If you’re looking for a natural solution for pest control in your garden or home, you might be wondering about a specific product. Does Walmart carry food grade diatomaceous earth? The answer is yes, but availability can vary. This guide will help you find it, understand its uses, and apply it safely and effectively.
Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine, powdery substance made from fossilized algae. It’s a popular, non-toxic choice for gardeners and homeowners. It works by physically damaging the exoskeletons of insects, leading to dehydration. Because it’s mechanical, pests can’t build up a resistance to it.
Does Walmart Carry Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Walmart does typically stock food grade diatomaceous earth, both in-store and online. However, your local store’s inventory depends on several factors. The season, regional demand, and specific store size all play a role. It’s most commonly found in the garden center, but sometimes it’s in the home improvement or even pet care aisles.
Where to Look In-Store
Don’t waste time wandering. Here are the main aisles to check:
- Garden Center: This is your best bet. Look for it on shelves with pest control products, often near insecticides and fertilizers.
- Home & Pest Control: Some stores stock DE in the indoor home section, near ant traps and roach powders.
- Pet Supplies: Since food grade DE is used for parasite control in animals, you might find it in the pet aisle. Always double-check the label to ensure it’s marked as “Food Grade.”
Using Walmart’s Website and App
The easiest way to check is before you go. Use the Walmart website or app.
- Search for “food grade diatomaceous earth.”
- On the product page, click “Check availability at your store.”
- Enter your zip code or allow location access.
- The site will show if it’s in stock, which aisle, and the current price. This saves you a trip if they’re out.
Popular Brands at Walmart
You’ll often find a few trusted brands. These include Harris, Earthborn Elements, and Safer Brand. They usually come in bags or shaker containers ranging from 1 to 10 pounds. The price is generally very competitive, which is a major advantage of shopping at Walmart.
What If Your Store Is Out?
If your local Walmart doesn’t have it, don’t worry. You have options. The online store almost always has it with options for shipping to your home or to the store for free pickup. You can also check other local stores like farm supply stores (Tractor Supply Co.), garden centers (Home Depot, Lowe’s), or health food stores.
Food Grade vs. Filter Grade: A Critical Difference
This is the most important thing to understand. Not all diatomaceous earth is the same.
- Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth: This is purified and contains very low levels of crystalline silica. It’s generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food and for pest control in homes, gardens, and on animals. This is the only type you should use for the purposes described here.
- Filter/Pool Grade Diatomaceous Earth: This is chemically treated and contains high levels of crystalline silica. It is dangerous if inhaled and is strictly for use in pool filters. Never use this in your garden, home, or around pets.
Always, always read the label completely. The words “Food Grade” must be clearly stated on the product.
How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth in Your Garden
For DE to work, it needs to stay dry. Apply it on a calm, dry day when no rain is expected for at least 24-48 hours. Dew can also make it less effective, so late morning is often a good time.
- Identify the Problem Areas: Look for plants with insect damage, ant trails, or around the base of plants where slugs and snails travel.
- Use a Applicator: You can use a dedicated shaker, a flour sifter, or a handheld duster. This helps create a thin, even layer.
- Dust Lightly: Apply a fine, barely visible film on the stems and the tops and bottoms of leaves. Focus on the soil line and any cracks or crevices. A heavy layer is not more effective and is wasteful.
- Reapply After Rain: Once DE gets wet, it stops working. After a rainfall or heavy dew, you will need to reapply a dry layer.
Common Garden Pests DE Controls
DE is effective against a wide range of soft-bodied insects and crawlers. Remember, it does not discriminate, so avoid applying it directly to flowers where beneficial bees and butterflies land.
- Aphids
- Ants
- Slugs and Snails
- Japanese Beetles (on the soil for grubs)
- Spider Mites
- Cabbage Worms
- Flea Beetles
Indoor and Other Practical Uses
Beyond the garden, food grade DE has many safe household uses.
For Pet Care
You can use it to help control fleas on dogs and cats, as well as in chicken coops for mites and lice. Rub a small amount into your pet’s fur, avoiding the face and eyes. For chickens, dust it in the nesting boxes and bedding. Always consult your vet first, especially for small animals or pets with respiratory issues.
For Pantry Pest Control
It’s excellent for preventing or managing pests in dry food storage. Lightly dust the area around pantry shelves, in the corners, and behind containers. You can even put a very light ring of it around the legs of food storage shelves to create a barrier. Never apply it directly into open food containers.
For Home Ant Control
Find where ants are entering. Apply a thin line of DE in that crack, crevice, or along the baseboard. The ants will walk through it and carry it back to their nest, helping to control the colony.
Safety Precautions You Must Follow
Even though it’s natural and food grade, you should still use caution.
- Wear a Dust Mask: When applying any fine powder, especially indoors or in a confined space like a garden shed, wear a basic dust mask (NIOSH N95). This prevents temporary respiratory irritation from the dust.
- Protect Your Eyes: Safety glasses are a good idea if you’re applying a lot or in a breezy area.
- Keep it Dry: Store your unused DE in a sealed, moisture-proof container in a cool, dry place.
- Beneficial Insects: Be mindful when applying in the garden. Avoid dusting flowers in bloom to protect bees and other pollinators. Apply in the early morning or evening when they are less active.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is food grade diatomaceous earth safe for humans?
Yes, food grade DE is safe for humans when used as directed. It is sometimes even taken as a dietary supplement, though you should consult a doctor before doing so. The main precaution is to avoid inhaling large amounts of the dust during application.
How long does it take for diatomaceous earth to work?
It starts working as soon as an insect comes into contact with it. However, it can take several hours to a few days for the insect to dehydrate and die. You should see a noticeable reduction in pest activity within 48-72 hours if applied correctly.
Can I mix diatomaceous earth with water and spray it?
Yes, you can mix it with water to make a spray for hard-to-reach areas or vertical surfaces. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Shake the mixture constantly while spraying to keep it suspended. Remember, it only becomes active once the water evaporates and the powder dries on the surface.
Will diatomaceous earth hurt earthworms?
No, one of the great benefits of DE is that it does not harm earthworms. Because worms have a different physiology and their skin is protected by mucus, they are not affected by it in the soil. This makes it a very garden-friendly pest control option.
What’s the difference between food grade and other types?
As mentioned earlier, food grade is purified and safe for use around food, animals, and gardens. Filter or pool grade is chemically altered and contains hazardous levels of crystalline silica, which is dangerous to lungs. They are not interchangeable.
Finding food grade diatomaceous earth at Walmart is usually straightforward, especially if you use their online tool to check stock. Remember to look for the words “Food Grade” on the label, apply it lightly and to dry surfaces, and take simple precautions like wearing a mask during application. With proper use, it’s a powerful, natural tool that can help you manage pests in your garden and home effectively.