Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Bed Bugs? – Bed Bug’s Worst Nightmare?

Diatomaceous earth has gained attention as a potential weapon in the fight against bed bugs. This natural substance, made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, is known for its pest control properties.

Remarkably, it can help you tackle a bed bug infestation in your home without resorting to harsh chemicals.

When you sprinkle diatomaceous earth around areas where bed bugs are suspected, the fine, abrasive powder works its magic.

The bugs crawl across the treated surfaces, and the diatomaceous earth absorbs the oils and fats from the cuticle of their exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.

This method of pest control is valued for its safety and effectiveness, providing a non-toxic solution to a notoriously tricky problem.

So, does diatomaceous earth kill bed bugs? The answer is yes, but is it really effective to treat a bed bug infestation?

Key Takeaways

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth, often referred to as DE, is a naturally occurring substance that you’ll find incredibly useful in your home.

This intriguing material is the fossilized remains of ancient algae, known as diatoms, which have settled for eons in old bodies of water.

You’ll often encounter diatomaceous earth in a powdery form, which is how it’s distributed for various uses.

Composition

• Primary component: Silica
• Texture: Fine, abrasive powder
• Color: Off-white to grey

The fossilized diatoms in diatomaceous earth are primarily composed of silica, making it quite effective for a variety of applications.

Its abrasive quality, paired with its absorbent nature, enables it to be used, for instance, in filtration systems to purify water.

Types of Diatomaceous Earth

There are two main types of diatomaceous earth: food grade and filter grade (also known as pool grade).

• Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth: This type is not harmful to humans and animals. It contains less than 1% crystalline silica and is often used in agriculture for grain storage, as a feed supplement, and as an insecticide. 

• Filter Grade Diatomaceous Earth: This type has been heat-treated and contains a higher content of crystalline silica, making it effective for filtration purposes, such as in swimming pools. It is not safe for consumption. Therefore, you should never use it to eliminate bed bugs, as it could harm your children’s or pets’ health.

How Diatomaceous Earth Works Against Bed Bugs

When you’re waging war against bed bugs, diatomaceous earth (DE) is a strategic ally. This fine powder, composed of fossilized remains of algae, acts like a natural insecticide due to its sharp, microscopic edges.

Here’s what you need to know about how it works:

• Physical Damage: DE targets the exoskeleton of the bugs. When bed bugs crawl over the powder, the abrasive particles slice through their waxy protective layer.
• Dehydration: Once their exoskeleton is compromised, bed bugs begin to dehydrate. This loss of moisture is lethal, leading to their death due to dehydration.
• Safety and Efficiency: Food-grade (DE) is non-toxic, making it safe for use in your home. While not an overnight solution, it is an effective part of eradicating bed bugs.

Remember, patience is key—you won’t kill bed bugs instantly. However, with consistent application, diatomaceous earth is a formidable tool in bed bug control.

How To Properly Use Diatomaceous Earth to Eliminate Bed Bugs?

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that’s effective against bed bugs when applied correctly. It’s essential to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and follow a meticulous approach to ensure thorough coverage and safety.

1. Get Your Home Ready for Treatment

Before applying diatomaceous earth, remove clutter from your home to limit hiding places for bed bugs.

Vacuum carpets, mattresses, and furniture thoroughly.

Wash your clothes, linens, and bedding in hot water and, if possible, steam clean your carpeting to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.

2. Protect Yourself When Using Diatomaceous Earth

When handling diatomaceous earth (DE), you must take several safety measures to protect your health. Use a mask to prevent inhaling the fine dust, which can be harmful to your lungs. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated to reduce airborne particles.

Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect your skin and eyes, as DE can dry your skin and irritate your eyes.

Although food-grade DE is natural and generally safe, you should limit children’s and pets’ exposure by applying it in less accessible areas.

3. Apply Diatomaceous Earth Powder

Use a paintbrush to brush the DE into carpets, along baseboards, and on fabrics where bed bugs might travel or hide.

Apply a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the room. Focus on areas where bed bugs are likely to crawl.

This includes along moldings, in drawers, behind appliances, along windowsills, and door jams.

Spread the DE thinly. Bed bugs are less likely to walk through the powder if you lay it on too thickly.

Apply the substance carefully to minimize dust. Keep it dry for effective pest control. If the dust gets wet, it will lose its effectiveness.

4. Repeat The Process

For sustained effectiveness, it would be best to re-apply the diatomaceous earth every week.

Note that factors such as season, humidity, and moisture can affect how often you should reapply.

The key is to ensure that the bed bugs come into contact with the DE, so you’ll want to apply it to areas where bed bugs hide and travel.

You also need to leave the DE undisturbed for a couple of weeks to ensure that the bed bugs are exposed to it long enough to be effective.

5. Clean Up After Diatomaceous Earth Treatment

After you’ve completed the treatment cycle, carefully vacuum the powder; it will help remove both the dead bugs and the diatomaceous earth. If you have a steam cleaner, use it. Bed bugs can’t survive in high temperatures and will instantly die after being exposed to the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

When addressing bed bug infestations, diatomaceous earth is a go-to remedy for many, given its efficacy and ease of use. In this section, I tackle some common queries to help you use this powder treatment safely and effectively.

Q: How Effective Diatomaceous Earth is Against Other Pests?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is known to be effective against a variety of pests. It works by causing microscopic tears in the exoskeletons of insects, which leads to dehydration and death.

This method of pest control is mechanical rather than chemical, which means it is less likely for pests to develop resistance to it.

The National Pesticide Information Center has recognized the effectiveness of DE in controlling bed bugs, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders, and many other pests.

While DE can be effective, it may not be a comprehensive solution for bed bug infestation.

Q: How quickly can bed bugs be eliminated using powder treatments?

The time frame for eliminating bed bugs using powder treatments like diatomaceous earth can vary. After you apply it, bed bugs generally take about seven to seventeen days to die.

However, this process is not immediate, and in some cases, weeks and sometimes months might be necessary for the treatment to significantly reduce the bed bug population.

It’s important to note that while diatomaceous earth can kill bed bugs within 24-48 hours of contact, it does not kill bed bug eggs. So, you may need to make multiple applications over a period of weeks to address the entire lifecycle of the pests.

Q: Is it safe to apply diatomaceous earth directly onto a mattress?

Yes, you can generally apply diatomaceous earth directly onto a mattress. However, make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and take precautions to avoid inhaling the dust.

The most important safety tip is to wear a dust mask when spreading it to prevent respiratory irritation.

You should also use a bed bug mattress cover after application to prevent direct contact and further contain the dust.

Q: What precautions should be taken when using diatomaceous earth around pets?

While diatomaceous earth is non-toxic, it can be harsh on the lungs, as it’s a fine powder that generates a lot of dust, which isn’t good to inhale, especially for those who have asthma.

So, while you apply the diatomaceous earth, keep pets and children away from the area being treated. This will prevent them from inhaling the dust or coming into direct contact with it.

Q: Can bed bug eggs be exterminated with diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is effective against adult bed bugs and nymphs. However, it is less effective against bed bug eggs. A protective coating shields the eggs from desiccants like diatomaceous earth.

To eliminate bed bug eggs completely, you’ll need to use additional methods. These include heat treatment or freezing technology. Although expensive, these methods work like a charm at exterminating bed bugs and their eggs completely.

Q: What are the differences between diatomaceous earth and boric acid in bed bug treatment?

Diatomaceous earth is a mechanical insecticide, while boric acid acts as a stomach poison for insects.

Diatomaceous earth is safer around children and pets because it does not have the same toxicity as boric acid.

Q: Why might professional exterminators avoid using diatomaceous earth?

Professional exterminators may opt out of using diatomaceous earth because it’s less effective for big or diverse infestations and requires careful, repeated application. It only works on direct contact and is less effective when wet. Plus, it’s slow-acting and can irritate the lungs when inhaled. They prefer professional methods that are safer and work faster and better, like heat treatment or freezing technology.

Final Words

In summary, diatomaceous earth can help get rid of bed bugs but not their eggs. Not to mention that It might take a long time, from a few weeks to months, to work effectively.

If you have a bed bug infestation, you should use diatomaceous earth with other pest control procedures, such as heat treatment or freezing technology, to eliminate them completely and prevent a re-infestation.

Have you used diatomaceous earth to kill bed bugs? If so, what results did you get?

All Natural Earth

Hey there and welcome to my site! I’m Simone, a deeply passionated about toxin-free living. That’s why I created Allnaturalearth.com as a haven for anyone seeking a healthier, chemical-free lifestyle. I provide helpful articles, practical tips, and advice, all based on my personal experiences and dedicated research. So, Join me, and let’s make together a positive impact on our well-being and the environment!