If you’ve ever awakened to find red spots on your legs and stomach, there’s a good chance you’ve had an unwelcome encounter with bed bugs. These tiny, bloodthirsty insects are known for their unique feeding habits, which involve a breakfast, lunch, and dinner formation of three bites at a time. Unfortunately, bed bugs are masters of stealth, hiding away during the day and silently feasting on your blood at night. So, how can you rid your home of these pests without resorting to chemical pesticides that may fill your living space with harmful toxins? Is diatomaceous earth a viable option for bed bug treatment?
Can I Use Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Bed Bugs?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) offers a fast way to get rid of these bloodsucking parasites without filling your home with toxic pesticides. DE features microscopic sharp edges, making it a highly abrasive substrate when it contacts bed bugs.
Bed bugs have a waxy coating on their shells; the DE removes this protection. As a result, the bed bugs can’t hold moisture in their body, and they start losing nutrients vital for survival. As they lose the waxy coating, they begin to dehydrate and die, leaving your home bed bug-free.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are ancient, single-celled organisms. These diatoms left behind their skeletons, which, over time, accumulated into the fine powder we now know as diatomaceous earth. This substance primarily consists of silicon dioxide, and its unique feature is its microscopic sharp edges. These tiny, abrasive edges give diatomaceous earth its ability to work as an effective bed bug killer.
Safety Before You Start
Before using DE, it’s essential to take the proper precautions. Inhaling the dust particles produced by this fine powder can lead to severe lung and respiratory tract irritation, while skin contact can result in uncomfortable itching symptoms.
To ensure your safety, it’s crucial to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as opposed to “garden-grade” or “pool-grade” versions. Food-grade DE contains less than 1% crystalline silica and remains uncalcined, making it safe for domestic use.
How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work Against Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are equipped with a waxy outer coating that serves as a protective barrier. When DE comes into contact with bed bugs, it effectively removes this protective layer, exposing the bugs to the elements. As a result, bed bugs are unable to retain moisture within their bodies and start losing essential nutrients necessary for their survival.
With the loss of their waxy coating, bed bugs become vulnerable, and over time, they gradually perish and die. This natural and non-toxic approach can effectively leave your home bed bug-free.
Is DE Effective for Killing Bed Bugs?
Diatomaceous earth isn’t a magical, one-stop solution for bed bugs, but it can be a valuable tool. When used in conjunction with other treatments, it serves as an effective supplemental control for bed bugs. In a study conducted by the University of Kentucky, DE was tested in six separate trials to eradicate bed bug infestations in apartments.
Professionals strategically distributed DE around these apartments, and the results revealed that only one of the six apartments achieved complete eradication of the bed bug infestation. The remaining five apartments showed no significant change in bed bug activity.
These results don’t necessarily imply that DE is ineffective in dealing with bed bug infestations. Rather, they emphasize that DE can be used in tandem with other bed bug control methods to enhance results. The primary drawback of using DE in bed bug control is that the bugs must come into direct contact with the substance for it to be effective.
If DE is not applied correctly, the bed bugs may simply walk over it without any concern. Effective bed bug control with diatomaceous earth requires sustained contact between the substance and the insects.
A Step-by-Step Guide on Using Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Bed Bugs
If you insist on trying DE to kill off bed bugs, follow this step-by-step guide to apply it safely and effectively. Start with proper preparation. Wash your bedding in hot water and seal all clothing in airlock bags. Move furniture away from the walls and ensure the bed doesn’t touch the floor.
Step #1: Identify the bed bugs’ hiding spots and the paths they use to reach your bed. Apply DE in these areas, which may include locations such as:
- On the sides and underneath your mattress.
- On the bed’s legs.
- In the box spring.
- On the floor surrounding the bed.
- Around furniture near the bed.
- On the edges of your carpets.
- Inside gaps in the baseboards and walls.
- On doorframes and windowsills.
- Around the room’s perimeter.
Step #2: Wear gloves and a mask, then sprinkle DE across the surface of the box spring and the legs of the bed. Ensure you create a substantial layer of DE around the furniture close to the bed.
Step #3: Spread the diatomaceous earth evenly using a duster or brush. Avoid using a bottle to puff it over surfaces unless you’re applying it to crevices and cracks where brushing it in isn’t feasible.
Step #4: Repeat the application steps for the baseboards, walls, windowsills, and the room’s perimeter where you suspect bed bug activity.
Step #5: Form a ring of DE around the bed to ensure that bed bugs must walk through it to reach your bed.
Step #6: Every seven days, clean up the diatomaceous earth using a vacuum cleaner. Bear in mind that clearing a bed bug infestation can take up to four weeks, and success is not guaranteed.
Using Diatomaceous Earth To Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Diatoms, tiny organisms called diatoms, are naturally occurring in our environment. applying diatomaceous earth, using this substance, which is in a crystalline form, to control pests. It’s essential to use it carefully, especially in humid environments, as breathing in the dust can be harmful over long periods of time. For safe usage, it’s a good idea to consult resources like the National Pesticide Information Center to make sure you’re following best practices.
Additional Information: Diatomaceous Earth Fact Sheet – National Pesticide Information Center
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