Originally Posted by Richard

Labeling requirements vary from state to state. California has the strictest requirements in the nation. You'll find that a knowledgeable California retail store owner will be completely mum on the use of food-grade DE as a pesticide -- or any other product that is not specifically labeled for pesticide use. The first-time fine is $50,000 and repeated offenses also include jail time.

In California, using a substance as a pesticide that is not labeled for that purpose will get you a warning from the CDPR for most first violations and then fines and possible jail time for any recurring violations. For consumers, the CDPR is mostly concerned with curbing historically poor practices such as drenching the ground with motor oil to control weeds.

California rates the severity of DE dust 2 orders of magnitude higher than Borax dust. Other states might have different guidelines. The physical properties of DE are very different from Borax salt. Of course a mask should be worn when handling any salt in bulk quantities -- and you'll find it says so right on the label.

Mitchel, I'm not making any recommendations for or against the use of DE. Instead I'm following the requirements of the CDPR licenses I carry in my wallet.