FAQ

Amorphous Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a 100% natural mineral formed over millions of years from the fossilised remains of microscopic aquatic algae called diatoms. These tiny organisms lived in ancient freshwater lakes and their intricate silica shells accumulated into the remarkable powdery mineral we mine today in Far North Queensland, Australia.

Our DE is biogenic amorphous diatomaceous earth — non-calcined and non-crystalline. It is independently certified with respirable quartz below 0.5%, which is below the Australian limit of reporting. It is non-toxic, chemical-free, and safe for use around children, pets, and livestock when used as directed. As with any fine powder, avoid prolonged inhalation and keep away from eyes during application.

This is an important distinction. Crystalline silica (found in concrete dust and some mining operations) is linked to serious lung disease. Our DE is amorphous silica — a completely different molecular structure that is chemically inert, non-toxic and non-hazardous. Our product is independently certified by Australian laboratories confirming respirable quartz below 0.5%. We never calcine (heat treat) our DE, which is the process that converts safe amorphous silica into hazardous crystalline silica.

Calcination is the process of heating DE to very high temperatures (above 1000°C) to improve filtration performance. This process converts the safe amorphous silica into hazardous crystalline silica. Our DE is never heat treated — it is processed by crushing and screening only, preserving its natural amorphous structure and keeping it completely safe.

Our diatomaceous earth is mined and processed entirely at our own deposit in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is never imported. With over 10 million tonnes of high-grade mineral reserve, our deposit contains some of the purest diatomaceous earth in the Southern Hemisphere, with 80.2% amorphous silica content independently verified by Australian laboratories.

DE works by mechanical action, not chemical toxicity. The microscopic sharp edges of diatom frustules penetrate the waxy protective coating of an insect’s exoskeleton, causing it to dehydrate and perish. This is why insects cannot develop resistance to DE — there is no chemical for them to adapt to. It works the same way every time.

We currently offer:

DE Bug Shaker & Refill Bundle — 300g shaker bottle + 2kg refill bag, for home pest control, pets, and garden.

Premium DE 15kg — available in Fines, -2mm, 2–4mm, and 4–8mm grades for agriculture, stock feed, soil amendment, and larger scale applications.

As a general guide: Fines and -2mm are best for pest control, pet treatment, stock feed, and foliar garden use. 2–4mm suits soil amendment, drainage, and farm applications. 4–8mm is ideal for drainage layers, spill absorption, and industrial use. If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll help you choose.

Our DE is natural amorphous diatomaceous earth — non-calcined and independently certified with respirable quartz below 0.5%. For specific food grade certification requirements for your application, please contact us directly at info@diatomiteaustralia.com.au.

Yes. Please email info@diatomiteaustralia.com.au to request the SDS or laboratory analysis certificate for any product. We aim to respond within one business day.

Yes — our DE is independently certified by Australian laboratories including SIMTARS Analytical Services and Agon Environmental. Contact us to request the full analysis report.

Yes — DE is very effective against ants. Apply a thin line along ant trails, entry points, skirting boards, and around the perimeter of your home. Ants carry DE back to the nest on their bodies, spreading the effect. Reapply every 1–2 weeks or after cleaning.

DE is effective as a preventative barrier and deterrent against termites — particularly for protecting timber pallets, stored timber, and building perimeters. For an active termite infestation in structures, we recommend consulting a licensed pest controller as well. DE works best as prevention and ongoing protection.

Yes — DE is one of the most effective natural flea treatments available. Treat carpets, pet bedding, and soft furnishings by dusting DE lightly, leaving for 48–72 hours, then vacuuming thoroughly. Treat pets at the same time. Repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks to break the flea life cycle completely.

Yes — this is one of DE’s most useful and underappreciated applications. When fed to cattle at 1–2% of feed weight, DE passes through the digestive system and disrupts fly larvae development in fresh manure, significantly reducing fly populations over 4–6 weeks of consistent use. Around rubbish bins and compost heaps, scatter DE to absorb moisture and deter flies from breeding in damp organic material.

Absolutely — red mite and poultry lice are among the most common uses for DE in backyard and commercial poultry keeping. Apply generously to nesting boxes, perches, crevices, and litter. Treat birds directly by dusting into the feathers. Repeat weekly during active infestations. DE is safe for birds and eggs — no withholding period.

Yes — DE can be applied lightly to your pet’s coat to help control fleas and ticks. Part the fur and dust along the back, neck, belly, and base of tail, avoiding eyes, nose, and mouth. Leave for 24–48 hours then brush out. Always use food-grade or pest-control grade DE — never pool filter grade or calcined DE on animals.

DE can harm bees and other beneficial insects on contact, so apply carefully. Avoid applying to open flowers, and always apply in the early morning or evening when bees are less active. Once DE settles into the soil or plant surface it poses much less risk to foraging bees.

DE loses effectiveness when wet as the powder clumps and loses its abrasive properties. However it reactivates when it dries out. For outdoor applications, reapply after rain for best results. For ongoing indoor protection, DE remains effective unless disturbed or vacuumed.

Yes — mix at 1–2% of total dry feed weight for cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, and poultry. Blend thoroughly before feeding. DE acts as a natural anti-caking agent and flow improver in dry feed and grain mixes. No withholding period applies.

Yes — mix DE through stored grain at 1–2kg per tonne to protect against weevils, beetles, and stored grain moths. It works mechanically with no chemical residues, no withholding period, and grain can be fed or sold directly after treatment.

Yes — this is one of DE’s most exciting and scientifically validated applications. Research conducted across 150 commercial Queensland farms confirmed average crop yield increases of up to 28% with regular DE soil application. Silicon unlocks phosphorus already locked in your soil, builds drought and salinity resistance, and stimulates beneficial microbial activity. Contact us for spreading rate guides for your crop type.

Yes — DE is non-toxic and leaves no chemical residues in milk. It can be used in feed, bedding areas, and dairy sheds without milk withholding requirements. This makes it an excellent alternative to chemical fly and pest control products in dairy environments.

Yes — we ship to all states and territories across Australia. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and order weight.

Delivery times vary by location. Most metropolitan areas receive orders within 3–5 business days. Regional and remote areas may take longer. You will receive tracking information once your order is dispatched.

Retail packs are available through this website. For larger quantities, wholesale pricing, or bulk orders please contact us directly at info@diatomiteaustralia.com.au or call 0409 465 707.

Please photograph the damage and contact us at info@diatomiteaustralia.com.au within 48 hours of receiving your order. We will arrange a replacement or refund promptly.

We stand behind the quality of our products. If you are not satisfied, please contact us within 30 days of purchase and we will work with you to resolve the issue.

✉ info@diatomiteaustralia.com.au
📞 0409 465 707 (Admin/Office — Monday to Friday)
🌐 diatomiteaustralia.com.au

We aim to respond to all emails within one business day. For urgent enquiries please call during business hours.

Contact us to discuss sample availability for larger or commercial orders.

Email info@diatomiteaustralia.com.au with your request and we will send the relevant documents within one business day.