Diatomaceous earth as a possible alternative to chemical insecticides

Abstract

Chemical insecticides are known to be often hazardous to many life forms within the natural environment. To preserve the planet's productivity it is vital that less potent insecticides be developed and utilized worldwide. This paper reviews one possible alternative to chemical insecticides by examining the evidence for the potential of diatomaceous earth, a nontoxic naturally occurring material, as a pest control agent. Tests conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture have shown that diatomaceous earth can be more effective than malathion in controlling a variety of insects, including the lesser grain borer, rice weevil, and confused flour beetle. It is possible that with proper climatic conditions and application techniques diatomaceous earth could be effectively used on field crops as well, thus reducing the amount of chemical residues in water, soil, and atmosphere. Diatomaceous earth is not a miracle cure to the insect problem, but it does have many attractive features that should be considered by the world's agriculturalists.