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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Technical Data Sheet / Chemical Properties

BioGro Organic Registration

DEBug Diatomaceous Earth has finally gained BioGro Organic registration under the following three categories.

• Livestock Feed & Nutrition
• Soil & Plant Nutrition
• Pest & Disease Management (domestic use only)

The Crop Managment registration is the first ever done on any Diatomaceous Earth product in New Zealand, and means that DEBug is the ONLY Fresh water, Food grade DE to be registered as an organic insecticide for your garden. 

BioGro Organic Registration DEBug Diatomaceous Earth.

New Zealand Food Safety Authority

The NZFSA has completed a class determination on Diatomaceous Earth.  It has been defined as an agricultural compound, however has been assessed as GRAS or 'Generally Regarded As Safe'. 

M.I.P - Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act

The Ministry of Primary Industries has granted DEBug exemption from registration under the ACVM Act as a stock feed supplement.  

It is also exempt from registration as long as the applicable conditions in the regulations are complied with for use on or around plants.

Environmental Risk Management Authority

The ERMA New Zealand has assessed Diatomaceous Earth.  It has granted it exemption from individual registration as it is already covered by a previous application.

FDA Registered

The FDA in the USA has assessed our Diatomaceous Earth as GRAS or 'Generally Regarded As Safe'.  In the USA Fossil Shell Flour is registered as a stock feed supplement and anti-caking agent for livestock feeds.  FSA Regsitration No. 18047662236.

Full range - Online Sales

DEBug Insect Dust

Raw Food Grade

New Brighton, Dinsdale, Kapiti & Rangiora

                                 Dinsdale

"Just wanted to let you know how happy I am with your DE Earth - I have been taking it for several reasons B12 which I was getting 6-8 weekly injections for and now taking DE it has gone back to every 3 months also my cholesterol has always been up around 6.4 and that has dropped to 3.9 - I just thought it's nice for you to hear results like this - I am one happy as girl with loads more long term energy too. Hair growth and nail growth has been going mad too. All my animals are on this and have no worms and a healthy and shinny coats. So just wanted to say a huge thank you for supplying me this wonderful product! Also it's a brilliant carpet cleaning too!!"  Malena.

"Hi, just want to let you know that I had a problem with bedbugs but after weeks of sleepless nights I used your DEbug product and within two weeks the bites stopped. Before I was being bitten every few nights. I was highly skeptical at first because I've heard how hard it is to get rid of a bedbug infestation but I guess I got lucky and took action early. I don't think I had a major infestation because I inspected the mattress and base but there were no signs of the little buggers anywhere.

I was determined to win the war against these sneaky little bastards. I read that the majority of bedbugs live in the box springs/mattress base so I found some holes where the headboard screws go and puffed some dust inside the base then I lightly dusted the carpet surrounding my bed and the sides of the mattress as well as the edges of the walls. I also dusted the areas in the lounge where I sit. I guess the bedbugs have bitten the dust so to speak! I would recommend your product to anyone with a early bedbug problem, thanks now I can sleep again!

Regards, Brandon"

"This has helped with our asthma, hives, rashes, tummy bug!!!!! AMAZING STUFF!!!!! Just drink with a lil water and then wash down with a glass of water. Makes it much easier to drink. Has helped us alot.I think you can also brush your teeth with it! Will be back for more! Thank you so much!"  weezi

"DE is the most amazing stuff I've ever tired.  Getting cleaned inside and have way more energy already and it's only 3 days in! Love it!"   Hiria.

"WOW - this stuff is brilliant, I read the instructions and had it as well - increased energy, natural weight loss and I feel far better.  I gave it to my pets and they have gotten way better in such a short time.  My cat put on weight and I'm losing it - yay."   Nessa.

What are EcoFelt Grow Bags made from?

Our bags are manufactured out of a custom, non-woven, BPA free polypropylene material that comes from recycled water bottles. Research discovered that fabric pots have important and unique horticultural applications.

What makes EcoFelt Grow Bag a more sustainable and eco-friendly gardening option?

Our bags use reclaimed plastic bottles that would otherwise be sent to our landfills. This not only recycled old plastic, it prevents the need for new plastic to be created, which saves petroleum and fossil fuels from being used. Every year, the gardening and landscaping industries use millions and millions of plastic pots that clog landfills and leach toxins into the soil, the rivers and the oceans. And each one is created out of petroleum or fossil fuels that further deplete the planet. And EcoFelt Grow Bags breaks this cycle and encourages more sustainable gardening practices, with a lightweight, flexible, breathable plant bag made from recycled materials.

Can I use an EcoFelt Grow bag for organics?

The inert fabric has no meaningful chemical exchange with the surrounding environment. If the medium and fertilizers you use in the bag are organic, you will be growing organically in the EcoFelt Grow Bag.  

How does the fabrics stand up to sunlight?

EcoFelt Grow bags fabrics are UV Stabilised.

Whats wrong with hard-sided pots?

As roots grow they soon reach the container walls. In hard sided, plastic containers, these roots immediately start circling and continue to circle. Examine a circling root structure and you find a few large roots growing in circles with very little side branching.  These roots often bind or girdled upon themselves. Circling roots can never give optimum growth.

Why is the Ecofelt Grow Bag better than hard-sided containers?

The bag aerates and plastic does not.  Aeration stops root circling and releases heat, helping your plant build a better root structure. Better roots will give you a better plant.

What other advantages are there to growing in the EcoFelt Grow Bag over traditional, plastic containers?

The fabric will not crack or break from frost or when dropped. Heat release gives you better control of slow release fertilizer.  A fibrous root structure has fewer problems in cold or warm weather.

Why is a root system grown in an EcoFelt Grow Bag better?

Any plant is only as good as its root structure. A fibrous root system is a more efficient one and enables the plant to maximize water and nutrient uptake in the surrounding soil.  Also, a fibrous, highly developed root system establishes quicker if the plant is transplanted.

What is air pruning?

Air pruning is a natural process occurring when a root comes in contact with the air on the side of the porous EcoFelt Grow Bag wall.  The root tip stops growing (pruned) and causes the remaining root to extensively branch.  Once roots reach the fabric they become entangled and trapped. This signals the plant to send out new roots. Now, instead of fewer circling roots, the plant develops new lateral roots.  The new fibrous roots fill the bag allowing the plant to maximize uptake of both moisture and nutrients.  And when the roots grow well, the plant grows well.  Upon comparison, root systems that developed in an EcoFelt Grow Bag have a much greater mass (in less soil) than those found in hard-sided plastic containers.  Thus creating super dense, fibrous healthy root systems for plants.

What is the advantage of having a fabric base?

To help you grow a better plant. The EcoFelt Grow Bag is made with a heavy porous fabric bottom that gives a plant solid ground contact. This contact helps the plant maintain a ground temperature, as opposed to a plastic container temperature.

Why do plants grown in EcoFelt Grow Bag not have to be repotted as often?

Roots do not circle in the bags.  Because of the large volume of fibrous roots, plants growing in our bags can stay longer and be healthier.

What potting mix should I use?

You can use most every potting mix in the EcoFelt Grow Bag.  Because it aerates, heavier mixes can be used. Bear in mind the bags filled with lighter mixes that are less water retentive may need to be watered more often.

How often should I water?

Watering the EcoFelt Grow Bag is not too different than watering hard-sided containers. For all containers watering frequency depends on a number of factors including the types of plant being grown, the potting mix and the weather conditions.  Please note that the porous fabric bags will absorb water and release back to the plant when needed, however this also means that water can also evaporate so you may need to water a little more.  But, the bag also releases heat so it does not get hot like a plastic container, so you may water a little less depending on growing conditions.

How long can I leave my plants growing in the bag?

Try leaving some plants in the EcoFelt Grow bags for a long time.  With healthy roots, you will be amazed at what your plants will do in their second or third year. In ideal conditions the pots should last up to four years, this time can be extended if they are used seasonally (or cleaned).

How do I clean or sterilise my EcoFelt Grow Bag?

After use remove the soil and let the bag dry. After a few days of being dry, the dust and small roots will easily brush off.  For most people, this is good enough and you can fold your bag easily for storage. However, you can wash the bags (some with OxyClean or peroxide to sterilize, or try an eco-friendly detergent. Try the washing machine, hand wash or dip the bag in a tub. Let them air dry.

Can I place my EcoFelt Grow Bag on my patio or deck, or do I put on the ground?

Yes, you can place the bag on your patio, deck or on any other surface. However, remember that the EcoFelt Grow Bag is made of a porous fabric and, with proper use, will remain damp. If left for a long time it may discolor or stain the surface. If placed on a wooden deck for an extended time you may want to place a plastic dish or a plastic sheet under the bag.

Our Granulated Diatomaceous Earth makes an ideal additive to kitty litter.

As a non-clumping, no dust litter, the very porous nature of our large DE Granules provide excellent moisture absorption (about twice as much as traditional clay).    

It is highly recommended to control odors and it will also help to repel any worms, larvae, or parasites in the litter box.

DE does not support bacterial life so it is hygienic and keeps your cat healthy. No alterations are needed to enhance its performance, which makes it completely safe because it eliminates the need to add harmful chemicals. 

As well as cats DE can be used for other indoor pets that require litter and in the base of bird cages.

Food grade diatomite can be used for both animals and humans.

Our supplement product is made from raw, natural, fresh water diatoms and has food grade particles containing more than 94% Silica.  DE taken as a supplement has many reported health benefits and is widely used by naturopaths, health practitioners, vets and alike.  Please read our pages on supplement pages on how DE can help you and your animals achieve better health.

DE has many dietary uses for pets and livestock.  Added daily to your animals diet (at the feed rates recommended below) the hard and sharp honeycombs of the DE lacerate internal worms causing them to release their grip on intestinal walls and get passed.  This presence of DE in their stools will also discourage flies and insects around your property.

Made up from more than 94% amorphous silica DEBug contains 15 essential trace minerals including phosphorous, selenium, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron. Silica is crucial to bones, tendons, skin, cartilage and blood vessels and existss in the blood stream and vital organs.  Mixed with your pets and livestock feed it will help to:

• Promotes better health, less stress and more vitality
• Digestive aid, improving stool health and gut problems
• Stimulates basic metabolism
• Better feed conversion, improving weight gain, health and productivity
• Promotes healthier coats, hair, skin, hooves, nails and feathers
• Cost effective health supplement, helping to reduce vet bills.  
• Negatively charged DE particles help to absorb heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, drug residues and E-Coli (that are positively charged).

DEBug is BioGro certified under Livestock Feed & Nutrition.

Suggested daily animal feed supplement rates for pets and livestock

Granulated Diatomaceous Earth is recommended as a soil conditioner and turf amendment, improving aeration and water retention in your soils.  Can be used in place of water crystals.

DEGranules are made from primarily pure silica. Fresh water, organic, non-toxic and environmentally friendly, the porous structure of the diatoms supports it’s ability to draw moisture and to move water and nutrients laterally through the growing medium. It is a durable granule improving drainage, oxygen access and gas exchange in a soil (or medium), but offers a very high CEC (cation exchange capacity). 

The granules may be recycled, adding nutrients to the soil. The soluble silica which is essential for healthy and robust plants and will support a high level of resistance to disease.

DE Granules are compatible with other soil components and it may be blended with fertilisers, or used as an additive for potting mix.

It is inert and chemical free, making it a fantastic soil conditioner. Use it to break up a heavy, clay based soils, or to retain moisture in sandy or light soils, or as a top dressing. Use it when planting fruit trees and shrubs to give your new plants a nutritious and healthy head start.

• Natural, Organic and Environmentally Friendly.  Safe to spread - NO DUST.
• DEGranules provide a natural alternative to ‘water crystals’, releasing water back into the soil when required
• The soluble silica supports a high level of resistance to disease and can act as an insect control (earthworm friendly)
• DEGranules also help activate, fortify and revitalise the soil, resulting in much healthier plants.
• Mix into soil for a soil conditioner. Will retain over 6 times its weight in moisture and will release it as the plants need it. It may also help with nematodes
• Antifungal properties – good for garden fungal growth 
• Will help reduce garden pests when used in the soil and sprinkled on plants
• Beneficial as a soil additive-safe for earthworms

Being non-toxic and environmentally friendly, diatomaceous earth is an ideal growing medium for a wide range of plants, fruit, greenhouse vegetables, orchids and bonsais.

Application

DEGranules can be blended with fertilisers, or used as an additive in your potting soil mix. As a general rule, about 10% by volume blended into the root zone or soil is sufficient. More can be used for container planting.

It's very effective in breaking up hard pan, conditioning heavy clay soils; As we know the major problem in clay soils is the soil particles tend to stick together too tightly and clay soils need something to separate those particles so moisture and nutrients can permeate the root zone.

DE Granules are also excellent for sandy soils. In sandy soils, the DE particles absorb water that would otherwise just run through the sand, and make it available to the plants. This is why many golf courses use it in their sand-based greens and tees.

DE is compatible with other soil components and it may be blended with fertilizers; The addition of DE to soil amended with fertilizer may allow for more efficient use of fertilizer and reduce the impact that fertilizer has on the environment through leaching.

It can be applied into existing soils, sprinkled into the base of new plantings or used as a top dressing (non-dusting). DEGranules can be used as a growing medium for a hydroponics and bonsai. Also suitable to be added to cat litter.

DEGranules are Biogro Certified.  

* DISCLAIMER: The Ministry of Primary Industries have provided the following statement in relation to DEBug. '...the agricultural chemical use of diatomaceous earth has been proposed to be put forward as an exempt category at the next Regulation change. In the meantime, the ACVM Group will be working on a modified ACVM registration type for this kind of situation with very limited information requirements. Until this is in place, the product may be imported and used in New Zealand as if it is exempt from registration, as long as the applicable conditions in Regulations 7 to 13 of the ACVM (E&PS) Regulations 2011 are complied with, but this is only for the claim for use on or around plants'.

DEBug can be used to help control insects inside your home on floors and furniture.  It highly recommended for Bed Bugs and is also effective on Fleas, Ants, Spiders, Cockroaches, Lice, Silverfish, etc.

Our all natural Diatomaceous Earth is safe on our flooring and upholstery as it is non-staining and non-toxic.

Application

Simply apply a thin layer in areas were pests are found.  It can be lightly dusted* on to bed matresses, furniture and carpets, left for a few days and then vacuumed up.  You can also place in a shallow dish in the path of pests.

Available in convenient 200g and 400g bottle with puffer tops for easy and accurate application.  It is also sold in a 500g refill bag and larger sizes as required for household use. 

Other Uses Around the Home

Carpet & Mat Stains
Cover the stain with DE and lightly work into it. Leave for at least 2 hours then vacuum.

Garage/Driveway Oil Stains
Make sure area is dry and completely cover the stain with DE. Let the powder soak up the oil for 24 hours. Remove excess & dispose.

Metal & Bathroom Cleaner
Make a paste with DE and water to make a metal polish. DE also makes an soft scrub for the shower, sink and faucets.

Face Mask and Cleanser
Mix DE and water together until you have made a paste. Apply to face with circular scrubbing motion until it is fully covered. Leave for two minutes, then wash off with warm water. Your face will be fully exfoliated. Mix DE with your favorite cleanser and you will have cleaner, smoother skin.

Teeth Cleaner
Sprinkle a small amount of DE on your toothpaste and brush as you normally would. You will notice that your teeth look and feel "just went to the dentist" clean.

Refrigerator/Freezer Odors
Leave an open box or jar of DE in the refrigerator or freezer. (much like baking soda). Replace with fresh DE every week or so.

Foot Odor
Place some DE into the ends of two knee high nylon stockings and tie a knot the top. Place the stockings inside shoes..

Garbage Can Deodoizer
Sprinkle a cup or so of DE in the bottom of the garbage can. Will deodorize and absorb moisture.

*DEBug is used to kill and control sucking, chewing and crawling insects.

Diatomite is used as an insecticide, due to its abrasive and physico-sorptive properties.  The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons. By cracking open their joints and by rubbing holes through their outer shellsm the bugs die quickly, since the holes let air in and let out moisture from the insects’ bodies causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Fick's law of diffusion. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat insects. There is no build up or chemical residues, and insects will not become tolerant or build up immunity.

It is a mechanical insect control - upon contact, the fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of the exoskeleton and causes the insect to die from dehydration. Great for slugs, snails, aphids, caterpillers, earwigs, beetles, fruit flies, borers, thrips and more....  

There is no plant or livestock with-holding period.

Our all natural Diatomaceous Earth is:

• Food Grade
• Non toxic
• Chemical Free
• Non-Staining
• Odorless
• Environmentally Friendly

DEBug is also BioGro certified as a Soil & Plant Nutrition (Fertiliser) and Crop Management (Insecticide).

Application

DEBug can be applied wet or dry to your garden plants.  

Available in convenient 200g and 400g bottle with puffer tops for easy dry application.  Ensure coverage over the entire plant (especially under the leaves) or around it's base. DEBug can also be diluted in water and applied as a spray.  It is also sold in a 500g refill bag and larger sizes as required up to bulk 25kg bags.  Please refer to application rates below.  

Suggested dosage rates for plants and crops

Recommended doseage rates for anti-caking agent / grain protectant

* DISCLAIMER: The Ministry of Primary Industries have provided the following statement in relation to DEBug. '...the agricultural chemical use of diatomaceous earth has been proposed to be put forward as an exempt category at the next Regulation change. In the meantime, the ACVM Group will be working on a modified ACVM registration type for this kind of situation with very limited information requirements. Until this is in place, the product may be imported and used in New Zealand as if it is exempt from registration, as long as the applicable conditions in Regulations 7 to 13 of the ACVM (E&PS) Regulations 2011 are complied with, but this is only for the claim for use on or around plants'.