Diatomaceous Earth At Rural King (2024)

FAQs

Why do exterminators not use diatomaceous earth? ›

Licensed pest control exterminators are educated on chemical products that are routinely tested and modified and adapted to be the most effective method of pest eradication and control. Because the chemical products come in concentrated form, any diatomaceous earth placed would negate the professional products used.

Common Uses of Diatomaceous Earth

DE, when applied in the form of a fine powder, can be highly effective in controlling pest problems, including ants, fleas, roaches, and slugs, among other home and garden pests. By sticking to the exoskeletons of these insects, DE causes them to dehydrate and eventually die.

In your garden: If you have aphids, mites, slugs, or other garden pests, sprinkle a fine layer on the ground in the area immediately around the affected plants. For small mites, you can also dust plant leaves. Be sure to use it in dry weather, as wet DE does not kill insects.

That's why food-grade diatomaceous earth is usually recommended for pest control solutions. However, if too much diatomaceous earth is inhaled, it can irritate the nose and nasal passages or cause coughing and shortness of breath.

An excellent alternative is Dr. Killigan's Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder. This powder is a safer and more effective alternative to diatomaceous earth for insect control. In fact, it is proven to have kill times up to 50% faster than diatomaceous earth.

If breathed in, diatomaceous earth can irritate the nose and nasal passages. If an extremely large amount is inhaled, people may cough and have shortness of breath. On skin, it can cause irritation and dryness. Diatomaceous earth may also irritate the eyes, due to its abrasive nature.

For hard to reach areas, a duster or puffer bottle can be used. So you may be wondering how long Diatomaceous earth will continue to be effective, the answer is indefinitely as long as it remains dry.

Diatomaceous Earth can create safe zones all around your house. It becomes a bug barrier. Use some fossilized sea creatures to fight a good fight against mosquitoes and ticks.

The reason why DE is recommended for killing bugs is pretty simple. The dust is scratchy, so when critters with exoskeletons (hard shells on the outside) are exposed to diatomaceous earth, it cuts through that protective layer, and the bugs eventually dehydrate and die.

Spread a thin coat of food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) on your lawn on a windless day with no rain in the forecast for 24 to 48 hours. Focus on pest-infested areas. Do it again if heavy dew sets in the morning.

Is it safe to sleep in a room with diatomaceous earth? ›

Yes, it is safe to sleep in a room with diatomaceous earth as long as the dust remains undisturbed and you're not breathing it in. Since diatomaceous earth is nontoxic, you won't have any issues if it stays settled.

WET TOWEL OR MOP – Getting Diatomaceous Earth wet makes it non-irritating while also rendering it ineffective against insects. Essentially, the minute particles in DE will fill up with moisture. This means that you can quickly clean up Diatomaceous Earth by adding water and wiping up the mud that forms.

By applying a barrier of diatomaceous earth around entry points such as windowsills, doorways, and cracks, you create an obstacle that ants are reluctant to cross. The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth particles will physically damage the ants' exoskeletons, causing them to avoid those areas.

Diatomaceous earth, or DE, is a well-known rodent deterrent. Make sure to get the food-grade kind, as it's safe for humans and animals. Like most of these chemical-free pest solutions, diatomaceous earth won't kill rodents, but it will deter them from sticking around.

When taken by mouth, diatomaceous earth is used as a source of silica, for treating high cholesterol levels, for treating constipation, and for improving the health of skin, nails, teeth, bones, and hair.

Using diatomaceous earth is safe to use around the house, but you should take extra care when using it or applying it in larger amounts. While the tiny particles are sharp and abrasive, which also speeds up the absorption process in insects, they can cause scratchiness or irritated skin and eyes.

While it will eventually kill roaches, it doesn't immediately stop them in their tracks like a spray might. So, you might've to wait a bit longer to see results. Additionally, diatomaceous earth works best when dry, meaning it may not be as effective in damp areas.

The difference between feed and food grade diatomaceous earth is due to the level of filtration. While both contain less than 1% crystalline silica, food grade contains fewer heavy metals, making it safer for human consumption.