Are you looking for a natural and environmentally friendly way to get rid of pests?
Look no further than diatomaceous earth! This article will show you how to use this substance to control pests in your home or garden.
You’ll learn what diatomaceous earth is, how it works, and the best ways to apply it. We’ll also give you some tips to keep pests away for good. So watch now and say goodbye to those pesky pests.
Table of Contents
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-occurring sedimentary rock derived from the remains of diatoms or oceanic algae. This substance is also rich in silica.
The physical appearance of diatomaceous earth can vary, depending on its source, but it’s generally off-white or white. Diatomaceous earth looks like a series of tiny, round beads when viewed under a microscope.
It comprises approximately 85% silica and smaller amounts of calcium, sodium, iron, and other minerals. This makeup gives it some unique qualities.
For example, it’s extremely absorbent and can hold three times its weight in water. It’s also highly resistant to heat and chemicals.
Diatomaceous earth is prevalent in various industrial and home applications, including as an abrasive, absorbent, anti-caking agent, filter, and desiccant.
When it comes to pest control, it can kill everything from ants and roaches to fleas and ticks. And because it’s non-toxic and safe for use around children and pets, diatomaceous earth is an excellent alternative to chemical pesticides.
What are the Ways to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control?
1. Fleas and Ticks
People and their pets spend more time outside as the weather gets warmer. Unfortunately, this season also implies that fleas and ticks are out in full force.
These pests can not only be a nuisance but also transmit diseases. Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae.
It can serve as a natural way to control fleas and ticks. The powder absorbs the oils and fats from the insects’ exoskeletons, which causes them to dehydrate and die.
To use diatomaceous earth for pest control – sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home or wherever you think fleas and ticks might be hiding.
This act will create a barrier that fleas and ticks cannot cross. Besides, apply diatomaceous earth in all the cracks and crevices where these pests like to hide.
Vacuum regularly to remove any fleas or ticks that may have made it into your home. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use.
Repeat these steps as necessary to keep your home free of fleas and ticks. You can also sprinkle it on your pet’s bedding or coat to help keep these pests at bay.
2. Bedbugs
Bed Bugs are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. These insects live in mattresses, furniture, and clothing.
They are a severe problem in many homes and can be very difficult to eliminate. Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that can exterminate bed bugs and other pests.
It is safe around children and pets and can kill bed bugs of different ages.
It punctures the bed bugs’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
To use diatomaceous earth for bed bug control, sprinkle it liberally on infested areas and let it sit for several hours. Repeat this process every few days until the bedbugs are gone.
3. Mites
Mites are tiny creatures that are present in many different environments.
They are often found in the soil, on plants, and animals.
While most mites are harmless, some species can cause problems for humans and other animals. Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can help control mites.
It consists of fossilized remains of algae and other aquatic organisms. When diatomaceous earth is applied to an area where mites are present, it will kill them by puncturing their exoskeletons.
Diatomaceous earth is safe for use around humans and animals, and you can apply it directly to infested areas.
It is important to note that diatomaceous earth will only kill adult mites; it will not control eggs or larvae.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches have been around for millions of years and are the most resilient pests.
They can squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices and are often hard to spot. Cockroaches are known to spread disease, so it’s crucial to exterminate them if you spot them in your home.
One way to eliminate cockroaches is to use diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a powder that absorbs lipids from the exoskeleton of cockroaches, causing them to dehydrate and die.
To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle it in areas where cockroaches are seen or suspected. Apply it liberally, as cockroaches can walk around on top of the powder without coming into contact with enough to kill them.
5. Ants
Most of us have had the experience of finding an ant or more in our homes, and while it may not seem like a big deal, ants can be quite problematic.
If you have an ant problem, you should consider using diatomaceous earth for pest control. It is safe to use around humans and pets, and it is effective at killing ants.
It is also very affordable and is available in most hardware stores.
When ants come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it penetrates their exoskeletons and dries them out, causing them to die. Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home or wherever you see ants.
The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth will cut through the ant’s exoskeleton and kill them
6. Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are common garden pests that can be difficult to control. Diatomaceous earth is a safe and effective way to kill slugs and snails. It consists of tiny fossils of marine algae.
When these fossils come into contact with soft-bodied creatures like slugs and snails, they pierce the exoskeleton and cause them to dehydrate and die.
Apply diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your garden or wherever you see these pests. You can also put it in a line around plants that slugs and snails like to eat. Ensure to reapply after rain or watering.
7. Silverfishes
Silverfishes are one of the most common household pests and can be challenging to control. But with diatomaceous earth, you can get rid of them for good.
Diatomaceous earth is effective against silverfish because it works like tiny razor blades.
The sharp edges cut through the exoskeleton of the silverfish, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle it around the areas where you’ve seen silverfish or where they’re likely to hide.
8. Spiders
There are few creatures on Earth as feared as spiders. Arachnophobes have a hard time even looking at pictures of these eight-legged pests, let alone encountering one in real life.
And while most spiders found in North America are harmless, some species can deliver a painful bite. So it’s no wonder people are always looking for ways to eliminate them.
One popular method of spider control is diatomaceous earth. This powder comprises fossilized remains of tiny aquatic creatures that can kill spiders by absorbing their fluids and oils and dehydrating them.
DE is a natural product that is safe to use around children and pets, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an alternative to chemical pesticides.
Sprinkle the substance in areas where you have spiders, such as their nest. It will exterminate them on contact. You can also apply diatomaceous earth directly on spiders.
9. Earwigs
Earwigs are one of the most common household pests. They’re small, reddish-brown insects that are attracted to moisture. If you have a problem with earwigs, you may be wondering how to get rid of them.
An excellent option is to use diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a powder that dehydrates these insects on contact, killing them in the process.
It’s safe to use around humans and pets and effective at killing earwigs.
Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home or wherever you’ve seen earwigs. You can also put it in a container and set it where earwigs are active. The powder will kill them when they come into contact with it.
10. Cats and Dog
Cats and dogs can become pests at times, constituting a nuisance in the neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep cats and dogs out of your garden or home, diatomaceous earth may be the answer. This fine powder is made from the fossilized remains of algae that repels these animals.
You can use this substance to create a barrier that will deter them. To create a barrier, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your garden. You can also use it to line paths or walkways.
The powder will repel these animals when they come into contact with it, so it’s important to reapply after heavy rains or when the area is dry.
Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and safe for use around pets and children. It’s a great alternative to chemical pest control products and is available in most hardware stores.
Conclusion
Diatomaceous earth is an effective and safe pest control measure for your home.
It is crucial to apply it correctly and reapply it as needed to keep pests at bay. With a little effort, you can enjoy a pest-free home using diatomaceous earth!
