What is this diatom you are drumming about? Well these are a vast group of photosynthesising algae. They have a siliceous skeleton which is commonly used as an abrasive and also because it is a siliceous material it is also a desiccant.

Diatoms are one of the largest organism groups on the planet and can be found in almost every aquatic environment, be it freshwater, saltwater and even damp soils.

Because of their abundance, diatoms probably account for as much as 20% of global photosynthetic fixation of carbon. I guess there are greenhouse gas friendly.

This lead us to Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Diatomaceous earth is comprised of the fossilized remains of these diatoms.  Diatomaceous earth is typically an off white talc-like powder. Needless to say it is a very dusty material. Most diatomaceous earth is an amorphous silicon dioxide. So good hygiene practices/PPE (personal protective equipment) should be used. Also most of DE is not pure and may contain very low levels of crystalline silicon dioxide, which is potentially harmful substance.

Where this comes into play for us as home inspectors, home owners or Realtors? It is that this diatomaceous earth may be found in Attic Spaces or even crawlspaces, most likely older homes like what I found on a recent home inspection.

(Diatomaceous Earth in Attic)

Diatomaceous earth was and still is used as for pest control. It was used in older home for this reason. It works, because like glass it can rub holes through the outer shells and joints (the abrasive part) of pests and then sucks out moisture from the insects’ bodies (desiccant part). So it is dangerous to those little critters with an exoskeleton. This is not a chemical pest control in the normal sense because the method of killing is physical.

(Diatomaceous Earth)

Other uses for DE ranged from a mild abrasive used in products such as toothpaste, a stabilizing component of dynamite, liquid absorbent, filler in plastics and rubber, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, and a thermal insulator

You will still find diatomaceous earth in you local stores in the garden area.

Because ot the mode in which it controls insects it fairly safe to use around people and pets, with just a couple of simple precautions of course.

So with their abundance these little creatures, the diatoms, will still be drumming in the distant future.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

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