In this article we will discuss what exactly diatomaceous earth is and how to use diatomaceous earth for insect control.
I have touched on the subject of using diatomaceous earth for pest control on insects a number of times, so much in fact that I thought I should write an article on it. Diatomaceous earth is actually a great product for insect control and is used widely. Home owners, gardeners, farmers, even professional pest control companies use diatomaceous earth in order to eliminate insects.
What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
So, what is diatomaceous earth? True story, for the majority of my adult life, I mispronounced the word wheelbarrow. I always thought it was pronounced and spelled wheelbarrel. It wasn’t until a few years ago when my friend’s wife politely informed me of what the correct spelling and pronunciation was. Of course, I thought I was correct in my pronunciation and vigorously argued my point, however thanks to her persistence, a quick internet search of the correct spelling/pronunciation and maybe some giggling and finger pointing from everybody else in the room, I can now can hold my head up high and pronounce the word wheelbarrow correctly.
So without further ado, D-i-a-t-o-m-a-c-e-o-u-s earth. Pronounced as dī′ə-tə-mā′shəs earth is a light powder that is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of algae). When insects come in contact with the substance, it damages their external coating and causes them to squander moisture and expire.
Diatomaceous earth, also known as “DE”, is said to be first discovered in the mid to late 1830s by Peter Kasten in Northern Germany. It can be used in many locations, both inside and outside the home. Farmers use diatomaceous earth both in the barn and on crops as a means to eliminate insects. Homeowners can also use diatomaceous earth around the home as a means of affordable pest control. To use diatomaceous earth inside the home, you should first block off any location from both children and pets, so that they will be unable to consume the substance. Since diatomaceous earth is an irritant, avoid breathing it in or getting it on your skin. Next, simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth around any infested area of your home, around baseboards and any other places you have previously spotted the pests. Let it remain for a day then vacuum up all powder and dead insects the next day.
What Type of Insects Can Diatomaceous Earth Be Used For?
Diatomaceous earth will eliminate crawling insects. The list is long but includes:
- Ants
- Bed Bugs
- Beetles
- Centipedes
- Cockroaches
- Crickets
- Dust Mites
- Earwigs
- Fleas
- Silverfish
- And many others including termites
How Long Will It Take to Start Seeing Results?
In some cases, diatomaceous earth will kill crawling insects in a few hours to a few days, other types of insect populations (like cockroaches or bed bugs) have been known to expire after a week or two.
Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe?
When applied correctly, diatomaceous earth is safe and non-toxic to both humans and pets. Because DE is a fairly fine powder, you really should apply it while wearing a mask and gloves. Once the DE has settled however, within a few minutes, there is little danger that can come from being in the same room as the powder. Just follow the instructions on the package.
Where Can I Buy Diatomaceous Earth For Insect Control?
Diatomaceous earth can be purchased in most hardware stores or online as well. Below are a few products that can be purchased on Amazon.com.
| HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer – By Harris | Perma-Guard Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth – By: Perma-Guard Inc. |
| Diatomaceous Earth – 100% Natural Food Grade -By: EasyGoProducts | Diatomaceous Earth, Ready to Use Crawling Bug/Roach Killer – By: Bonide |
Conclusion
Because so many creepy crawlers will succumb to diatomaceous earth (DE), I thought I should probably write more about it. It simply works, is affordable, and can be fairly easily utilized in your home. If you are worried about applying it in your home, whether because of children or pets, diatomaceous earth also comes in a food grade version.
Like this article? Pin it on Pinterest!
More to Explore
