How to Safely Use Diatomaceous Earth to Help Deter Pests

The grill is sizzling, the kids are chasing fireflies, and suddenly you spot an ant caravan invading the patio. If you’re looking for a natural pest control method and to keep the great summer vibe intact, then diatomaceous earth (DE) might be one of your new backyard sidekicks. Learn all about natural diatomaceous earth pest control and how to apply it safely.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Before you bust open the bag, let’s talk about what makes up diatomaceous earth powder. DE is a chalk-white dust made from fossilized diatoms – naturally occurring microscopic algae that form a sedimentary rock. The primary chemical compound in the microscopic algae is silica. To make a powder that can be used for pest control, the rock is ground into a the porous, odorless, and super-dry powder that has an abrasive feel, low density, and high porosity.

How Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Bugs?

DE kills insects by dehydrating them. The powder is scratchy and cuts through an insect’s hard outer shell then dehydrates and ultimately kills them. The scratchiness in the natural pesticide is caused by the microscopic, fossilized diatoms which have very sharp edges.

Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe?

If you stick to food-grade DE and avoid inhaling clouds of dust, then DE, in small amounts, is considered safe. Food-grade DE contains up to 2% crystalline silica. This is low enough to be EPA-labeled for household use. Wet noses and little lungs don’t love airborne powder, so apply DE when the wind is calm and keep pets and children inside until the dust settles. The microscopic sharp edges throughout DE powder can irritate your skin and eyes. It is recommended to handle it with gloves and to wear glasses or an eye mask when it is loose.

Is diatomaceous earth safe for dogs? Yes. Food-grade DE is labeled safe; just keep pets away during application to avoid dust inhalation.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth Like a Pro

1. Choose a dry day. DE clumps when wet, so aim for a 24-hour rain-free window.
2. Load a hand duster or flour sifter. Lightly coat surfaces with an even spread of DE.
3. Target high-traffic zones. Patio cracks, soil near flowering plants, and damp mulch are common areas where pests thrive outside.
4. Re-apply after storms or irrigation. If it looks damp, it’s time to refresh. DE loses its sharpness and clumps, losing surface area, when wet.

Pair your DIY approach with our natural pest control service. Harnessing the power of essential oils, our professional service helps disrupt the lifecycle of harmful pests and continues to deter them from your space for up to 21 days.

Diatomaceous Earth Uses – Tackling Specific Culprits

DE is often used to naturally target pests that invade yards and homes like bed bugs, roaches, silverfish, and earwigs. Here’s how to manage some common pests that DE is used to control:

Ants

Does diatomaceous earth kill ants? Absolutely. Dust it on visible mounds and along sidewalks. DE particles cling to worker bodies, dehydrating them and the queen they feed. For stubborn colonies, our ant control team can locate and help manage satellite nests that DIY dust often misses.

Fleas

Does diatomaceous earth kill fleas? Yes. If your pet’s favorite spot outside has become a flea nursery, sprinkle DE generously throughout the area for natural flea control. Work it into the topsoil with a rake and let the sunlight help it stay dry.

Cockroaches

Roaches love damp mulch and firewood piles. When using diatomaceous earth for roach control, puff the powder into crevices, behind planters, and around trash bins. Roaches will walk through the DE and carry it back to harborage sites.

Garden Pests

DE is an effective organic pest control method in the garden for a range of garden pests, even those that don’t have hard exoskeletons, like slugs and tomato hornworms. Sprinkle it at the base of plants or use it to create a barrier they won’t cross.

Because DE can also harm some beneficial insects, if using it in your garden, strategically place it near plants that show signs of insect damage.

Gardening with Diatomaceous Earth

Here are some tips and information for using DE as a natural pest control for your garden:

• Moisture matters – Moisture reduces effectiveness, so reapply after watering or rain.
• Pollinator protection – Avoid coating open blooms to keep bees and other pollinators safer.
• Use sparingly on leaves – If sprinkling DE on the leaves of infested plants, do so sparingly. Too much DE can impact photosynthesis by absorbing necessary moisture.

Does diatomaceous earth kill plants?

No, it won’t harm plants when used properly and in moderation. Silica can even strengthen cell walls, making stems more drought tolerant. It also supports soil structure by improving drainage and aeration. DE retains moisture while preventing soil compaction.

A Balanced Approach to Natural Pest Control

Using diatomaceous earth for insect control is a simple, safe, and effective addition to our outdoor toolkit. Dust a thin veil to achieve natural garden pest control, knock down flea populations in shady corners, and create an eco-friendly, natural way to control ants. While DE is a great way to control pests that have made their way to your space, the best natural pest control is one that deters pests from your yard in the first place!

Learn how your local Squad^® can help you protect your yard with preventative pest control. Call (877) 332-2239 or request a cost-free quote online.