How does de kill bugs

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 is treated in ways that make it more hazardous to touch or breathe for humans and other large animals. When used properly, diatomaceous earth can kill many different insect pests, including:. The answer to this question is often debated, as with any DIY pest control substance or technique.

Diatomaceous earth does 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. 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. If you need answers or solutions to a pest problem, we offer free inspections to help you determine the best course of action.

Contact us today! In fact, diatomaceous earth is commonly used in the food and beverage industry for grain storage and beer or wine filters. It is often fed to dogs, cats, and other pets as a natural dewormer. The caveat here is inhalation exposure. It is not healthy for humans or animals to inhale fine diatomaceous earth dust. Long-term exposure is particularly dangerous, such as those working in the DE mining industry.

To be on the safe side, you could choose to use a mask during applications, especially if you have respiratory issues. You also do not want to get it in your eyes. The easiest way to use diatomaceous earth in the garden is to simply sprinkle it on the surface of soil, around the base of plants, under potted plants, or other areas where pest insects are present. For example, we dust DE under and around the grow bags in our driveway garden that are prone to ant infestations.

Or, in a ring around the base of plants that are being attacked by pill bugs. I typically dust it around with a small cup, scooping from the main bag. For a nice even application, use a flour sifter, garden duster, or fine mesh strainer. You can also dust DE directly on infested plants themselves. However, that poses more risk to wandering bees. Bees are least present and active in the evening hours, so that is the best time for DE application. Avoid applying DE during windy conditions.

That is…. Therefore, try to sprinkle it in areas that will remain dry for at least a few days, or plan to reapply it after watering or rain. In general, plan to reapply weekly as needed if the pest problem persists.

When wet DE dries out once again, it may still work to kill insects — but it does have the tendency to clump. That is, unless it is wetted and evenly distributed in a spray form.

For a broad and even application of diatomaceous earth, consider making a wet DE spray. Mixing DE with water makes it easier to treat a larger surface area. For instance, to coat an entire shrub, large tree trunk, or pathways and structures. Then, the surface will be left with a fine coating of DE powder.

When it comes to a widespread infestation of aphids, mealybugs, spider mites or other soft-bodied insects on a plant, we prefer to use a DIY soap insect spray over DE. In all, diatomaceous earth can be a useful, simple product to control pests in an organic garden.

We always have a bag on hand. Yet there are many other organic pest control methods that we rely on too, and more readily than we reach for the DE — including preventative measures, companion planting, manual removal, and more.

Thanks for tuning in! Please feel free to ask questions, and check out these related articles:. If it kills Moths does that mean it kills Butterflies?

And what about Caterpillars? I have milkweed in my garden to feed the endangered Monarch Butterfly Caterpillers. It is so satisfying seeing the Monarch Butterflies soon after. I use DE on my cats and was reading here about the use in the garden. But I need to know if it is harmful to caterpillars especially, since they are often on the plants and on the ground around the plants…and hurting them would further endanger Monarch Butterflies!!

Hi Tess, DE mainly affects creatures with a hard exoskeleton such as ants, roaches, beetles, etc. Is there a reason why you would use DE around your milkweed plants? DE is typically something we use in specific and targeted areas, what issue did you have where you were going to use DE? Aaron, thanks for this info.

That will save a lot of people from having to buy a new vacuum!!! LOL… It is in the actual article!! Under the section about using it to get rid of fleas. It says that it will burn up your vacuum so use a shop vac. How much do i us to treat fleas on my cats and dog? Sam Marshall: pool-grade DE is usually treated with another chemical. Not recommended for other uses! You said to get some at Home Depot or Lowes. Can you get this at Menards? Is the name of it DE? Very interested.

Have this little beetle coming into my house. A dark brown, shaped like a diamond, and has a hard shell. Food grade DE is a purer version of DE very little dirt, etc….

Using non-food grade will not have near the effect food grade will, so yes there is a big difference. Most feed stores will have it. Been using this for decades and very very inexpensive.. I heard they use a teaspoon with 8 oz water. Great article! I am wondering if I can use the pool filter DE for an ant problem that I have outside? Do they work the same way? Thank you. DE is amazing. Good reminder for garden, tho it will work with both good and bad bugs.

Recommended for bedbugs too. I had a weird even in my apt last winter. Bugs bothering me but not my cat! Resolved the little creeps with DE. Ants will not cross it, put around foundation of house each spring. Washes into soil which gives trace minus to soil too! I put the kibble in a large gallon sized canister with 1 tablespoon of the clay, shake the canister to distribute it evenly and then scoop out the daily kibble.

My kitty had soft moist stool that are very stinky and this treatment has corrected that issue. The stool is less smelly and slightly firmer. Hi MaryJane, yes, we hear of many people using it that way with great success. We only recommend people check with their vets first. We love DE. Have been using it for years…it works without all the chemical smells, etc since I have allergies and asthma. Moon Phase Calendar.

Email Facebook Pinterest Twitter. What is Diatomaceous Earth? About the author Related Posts. Amber Kanuckel. November Birthstone - All About Topaz. Previous Post. Next Post. Recipe Rating Recipe Rating. Newest Oldest Most Voted. Inline Feedbacks. John C McManus. What will get rid of nats? Reply to John C McManus. Reply to Phaedra.

I make the same trap, but I find Apple Cider vinegar, a spoon full of sugar and a drop of soap.