People constantly ask me "Does diatomaceous earth really kill bed bugs?" The answer is easy, yes it really does! With a little research you will find a couple of methods to combat and kill bed bugs without pesticide sprays, but probably the most effective and natural techniques is to apply diatomaceous earth! Diatomaceous earth also called diatomite, is really a naturally developing, siliceous (silica) sedimentary rock from ancient shells and single celled microorganisms, that's ground to a fine powder.
The powder has a coarse feel, something similar to pumice powder, and it is very porous.
There are many ways to use diatomaceous earth in addition to that of a pesticide including, filtration, absorbent for liquids, scrubbing agent, backing component in dynamite, activator in bloodstream clots studies, and much more.
Diatomite can be used as a pesticide due to its unusual qualities.
Diatomite powder has microscopic razor sharp edges that cut the waxy surface of insects' exoskeletons, leaving them to dry out.
Diatomaceous Earth may be used to manage bed bugs, roaches, flea beetles, sawfly, mites, aphids, thrips, earwigs, silverfish, and bugs, ticks.
It's also utilized in gardens to wipe out slugs and snails by sprinkling the powder directly on the soil.
Dealing with bed bugs: Diatomaceous earth is lightly spread through areas in your house wherever bed bugs or any other bugs typically travel.
These areas include along and under base board, around mattress posts, around furniture legs, and anywhere you have seen or been bitten by bed bugs.
Additionally, you should disassemble your mattress frame and dust all joints, the mattress well, and then any cracks or crevices where bed bugs might hide, always concentrating on areas near beds, sofas, or any places that people congregate.
Use a thin coating in these areas and allow it to sit for up to a week.
Diatomaceous earth is mainly comprised of silica, therefore it doesn't break lower and can keep working with time.
Although it might be advisable to sweep it up occasionally and re-apply the powder, simply to remove any dead bugs and dirt which has gathered.
Suggestions: Since diatomaceous earth is a very fine powder, it's easy for the powder to be inhaled by your family and pets alike.
So it's important to buy "food grade" Diatomaceous Earth for domestic use.
This specific soil has been refined to make sure that it's clean and free from any foreign contaminants, which makes it safe of house hold use.
Although very safe, when utilizing D.
E it is usually wise to put on a dust mask so you don't breath the fine contaminants in when dusting infected areas.
Used right diatomaceous earth can be an effective tool in your fight against bed bugs and help you to save money on exterminator bills.