I always assumed since it was a desiccant it might dry up my insides and kill me, but it seems like that’s not the case.

  • ArugulaZ
    link
    fedilink
    32 years ago

    Here’s a fun one: silica gel is also used as a pesticide by exterminators. Say you have an infestation of wasps in your roof and they’re getting inside the house. The exterminator will fire a blast of dried silica powder into an open point in the roof, and the silica dries out the nest of wasps. They become instant mummies.

    • IncognitoErgoSum
      link
      fedilink
      22 years ago

      Another fun fact: You can use it yourself. Just spread it on the floor where you have a bug infestation and it’ll kill them. It’s harmless if you don’t ingest it (in fact, I believe there’s even some that’s food grade).

      If you have bedbugs, you can surround your bed with it, and it’s really effective. It also takes out cockroaches, I believe.

      • Lvxferre
        link
        fedilink
        32 years ago

        in fact, I believe there’s even some that’s food grade

        Yes. Mostly used as anti-caking agent.

      • goatmeal
        link
        fedilink
        12 years ago

        there’s a silica supplement in my cabinet. it’s supposed to do similar things to biotin