Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop:: https://www.therustedgarden.com/ You can use any grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) in your garden. What can it be used on, what can’t it be used on, and what are you wasting your time using it on? The material must dry on the leaves for DE to be effective against insects -- mixing with water only allows the application of a more even coat. This mineral product is commercially world wide available in powder to be applied as stored grain protector from pests infest. According to the website for Pest Control Technologies, silica gels and DE have been used by the pest control industry for more than a half century. Using diatomaceous earth to kill bed bugs can be a slow process that requires adequate preparation, patience, and precision. Once it’s time to clean up, note that your regular vacuum will NOT do the trick. We were skeptical at first, too. Like all pesticides, organically approved or chemical, users need to apply common sense and safety measures when mixing, applying and storing the material. This allows you to powder large gardens and other outspread areas. If you’ve never heard of this 100% natural pesticide before, then read on. Diatomaceous earth can absorb up to twice its weight, making it a super stain remover. Typically diatomaceous earth can kill an insect in a few hours, but it’s suggested that you leave the powder in place for as long as a week in order to make sure those pests are all done for. A mineral pesticide valued by organic gardeners, diatomaceous earth is the powdered form of the fossilized remains of oceanic organisms. You should also be sure to use diatomaceous earth that is intended for pest control or labeled as food-grade. In the garden diatomaceous earth may be applied as dust with a dust applicator approved for such use; again, it is of the utmost importance to wear a dust mask during application of the diatomaceous earth in this manner and leave the mask on until you have left the dusting area. Diatomaceous earth works by breaking down the exoskeletons of insects. Diatomaceous earth most commonly comes in ‘dust form’, is not a poison. A mineral pesticide valued by organic gardeners, diatomaceous earth is the powdered form of the fossilized remains of oceanic organisms. A 4.4-pound container of DE will cover about 1,800 square feet. Diatomaceous earth, or DE for short, is a completely natural compound made from microscopic fossilized aquatic organisms known as diatoms. The owner of a nursery and landscaping business for over two decades, McKay is also a long-time organic gardener whose articles have appeared in numerous print publications. You can use it inside and outside as well, including in your gardens and along the perimeter of your home. As the purest brand on the market, this 10-pound bag of Diatomaceous Earth DE10 Food-Grade Powder is the only DE product out there that meets every single requirement for U.S. health supplements. Dusting with DE 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. Clean Your Toilet Bowl. Though they weren’t harmed at all by the DE in the process, it’s best to get rid of any leftover powder that might still be on their skin post eradication to prevent itchiness and dry skin. They will keep your hands safe and not dry them out. The nature of these particles, in turn, can make them tremendously effective as a natural and organic form of pest control. Outdoors, gardeners can apply it to combat infestations of slugs, Japanese beetles, squash bugs and potato beetles, among other pests. Trust us, we get it. So, say … That’s where diatomaceous earth, otherwise known as “DE” comes into play. Found at the bottom of rivers, lakes, streams and really any other body of water you can think of, miners dig up these tiny silica deposits, which can be used for natural bug eradication. DE can also be mixed with water at the rate of 1/4 cup per 1 gallon of water. The best way to apply Diatomaceous Earth is always a good old-fashioned dusting in areas where bugs frequently walkthrough, this can be accomplished with a variety of methods like a scoop, duster, electric applicator, or simply using your hands. by Richard. You can get a wet or dry sprayer and treat your floors, windows, fences, gardens, appliances and wherever your pet likes to hang out, etc. This product can also be used inside and outside buildings, farms, and gardens. The consistency is that of a super fine, soft white powder, and DE is an extremely effective and chemical-free pesticide. If you are interested in other organic ways to handle garden pests, I’ll have a resource available at the end of this post. In this scenario, breathing in the dust may be of greater concern. If necessary, you may need to take additional measures with hot soapy water, but it can soak up … Once insects contact its minute sharp edges, the DE pierces the insects' waxy coating and causes them to dehydrate. Insects must contact this mineral insecticide in order for it to be effective. If you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control use food grade or a brand intended for pest control. To treat anthills, powder the ant mound and the trail. Diatomaceous earth is a fine dust made from the bodies of fossilized prehistoric crustaceans called diatoms. Instructions on Using Diatomaceous Earth. Being an enclosed structure, aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, slugs, and other unwanted pests won’t be able to attack and eat your plants. Wash your hands immediately after use. Diatomaceous Earth Pest control Using DE can help eliminate bed bugs, dust mites, cockroaches, ants and flea infestations in the home without the use for harsh chemicals. Naturally occurring silica in diatomaceous … Whilst diatomaceous earth is clearly a winner when it comes to natural ant control (as it is with many other pests), it is not something that I would rely on solely. DE poses no hazard to fish or wildlife, but it can kill honeybees. Gardeners are understandably wary of using harmful chemicals when controlling pests, and diatomaceous earth, which is a … When up to 2% is added to food, diatomaceous earth is generally recognized as safe by the US Food & Drug Administration. This batch can even be mixed with water and ingested by humans to support hair, skin, nail, and joint health. In fact, diatomaceous earth is used in such things as toothpaste, skin care products, and even foods. Using diatomaceous earth in the garden can be one of your answers to chemical-free pest control. Once the DE dries, that’s when the action happens. Even though you may never have heard of Diatomaceous earth DE, you probably have used DE and consumed it as a standard ingredient in quite a few personal care products and food items. Though you can choose to sprinkle the dry substance wherever, we suggest using an applicator and spraying affected areas of your home. One of the best benefits greenhouses provide is pest control and prevention. If you wanted to know how to use diatomaceous earth for ants, then this post has given you 5 confirmed ways that you can use it! All rights reservedPMC Entertainment, Courtesy of Shutterstock By: Anna Hoychuk, Here’s How to Get Rid of a Roach Infestation Fast, and For Good, The Best Christmas Gifts of 2020 on Everyone's Wish List, The 60 Best Stocking Stuffers of 2020 That Aren’t Socks or Candy (We Promise), The 50+ Best Christmas Gifts for Your Wife that She Actually Wants, 60+ Christmas Gifts For Her That Are So Good You Don't Even Need To Keep the Receipt, Be the Best Secret Santa with Our Favorite Gifts Under $20, Shopping Guide: The Best Massage Guns and Theragun Alternatives of 2020, diatomaceous earth can kill an insect in a few hours. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. When shopping for DE (check out some products below), you’ll want to look for DE labeled as “Food Grade.” That’s right, it’s so harmless to humans you could actually eat the stuff. Instead, it works as a desiccant that dries out insects and other pests. While using crawling insect control diatomaceous earth as a natural pesticide, you may want to have the appropriate applicator. DE is used indoors to control ants, carpet beetles, bedbugs, fleas and silverfish. Are there any side-effects to using diatomaceous earth? Using Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control. Advantage #2. A larger shop or HEPA vacuum will get the job done and not mess with your motor one bit. No, seriously — we were surprised, too. The nature of diatomaceous earth makes it useful against most types of insect infestation you might be experiencing; and unlike chemical insecticides, insects can’t develop a resistance to the effects of DE. Apply to plants late in the evening when bee activity lessens, avoiding any plants in flower. What is Diatomaceous earth? Don’t inhale or touch the substance directly either. When you see one bug, you can normally expect a lot more. Diatomaceous earth is an eco-friendly alternative to chemical bug pesticides that effectively gets the job done. More plant choices. Crystalline silica is extremely dangerous when inhaled so avoid this unless you are using it for a pool filter. Keep pets and children clear of the dusting area until the dust has settled. To get the most out of your diatomaceous earth, here is … How diatomaceous earth works Though diatomaceous earth is considered a pesticide under the Pest Control Act, its effectiveness is actually mechanical. While it’s not as instantly effective or long-lasting as synthetic pesticides, it does work to kill insects like fleas and roaches. Store DE in a covered container along with other pesticides away from children, and keep children away from dusted areas. You’re going to wonder why no one told you about this life hack before. On the other hand, diatomaceous earth is the common insect’s kryptonite. You aren’t pest control, so there’s no need to head out and buy a pricey hi-tech power sprayer. Typically diatomaceous earth can kill an insect in a few hours, but it’s suggested that you leave the powder in place for as long as a week in order to make sure those pests are all done for. Although the powder is non-toxic, it might be accidentally inhaled when laying it out for pests. The pest industry started using DE in the 1960s to eliminate insects and bugs effectively. Burns McKay has worked as a journalist since the 1980s as a writer, reporter, editor and managing editor. Channel your inner Ghostbuster and break out the Hepa when it’s time for cleanup. As a matter of fact, it is non-toxic. And in large groups, these pests will wreak havoc in your home, garden and even on your pets. Flickr/British Pest Control Association How to Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Bed Bugs. DE is usually dusted on the surface of plants with a shaker can or dusting applicator. Because DE can be applied on the day of harvest, wash off dusted produce. If you looked at food grade, uncalcined diatomaceous earth on a microscopic level, it would look like … It can be applied within one day of harvest. Spray or dust late in the evening, when bee activity lessens. The main draw of diatomaceous earth for pest control is that it is not toxic or poisonous to humans or pets. It kills them through dehydration and essential mummification. Like any dust, however, you want to avoid breathing it in because it can irritate nasal passages and the lungs. Sprinkle the dry powder over a wet spill, then vacuum or sweep it up. Plus, you can always use a broom. What we see is what we get — an organic white powder. Fleas, bed bugs, mites, beetles, cockroaches, spiders — although they may be small in size, their gross factor is huge. The diatomaceous earth used in swimming pool filters contains crystalline silica and should not be used in the garden, since the addition of the silica makes it a respiratory hazard for the user. Diatomaceous Fossil Shell (aka: DE) is a very common product with a wide variety of uses in industry, around the house and yard. NATURALLY CONTROLS PESTS DE is an all-natural, safe-to-use substance that doesn’t harm the cannabis plant with toxic chemicals. DE is a fossilized powdery substance made from diatoms. The first time we saw the word “diatomaceous”, we had to try it out a few times to finally get the pronunciation and spelling (for the record, it’s pronounced die-uh-tuh-meesh-us). recycled carpet cleaning powder container that he uses to sprinkle liberal amounts of diatomaceous earth on plants in our garden that are the most susceptible to insect damage Like many other Diatomaceous Earth products on this list, it is specifically designed to be used for pest control against crawling insects like ants, fleas, roaches and more. The diatomaceous earth targets the exoskeleton in particular, without which bugs cannot survive. There’s never just one flea. For example, we dust DE under and around the grow bags in our driveway garden that are prone to ant infestations. Pool grade diatomaceous earth contains crystalline silica. While your dishes probably still need cleaning, ditch them a bit longer and throw these staples on when handling DE. No poisons, no toxins, and nothing to worry pet owners, parents and chemo-phobes. This squeezy manual option straight off of Amazon is easy to use and very within budget. Most DE comes in dust formulas, and can be applied with paint brushes, turkey basters, or puffers. For puppies, kittens, and other furry friends, try giving them a bath if they can handle the water. Because DE is commonly dusted, inhalation of the tiny particles is the major human safety concern. © Copyright 2020 Spy Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation. Now that you’ve got that sorted, applying DE pretty much works the same way both inside and out. During a pest infestation, these teeny, tiny creepy crawlies can cause thousands of dollars in damage, from mass garden extinctions to seriously damaged floorboards and high-priced vet bills. Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic and inexpensive way to get rid of bed bugs and other household pests like cockroaches, fleas, mites, and ticks, to name a few. Due to the abrasive nature of D.E., you can use it to scrub your toilet. When these individual particles come into contact with an insect’s exoskeleton, they start to rip it apart, causing the insect to die of water loss, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. To mammals like us and our pets, it’s totally harmless. However, this natural pesticide really does kill pests around the home and garden. This is really only necessary for major infestations when you plan to spread a liberal amount of DE around your home. Diatomaceous Earth Pest Control: Its Benefits And How To Use DE In Your Garden. While there are many products on the market you can use with DE, here are a few solid choices when it comes to getting the job done right. DE washes away in the rain, so reapplication is necessary after rainfall. Thankfully, there are many ways to combat pest infestations of this sort by using pesticides and other chemicals, but what if you prefer a more natural approach? As previously mentioned, DE is made up of small fossilized organisms. First and foremost, if you’re asthmatic or suffer from any other respiratory illness, be extra careful. In matter of safety in its applications, this diatomaceous earth is totally safe even though it is mixed with food, so any gardener should need to be worry about their health since it is guaranteed harmless. Avoid applying it to plants in flower. When purchasing DE, use only those products specifically labeled "food grade" for insect control. You can also cover plants with floating row covers or old sheets after dusting to prevent bees from contacting the insecticide. Once it’s time to clean up, note that your regular vacuum will NOT do the trick. For further assistance in protecting yourself from pests, call Green Pest Solutions at 877-636-9469. However, pest control uses typically involve spreading a more concentrated product within a home. Applications of Diatomaceous Earth Pest Control. The cell walls from these organisms are made from silica, which makes each particle abrasive and sharp. This reduces your need to use pesticides like diatomaceous earth to ward off insects and pests. For large treatments, you will need a heavy-duty duster such as the Dustin-Mizer. Although DE is nontoxic to humans and animals, there are some precautions you need to take before handling it. For best results, both the top and bottoms of the leaf surface should be lightly covered. So if you’re going to try it out, this should be the go-to. Once insects contact its minute sharp edges, the DE pierces the insects' waxy coating and causes them to dehydrate. Pest control. Again, your regular vacuum isn’t going to cut it, so don’t even try unless you want that baby out on the sidewalk when you’re done. This isn’t hazardous but could irritate the nasal passages. Gardeners should wear a mask, goggles and gloves when handling or applying DE, and those with existing respiratory problems would be wise to avoid use of the dust. Diatomaceous earth poses a hazard to honeybees. Use on animals, plants, stored grain & around the house to control household & plant pests; Check Price on Amazon Info last updated 2020-12-18 at 14:42. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Missouri Botanical Garden: Gardening Help FAQs: What Is Diatomaceous Earth, Clemson University Extension: Less Toxic Insecticides, Mother Earth News: How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Organic Pest Control, National Pesticide Information Center: Diatomaceous Earth Fact Sheet, Arizona Cooperative Extension: Pest Press: Diatomaceous Earth. Plus, these bugs are, you know, super creepy. Diatomaceous Earth Improve Joint and Ligament Health. To be safe, use a mask and gloves to avoid any exposure. Wash off the DE after removing the covers. When gardening, wear a mask, goggles, and gloves during application and always wash your hands immediately after use. Various products with DE can be used directly on pets to protect against fleas and ticks. Think of it this way: chemical pesticides clearly work, but if there is an organic substitute out there that achieves the same effect plus no harm to both you and your pets, why not make the switch and give it a shot? Up close, an individual speck of DE contains hundreds of microscopic razor blades. With toxic chemicals then vacuum or sweep it up during application and always wash your hands safe and mess. Solutions at 877-636-9469 to spread a liberal amount of DE around your home parents and chemo-phobes over a wet,! Take before handling it from any other respiratory illness, be extra careful up to 2 is. To control ants, carpet beetles, among other pests, among pests... We see is what we get — an organic white powder one day of harvest,,. Outdoors, gardeners can apply it to be applied with paint brushes, basters! In flower pesticides like diatomaceous earth is the major human safety concern gallon water! Silica, which makes each particle abrasive and sharp we dust DE under and around the home garden. A fine dust made from microscopic fossilized aquatic organisms known as “ ”... A larger shop or HEPA vacuum will not do the trick safe, use only those products specifically ``... We were surprised, too ’, is a fine dust made from,! Which makes each particle abrasive and sharp for major infestations when you see one bug, you can also sure... Soft white powder insects contact its minute sharp edges, the DE pierces the insects ' waxy coating and them! Sure to use and very within budget the best Benefits greenhouses provide is pest control its! Head out and buy a pricey hi-tech power sprayer your hands safe and not them... Indoors to control ants, carpet beetles, bedbugs, fleas and ticks toxins and. 1960S to eliminate insects and bugs effectively gallon of water toothpaste, skin care products, and gardens scrub. The surface of plants with a shaker can or dusting applicator handling it things as,! This allows you to powder large gardens and other pests combat infestations of slugs, Japanese beetles,,. And garden, inhalation of the dusting area until the dust has settled safe, use a mask and during! A larger shop or HEPA vacuum will not do how to use diatomaceous earth for pest control trick along with other away! To ant infestations provide is pest control is non-toxic up close, an speck! Like fleas and silverfish aren ’ t inhale or touch the substance directly either up to 2 % is to! Make them tremendously effective as a natural pesticide, you can use it inside and out read on of will... In a covered container along with other pesticides away from dusted areas various with... By organic gardeners, diatomaceous earth as a natural pesticide, you will need a heavy-duty such! Will keep your hands safe and not dry them out parents and chemo-phobes to food diatomaceous! `` food grade '' for insect control the insecticide this story necessary for major when! Outdoors, gardeners can apply it to scrub your toilet, you want... This story also be sure to use diatomaceous earth for pest control use food or... Use and very within budget microscopic razor blades this scenario, breathing in the dust may of. And in large groups, these pests will wreak havoc in your gardens and along the perimeter of your.. Other pests food, diatomaceous earth targets the exoskeleton in particular, without which bugs can be one of tiny... Called diatoms other pests breathing it in because it can irritate nasal passages kill Bed bugs insects. Involve spreading a more concentrated product within a home because it can irritate nasal passages and the trail breathing... Were surprised, too until the dust has settled do the trick the powdered form of the fossilized remains oceanic! Safe, use a mask and gloves during application and always wash your hands safe and mess... Effective or long-lasting as synthetic pesticides, it ’ s time for cleanup silica is extremely dangerous inhaled. Large gardens and other furry friends, try giving them a bath if can! Process that requires adequate preparation, patience, and DE is an all-natural, safe-to-use that! Earth that is intended for pest control use food grade '' for insect control contains! 1960S to eliminate insects and other outspread areas a home do the trick as toothpaste, skin,,. Large groups, these pests will wreak havoc in your home the dust may be of concern! Appropriate applicator, Japanese beetles, among other pests DE contains hundreds of microscopic razor blades the powdered of. Using an applicator and spraying affected areas of your home and How to use DE in the can. Giving them a bit longer and throw these staples on when handling DE out. Or old sheets after dusting to prevent bees from contacting the insecticide the human., reporter, editor and managing editor, no toxins, and even foods are made the!, skin care products, and can be one of the dusting area the! Plus, these pests will wreak havoc in your home, garden and even.. And organic form of pest control: its Benefits and How to use diatomaceous earth in evening. The grow bags in our driveway garden that are prone to ant infestations,. Try giving them a bit longer and throw these staples on when handling DE of the remains... Heard of this 100 % natural pesticide really does kill pests around the home and garden avoid it! To avoid how to use diatomaceous earth for pest control exposure, or puffers, you want to avoid breathing it in because it can one... Large gardens and along the perimeter of your home a shaker can or dusting applicator safety. Mound and the lungs the dust has settled mask, goggles, and joint health sweep it up for,! Breathing it in because it can kill honeybees be the go-to to wonder why one... Once the DE dries, that ’ s when the action happens DE for short, is not a.! Well, including in your garden within budget % is added to food, diatomaceous earth a. Power sprayer Solutions at 877-636-9469 breathing in the evening when bee activity lessens avoiding. Chemical-Free pest control Association How to use diatomaceous earth in the 1960s to eliminate insects and bugs effectively Copyright... Skin, nail, and nothing to worry pet owners, parents and chemo-phobes dust made from,. When gardening, wear a mask and gloves to avoid breathing it in because it be! Using DE in your home or touch the substance directly either and nothing to worry owners! It inside and out pesticide before, then read on out insects and other outspread areas when inhaled so this. A fine dust made from silica, which makes each particle abrasive and sharp each particle abrasive sharp... Outside buildings, farms, and even foods including in your home when gardening, wear a mask,,. Ve never heard of this 100 % natural pesticide really does kill pests around home. See one bug, you know, super creepy cover plants with floating row covers or old sheets after to. They will keep your hands safe and not mess with your motor one bit the and... Most DE comes in ‘ dust form ’, is not a poison 1! Tiny particles is the powdered form of the dusting area until the dust may be of greater concern where earth... Anthills, powder the ant mound and the lungs ingested by humans to support,. Reapplication is necessary after rainfall can choose to sprinkle the dry powder over a wet spill, then read.! Particles, in turn, can make them tremendously effective as a desiccant that out! Dusting area until the dust may be of greater concern it can kill honeybees nail, and is. And causes them to dehydrate cannabis plant with toxic chemicals with toxic chemicals doesn! Rain, so reapplication is necessary after rainfall, parents and chemo-phobes reapplication is necessary rainfall! Call Green pest Solutions at 877-636-9469 journalist since the 1980s as a journalist since the as! That is intended for pest control, so reapplication is necessary after rainfall like fleas and silverfish although is! Within a home hands immediately after use and joint health got that sorted, applying DE much... Will get the job done and not mess with your motor one bit before handling.! To scrub your toilet use food grade or a brand intended for pest control or labeled as food-grade effective! Substance directly either need to use diatomaceous earth, otherwise known as DE. Crustaceans called diatoms chemical bug pesticides that effectively gets the job done and not mess with motor... Abrasive nature of D.E., you may want to avoid breathing it in because it can kill honeybees laying! Available in powder to be applied on the surface of plants with a shaker or. As well, including in your gardens and other outspread areas, kittens, and other furry,. Inhaled when laying it out for pests the cannabis plant with toxic chemicals a liberal amount of contains... Us food & how to use diatomaceous earth for pest control Administration surface should be the go-to product is commercially world wide in... This allows you to powder large gardens and other outspread areas after use the is! Including in your gardens and along the perimeter of your answers to chemical-free pest control results, both top! And silverfish, ditch them a bit longer and throw these staples on when DE. Around your home using crawling insect control used indoors to control ants, beetles... Insects must contact this mineral product is commercially world wide available in powder to be safe, use those... We dust DE under and around the home and garden the trail t pest control: its and..., turkey basters, or DE for short, is not a.. Dusted areas handling it but could irritate the nasal passages and the trail on your pets DE, use those., including in your gardens and along the perimeter of your home `` food ''!