Using Diatomaceous Earth as Natural Pest Control, Food Storage, Cleaning, and Use As A Health Supplement - D.E. Is Very Versatile

The Guide to Using Diatomaceous Earth

Using natural and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides is of the utmost importance to me and has been for a long time. After relocating to S.C. we realized our new property was invaded by fire ants!

So the search for an alternative to pesticides began.  Not being previously exposed to these demon spawns from Hades, I wasn't sure how to get rid of them.

 One product that kept coming up in my searches was diatomaceous earth (DE). This naturally occurring sedimentary rock has been a very effective and safe way to control these ants.  In this article, I'll cover the benefits, uses, and multiple applications of diatomaceous earth, as well as important safety and application tips.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a soft, siliceous rock made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic aquatic organisms. When these diatoms died millions of years ago, their skeletons accumulated and formed the sedimentary deposits we now call diatomaceous earth.The abrasive and absorbent properties of DE make it an effective natural insecticide. It works by absorbing the oils and fats from the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. Unlike chemical pesticides, DE is non-toxic to humans and pets when used as correctly.

Using Diatomaceous Earth as Natural Pest Control, Food Storage, Cleaning, and Use As A Health Supplement - D.E. Is Very Versatile

Eco-friendly and Non-toxic: DE is a natural product that is safe for the environment and non-toxic to humans and pets, with proper use.

Effective Against Various Pests: Diatomaceous earth can be used to control a wide range of pests, including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, and more.

Long-Lasting: Unlike some chemical pesticides that break down quickly, DE remains effective as long as it stays dry. If if gets wet don't stress.  Once the DE dries out it becomes effective again.

Versatile: In addition to pest control, DE can be used for several other purposes, such as a natural cleaning agent, a food-grade additive, and even a health supplement.

Applications of Diatomaceous Earth Pest Control

Diatomaceous earth is most commonly used as a natural insecticide for controlling household pests. Here are some specific applications:

Ant Control- Inside: Sprinkle DE along ant trails, around entry points, and in areas where ants are active. The powder will dehydrate and kill the ants as they crawl through it.

Ant Hills- Outside: Sprinkle the powder around the outside of the ant hill first, being sure to completely close enclose them.  Then shake a gracious amount of DE on top of the ant hill.  They'll begin to investigate their fortress.  Have a long stick and begin to probe it into the middle of the hill, quickly.  You don't want to give them a chance to climb to your hand.  As you are probing keep sharing the DE with them.  (I probe around quite a bit to make sure I've gotten all of their attention, and any eggs they have too.)

Comparing body weight vs. viciousness... Ants are the meanest most contrary creatures that walk on land!

Bed Bug Control: Apply DE liberally to mattress seams, box springs, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding. The powder will kill the bed bugs and their eggs. (Gracious! Hope hope you aren't unfortunate enough to have to deal with this.  But the way they can be picked up while traveling it sure is possible to happen.)

Flea Control: Lightly dust DE on carpets, pet bedding, and other areas where fleas may be present. The powder will dehydrate and kill the fleas and their larvae.  Your entire yard can be treated with the D.E. as well.  For this application you will need to have a large D.E. duster like this one (link here)  and breathing apparatus (link here).  For safety measures I would wear closed toe shoes, long sleeved shirt, and long pants.  One could also put the D.E. in a liquid sprayer (link here) and treat the yard heavily using this method.  While the D.E. is moist it doesn't work, but... once it dries the crystals will become hard all over again, which means it will effectively dehydrate the insects just as before.  Personally I prefer the dry method applied on a day the wind is calm.

Cockroach Control: Sprinkle DE in cracks, crevices, and other areas where cockroaches may be hiding or traveling. Anytime you order products that are delivered to your home you run the chance of these yucks invading your space. (I've started opening boxes outside to help deter this from happening.  Not only are cockroaches transferred this way but spiders travel this way also.  Check your contents at the door and immediately dispose of boxes to help prevent this from happening.)

Other Applications

Gardening: Diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural pesticide in the garden, helping to control various plant pests without harming beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. (It's important not to apply DE to "blooms" of any kind!  That is what your pollinators are drawn to.)

Food Storage: Adding a small amount of DE to stored grains, cereals, and other dry goods can help prevent infestations by insects like weevils and moths.

Cleaning: The abrasive nature of DE makes it an effective natural cleaning agent for scrubbing and polishing surfaces.

Health Supplement: Food-grade DE is sometimes used as a dietary supplement, as it is believed to provide various health benefits, such as improved digestion and joint health. (I've personally never tried this, so I cannot offer advice on it.  Should you decide to give it a go I suggest doing some research. See this article that I've written that has backup citation from the Nation Health Organization - Diatomaceous Earth Health Benefits) 

Safety Considerations and Application Tips

While diatomaceous earth is generally considered safe when used correctly, there are some important safety considerations and application tips to keep in mind:

Use Food-Grade DE: For household and pest control applications, always use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for use around humans and pets. Avoid using pool-grade or industrial-grade DE, as these may contain higher levels of crystalline silica, which can be harmful if inhaled. (There is a difference in these two.  We had some leftover D.E. from the pool when we swapped out the pump type.  Being the conservative that I am, I attempted to use the pool D.E. on the ant hills.  I'm sorry to say it did not work.)

Wear Protective Gear: When applying DE, wear a dust mask, goggles, and gloves to avoid inhaling or getting the powder in your eyes or on your skin.

Apply in Dry Conditions: Diatomaceous earth is only effective when it is dry. It should be avoided in areas that are frequently moist or damp, as its pest control properties activate only after it has dried. While it can be applied in a wet form to reach difficult areas, it must dry completely to become effective in dehydrating and killing insects.

Reapply as Needed: DE can be disturbed or become ineffective over time, especially in high-traffic areas or after cleaning. Reapply as needed to maintain its effectiveness.

Avoid Harming Beneficial Insects: When using DE in the garden, take care to avoid applying it directly to flowers or plants where beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs may be present.

Vacuum Thoroughly: After applying DE for pest control, be sure to vacuum thoroughly to remove any remaining powder and dead insects.

By following these safety considerations and application tips, you can effectively and safely use diatomaceous earth to control various household pests while minimizing any potential risks due to exposure to harsh chemicals, which can harm you, your family, pets, and the Earth.

• OMRI Listed - Listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute, a non-profit organization that reviews products against organic standards.

Conclusion

Diatomaceous Earth is a versatile and eco-friendly product that can be an effective tool in your pest control arsenal. When used correctly, it can help control a wide range of household pests without the use of harsh chemicals. However, it's important to follow proper safety precautions and application methods to ensure its safe and effective use. As a pest control professional, I highly recommend considering diatomaceous earth as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, especially for those seeking a more environmentally friendly approach to pest control.

Treat The Pest Around Your Place Naturally....