. dust is related to its purity, pore volume and particle size distribution. The greater the surface area, the better the insecticidal activity. The extremely large surface area of the DiaSource D.E. absorbs the insect’s waterproofing layer desiccating the insect.

Insects succumb to DiaSource D.E. only after contact with treated surfaces or treated grain. The amount picked up is dependent on insect activity, which is influenced primarily by temperature. DiaSource works best on stored grain held at a moisture content of 12% or lower and a relative humidity below 70%.

DiaSource D.E. is more effective against insects on small grains such as wheat, barley and oats than on corn. DiaSource applied to surfaces such as plywood or concrete in empty storage bins is extremely effective for long term protection against re-infestation from outside the storage bin.

The susceptibility of insects varies with the species and duration of exposure.