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"Prepare Now For Survival"

MOTHER's readers won't survive long if they take the advice in "Prepare Now for Survival" (MOTHER NO. 29).

The author recommends storing grain with diatomaceous earth "from a pool supply firm". Don't do it! Diatomaceous earth is prepared for use in pool filters by a heat treatment which changes its molecular structure to a form of silica. The sharp silica spikes readily pierce the bodies of insects and their larvae . . . also human intestines Pet animals "dusted carefully" with this product would lose their lives along with their fleas.

Kris Torrey's suggestion is valid, however, for the natural, untreated form of diatomaceous earth. Its carbonaceous molecular structure is deadly to insects but safe for consumption by humans, dogs, cats and chickens. When mixed with chicken-feed, for instance, this substance passes unchanged through the bird's digestive tract and is deposited in the feces . . . where it then kills the flies and larvae that attempt to breed in the waste. It works.

Untreated diatomaceous earth, I'm sorry to say, does cost 571 per pound at our local natural food store . . . but is much cheaper bought by the hundredweight.

Joanne Ross
Nevada City, Calif.

Many thanks, Joanne, for passing on this warning. Until we have more information on the whole question, diatomaceous-earth products should definitely be used only as directed on the packages in which they're shipped.

Perma-Guard Corporation, 1701 E. Elwood St., Phoenix, Ariz. 85050, manufactures diatomite preparations in various forms, including garden and household insecticides and a dusting powder for animals. I've consulted J. Mullin, Nurseryman , 1173 Doylestown Pike, Quakertown, Pa. 18951 (a distributor of Perma-Guard products), and received his assurance that these items are perfectly safe if used as directed. Mr. Mullin also mentioned that he ships large quantities of Fossil Flour—a diatomaceous additive for livestock feed—to dairymen, kennel owners and many other customers who find it an excellent method of pest control.

Readers who want to experiment with diatomaceous earth—in its harmless forms only, of course—will find a list of additional uses in the following letter from Kris Torrey.—MOTHER.