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Usually, the thing that most people want to do when they first realize they have a pest problem is figure out how to get rid of it themselves. Whether that means buying a can of Raid, washing clothing and linens in hot water, or setting out traps, there are a lot of do-it-yourself tools and techniques available to homeowners and property owners. One of the most common products that is often touted to help get rid of insect pests is diatomaceous earth, a substance known to harm insects if they touch it. Here are five things to know about diatomaceous earth before you decide to try it out.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a powder product that homeowners often use to kill pests. While the name alone suggests a sophisticated pest control or gardening resource, this naturally occurring substance is easily accessible to homeowners. Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms called diatoms. These tiny organisms have hard shells made of silica, which remain after they die and accumulate over time in sedimentary deposits. The resulting product, when ground into a fine powder, has a variety of uses. When used correctly, diatomaceous earth can be used to deter tiny pest creatures.

How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work for Pest Control?

Diatomaceous earth is not a chemical insecticide. Diatomaceous earth powder can quickly kill a variety of pests that come into contact with the product, but it has to be used correctly. Here’s a rough breakdown of how diatomaceous earth works as a pest control method:

  1. The fine powder sticks to the waxy coating of insect exoskeletons, inflicting tiny wounds that affect pests’ ability to breathe properly. These tiny cuts caused by diatomaceous earth usually will kill insects, it just may not happen instantaneously.
  2. It prevents insects from staying hydrated by absorbing moisture and fluids.
  3. It can damage them internally if the insect is large enough to swallow a particle.

This substance is meant to rapidly affect the health of an insect pest and kill it within a matter of hours or days. However, this timing can vary, and if only some of the pests infesting your home or business are affected, you could still have a significant infestation on your hands.

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Different Kinds of Diatomaceous Earth

When looking into buying diatomaceous earth, keep in mind that two main types exist for pest control, primarily pool-grade and food-grade. Both are considered pesticides.

Pool-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Pool-grade diatomaceous earth is primarily used as a filtration aid in pool systems. It undergoes a high-temperature treatment known as calcination, which changes its chemical structure and makes it unsafe for use in pest control or around humans and pets. The high-heat treatment converts the silica into a crystalline form, which can be hazardous if inhaled.

While it may still be classified as a pesticide in regulatory terms, pool-grade diatomaceous should never be used for insect control in homes, gardens, or any other area where humans or animals might come into contact with it. It poses serious respiratory risks and does not function in the same manner as food-grade DE for pest control purposes.

Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth, on the other hand, is the form approved for use in households and around pets and people. This type contains less than 2% crystalline silica and is considered safe when used as directed. It is often used not just for pest control, but also in food storage and even in some animal feed applications.

When it comes to managing pests, food-grade diatomaceous earth can be a helpful supplemental tool, alongside other products like boric acid. It’s best applied in dry areas where insects are likely to travel, such as baseboards, cracks, behind appliances, and attics.

What Kinds of Pests Can Diatomaceous Earth Work Against?

When used properly, most diatomaceous earth can kill many different insect pests, including:

  • Ants
  • Cockroaches
  • Silverfish
  • Beetles
  • Bed bugs
  • And garden pests

Can Diatomaceous Earth Replace the Work of A Pest Professional?

The answer to this question is often debated, as with any DIY pest control substance or technique. Diatomaceous earth powder can work for its intended purpose, but only to an extent. Some of its main disadvantages include the fact that it only works in places where someone puts it, and it can be an unsightly and messy substance to use. Applying diatomaceous earth may be easy, but knowing the right places to spread it isn’t always straightforward. Not only that, while the particles of food-grade diatomaceous earth aren’t dangerous to humans or animals (though pool-grade can be), you still don’t want to breathe it in, which means you’d want to be careful about how you use it and where you put it.

Furthermore, diatomaceous earth will only work as a temporary solution—it may get rid of some pests that wander through the area of application, but it won’t affect pests that are still in hiding and don’t come into contact with the substance. If you have pets, or small children, handling anything other than food-grade diatomaceous earth is strongly discouraged unless you are a professional.

The simple fact is that no home remedy can replace the training and specialized pest treatment techniques of a pest control technician—not even diatomaceous earth. This substance may work in some scenarios, but it isn’t a thorough enough solution to solve every insect pest problem. This is particularly true if the person using it doesn’t understand how to apply it or judge how well it has worked. If you need answers or solutions to a pest problem, we offer free inspections to help you determine the best course of action.

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