Food grade diatomaceous earth.

Food grade diatomaceous earth.

You might have heard of Diatomaceous Earth while looking for pest control solutions for cockroaches. You might also be wondering what it is.

So, without further ado, let’s see what this particular pest control product is and why it is the first choice for homeowners when it comes to organic pest control.

What Is It?

Diatomaceous Earth or DE is the fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms were a kind of plankton that existed millions of years ago. They closely resembled algae.

Their fossilized remains can be found in the form of large deposits on the sea bed. The deposits are composed of 85% silica which is why the substance looks like fine white talc powder.

As An Organic Pest Control Product

Why is the substance used as an organic pest control product? Firstly, Diatomaceous Earth is a natural product and secondly, it is composed of tiny sharp-edged particles that, you guessed it, can slice open the tough skin of any pest that it is applied on. You would think that the concept is something that a movie director might have come up with, but there you have it.

How Does It Work?

The powder works wonders after it has been scattered in an area where pests are likely to crawl by.

However, unlike bait systems, Diatomaceous Earth does not have to be ingested by pests in order to be effective. Once the powder covers an insect its sharp edges crack open the pest’s tough shell. The exposed pests dry out and die once the holes let out all the moisture from their bodies.

Made up of microscopic diatoms.

Made up of microscopic diatoms.

Perhaps one of the most convenient aspects of Diatomaceous Earth is that you do not need to combine it with toxic pesticides in order for it to eradicate pests.

A sprinkling of Diatomaceous Earth can be applied to furniture or any indoor space that is suspected of housing pests. Some homeowners also use DE to eradicate pests for their home gardens without fearing that it might damage their crop.

The substance doesn’t harm earthworms or micro organisms that might be beneficial for your garden either. Farmers are also known to use the substance as a pesticide-free pest control solution for their fields.

What Types of Pests Does It Eradicate?

DE has been used as a nontoxic flea and tick remedy by pet owners for years. In addition, it is also known to be effective against common indoor pests such as roaches and ants. Other pests that it can control include harmful garden insects such as snails, leaf hoppers, aphids, slugs, mites, white flies, spiders, silverfish, roaches, lice, fire ants, mites, earwigs, carpenter ants, crickets and others.

Does It Work?

That depends on how it is applied. Most homeowners sweep the powder under corners or furniture to get at places where pests might be hiding. Any other place that pests can hide can also be the perfect place to spread the powder.

A typical bed bug

 Get rid of bed bugs with DE

All you need to do wait for is for the pesky pests to walk through it. And yes, it has been known to work for the people who have used it. Of course, you can always resort to a pest control agency’s expertise if you are dealing with a possible infestation.

Is It Safe?

Some experts do caution homeowners to use masks and goggles while using the substance. DE can irritate your nose if it is inhaled and your eyes as well. But don’t worry; the silica in the substance won’t cut your lungs.

It can only slice open pests. In all, the product is perfectly safe to use for both pets and people.
In fact, it is so safe that some people actually consume the substance as a weight loss remedy. In other words, it is a bug killer that you can eat. And if a substance is safe enough to eat, it is safe for everyone in your family

The Verdict

Diatomaceous Earth is a harmless substance that can be used as a natural pest control solution. It can give homeowners the chance to eliminate most house and outdoor bugs. The sharp-edged silica particles slice the tough exoskeleton of most pests.

Needless to say, DE does come in handy as a pesticide free and organic pest control solution.

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