The Wonders of Diatomaceous Earth and How to Use It

When people first hear about “diatomaceous earth,” they might think it sounds like something from a science fiction movie. However, it’s a natural substance with some fantastic uses, especially when dealing with pesky insects around your home and garden. DE is an all-natural material that’s been used since the 19th century, and its effectiveness in controlling insects is undeniable.

The white powdery substance is popular among farmers and pest control professionals. It was discovered in 1836 by Peter Kasten, a German farm worker. He visited a lakebed in the northern part of the country that was all dried up.

He noticed a white powder that had formed on the bottom of the bed, and he instantly knew that there must be some good use for this residue. After much scientific study, experts realized that it was the fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are microorganisms that help to maintain ecological balance and support life.

They’re single-celled algae on the floor of oceans, freshwater, and damp soils worldwide. The fascinating thing about diatoms is that they have cell walls made of silica, a glass-like substance. These cell walls, with their complex patterns and variety of shapes and sizes, are like small glass sculptures when viewed under a microscope.

This intricate beauty is a testament to the wonders of nature. Thanks to Kasten’s discovery, the mining of DE begun, and people found uses for it in both agricultural and industrial settings.

Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth

Why Is Diatomaceous Earth So Powerful?

How can a simple powder be so powerful that it can kill many different insects and bugs? It’s all because of the components of this compound. If you looked at DE under a microscope, you would notice its complexity and uniqueness. There are tiny, sharp particles within the powder that are very abrasive.

The shards would resemble looking at a piece of fine sandpaper under the microscope. While these particles won’t hurt you if you touch them, the sharp edges of these bits will cause irreparable damage to the exoskeletons of insects. The exoskeleton is the hard outer shell that protects them. When the protective coating of the insect is pierced, their body cannot hold moisture, and they will perish.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, and safe insecticide that’s highly effective. Its safety for both pets and humans is a key feature, eliminating the worries that come with inhaling or ingesting harmful insecticides. The food-grade varieties of DE are non-toxic, which means that you can eat a small amount of it without issue. So, if a small child accidentally got it in their mouth, it’s not going to hurt them.

Considering the benefits to Mother Nature is another factor. Not only is this product safe for you and your pets, but it’s also a responsible choice for the planet. DE is an environmentally friendly substance that won’t pollute water or soil, and it will break down naturally over time.

Using Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Insects

Since you understand DE and how it works, it’s time to discuss using it to eliminate pests inside and outside your home. Here are some simple steps for you to follow:

1. Ensure You Get the Right Type of DE

If you head to your local farm hand store, you’ll find that DE comes in a few varieties. The two categories are food grade and pool grade, but some are pure white while others are gray. The difference between the two is massive, as it all comes down to processing and purity.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is mainly made of amorphous silica, which is 100% safe for consumption. Consequently, pool-grade DE contains crystalline silica, which is hazardous to you and your pets if you inhale or ingest it. When processing food-grade DE, the manufacturing methods are minimal to ensure it preserves the safety and purity of the compound.

When pool-grade diatomaceous earth is processed, it’s calcined, which makes it more abrasive and better to use for filtration. Choosing the appropriate grade is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness when selecting the brand of diatomaceous earth. It’s best to ask for help if you have concerns about a product before buying it.

Even if you do get food-grade DE, you should know that it can be overwhelming when applied. It’s best to wear a mask to prevent the powdery substance from being inhaled. Opening a window and keeping the area well-ventilated is key. Additionally, you want to ensure that anyone with breathing complications or conditions like asthma waits until the dust settles before returning to that area.

2. Identify Your Problem Areas

Determining your target location is the key to fighting any infestation in your home. How are these pests getting inside, and where are they hanging out? For instance, if you have a problem with roaches, you know your hot spots will be in the kitchen closest to the food source.

If you’ve got an issue with silverfish or millipedes, it will likely be the bathroom or basement where you need to focus. You want to look for any signs of activity in areas where you will find damage, nests, or droppings. Concentrate on these sections and sprinkle the DE all around.

It should be noted that while DE is highly effective, it can never replace the need for a pest control professional. In the case of bed bugs and termites, sure, the powder will damage them, but you can’t always get to them to treat the problem effectively.

3. Applying the Right Amount

When applying diatomaceous earth, you may wonder how much is enough or if you are putting down too much. There are a few methods for putting down this powder, but the key is that a thin layer is all you need. Some people use a sieve or a saltshaker to sprinkle it around the hot spots.

Ensure you get into the cracks and crevasses in these critical areas, as this is where insects hide and nest. It’s wise to create a barrier around the perimeter of a home or garden by making a line of DE. You would do this similarly to putting a salt line around your home. Even if the problem is inside the house, putting the barrier around your home will discourage anything from crossing it and coming inside.

4. Check and Reapply

Since this powder can get wet in areas like the garden or the basement, you should check it and reapply when needed. If you have a line around your home and it rains, you should put down a fresh layer afterward to ensure protection.

Do you see any signs of improvement? If you don’t see a reduction in the infestation in a few days, you can reapply the diatomaceous earth or try a different approach. There are many instances where diatomaceous earth isn’t strong enough to eradicate a significant issue. These are the times that you will need a pest control professional with knowledge and proper insecticides to bring relief.

What Pests Does Diatomaceous Earth Work Best On?

Remember that diatomaceous earth won’t work for every type of pest, so here are a few of the most common that this powder is often used to eradicate.

Ants

DE is highly effective in getting rid of ants. Simply sprinkle it along the areas where you see ant trails. The ants get this powder on their legs and carry it back to their nest. Here, it will kill not only the worker ant that carries it but any other ants that get the powder on their bodies.

Fleas

If you have animals, you likely know all about the battle with fleas. Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled on the pet to help, though it should be used as a backup to a vet-prescribed medication. Additionally, you can sprinkle DE on their beds, carpets, and even on your furniture to get any fleas that might be hiding there.

Cockroaches

Roaches are among some of the nastiest bugs. Thankfully, DE can be helpful. Sprinkle DE behind appliances, under your sink, in the cabinets, and anywhere you have a problem.

Remember those cracks. Roaches love to crawl back into the walls and hang out near the electrical lines. The coarse particles in this powdery substance will pierce the exoskeleton of the roach as it crawls through them.

Bed Bugs

While diatomaceous earth won’t completely eradicate a bed bug problem, it can help. You can sprinkle this stuff on the mattress and any other location where a bug might be hiding. Make sure you vacuum the DE after it has sat for several hours, especially if using it on your bed.

Slugs and Snails

While there are many insects in your garden that DE will keep at bay, it works excellent on slugs and snails. Without proper moisture levels, slugs and snails will perish. The slime created by their bodies helps them to move about, and DE will dry them out so they can’t move or breathe. If you want to keep them out of your garden, create a barrier around your plants that will deter them.

Other Uses of Diatomaceous Earth

You know that DE is an excellent weapon in the war against pests, but did you know that it has many other uses? Here are a few of the lesser-known uses for this mysterious powdery substance.

Food Storage

Many people don’t know they can safely consume diatomaceous earth in small amounts. Due to the safety of the food-grade variety, you can add it to stored grains to help keep pests away. Legumes and flours are notorious for getting bugs, but you can add a bit to your food storage to ensure you don’t have any issues.

Natural Deodorizer

Everyone’s looking for ways to absorb odors. The most concerning areas of the home are the litter box, trash cans, the refrigerator, and even under sinks. DE absorbs odors similar to baking soda. Common problem areas that often develop odors can smell fresh with the use of diatomaceous earth.

Powerful Exfoliant for Skin Care

Everyone is looking for the fountain of youth. While natural products like clay have been used for decades to help beautify the skin, DE is another excellent choice. This powder can be used to make a mask or scrub, which can help remove dead skin cells. Scrubbing your face with nature’s purest powdery substance can leave it smooth and refreshed.

Detoxify the Body

It’s ironic to think that some people take DE as a supplement to help them detoxify the body. Of course, you should talk to your doctor before attempting any such cleansing method, but the internet is full of people who swear by the power of this natural substance.

Could this be included as a new supplement regiment in your day? If you’re looking for natural ways to enhance your health, you should read more about it.

Adding DE to Your Shopping List

To say that diatomaceous earth is truly a remarkable natural substance is an understatement. There’s such a wide range of ways that the food-grade variety can be utilized, and its cost-effective nature is only another benefit. It’s a highly effective insecticide and entirely safe for humans and pets.

If you’re looking to treat typical household problems without resorting to harsh chemicals, then DE is a reasonable consideration. Diatomaceous earth is a simple and effective solution, whether you’re dealing with insects or bugs such as fleas, bed bugs, slugs, or ants. The next time you face a pest control issue, it’s a good idea to reach for a bag of DE.

Harnessing the power of nature to take care of pest issues is amazing, and it’s a step towards making your home healthier and more eco-friendly. Remember that while diatomaceous earth can do amazing things, it won’t work in every situation. There are many instances when you should call a pest control professional to help you solve an infestation.