PO Box 18808
Dalbridge
DURBAN
4014
R.S.A.
Tel: 031 2053986
Mike:
Cell: 084 477 3344
Michele:
Cell: 082 9282 476
Email:
info@deter-ant.co.za
Visit our other site:
www.humi-go.co.za
We did an enormous amount of research when we launched our first environmentally friendly product, Humi-Go the moisture absorber. That resulted from the need to find an alternative to formaldehyde based products to combat mildew and musty odours in our cupboards.
When we sprayed our dipladenia to rid it of ants and an aphid infestation we were appalled at the result, and that was despite taking precautions ......... all the goldfish in our pond died. Unfortunately we did not allow for run off after heavy rain which drained into the pond and so it was back to the library and the Internet to find an environmentally friendly answer
Silicon dioxide consists of the skeletal remains of algae-like single celled prehistoric plankton that lived and died thousands of years ago. It is minded today from rock sediment commonly referred to a diatomite which gives it its more commonly referred to name, diatomaceous earth (DE) However, there are different grades of silicon dioxide (DE). Only amorphous (natural, unheat treated) DE is safe, edible and non-toxic. All other grades have been heat treated which alters the composition and makes it poisonous and, possibly, carcinogenic. DETER-ANT is very finely ground diatomite with the consistency of household flour. We are most familiar with DE in South Africa as a common method of swimming pool filtration but this grade is heat treated and unsafe for use except in swimming pools.
How safe is DETER-ANT?
100% non-toxic. It is used commercially in
grain storage to kill weavils. It is fed to
animals to rid them of internal parasites and worms and to
reduce the use of antibiotics. People take it
for the minerals and trace elements it contains (but we
don't recommend you to try this!). It is used in
organic agriculture in place of insecticides and acts
as a fertilizer for the soil
How does it work?
DETER-ANT works by dehydrating the insects it comes into
contact with. Each one of the millions of
microscopic cells that make up DETER-ANT is capable
of absorbing 1.5 times its weight in liquid.
This destroys the insect's hard exoskeleton, leading to the
death of the insect.
How much does DETER-ANT cost?
DETER-ANT costs R40.00 per tub. We cannot
accurately give you information on what square meterage it
will cover. This depends on how thickly or
thinly you apply it.
How effective is it?
Test done in the USA by the FDA have shown amorphous DE
to be 98% effective in eradicating pests as opposed to the
60% efficiency of poisonous chemicals.
What about cockroaches?
DETER-ANT will kill cockroaches, fishmoths (silverfish),
mole crickets and more. In fact virtually any
cold-blooded insect it comes into contact with.
And don't forget flies! Cover manure with a
dusting of DETER-ANT to kill off flies and
their larvae.
What about lizards or bees or
butterflies?
Lizards do not have a hard exoskeleton and would, in any
case, rehydrate themselves by going to a source of
water. Bees and butterflies and moths would be
affected. This is why we tell you to only use DETER-ANT
around the base of plants and trees, not on leaves and
flowers.