Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Bed Bugs?

Just hearing the term “bed bugs” is enough to put you on edge. Having to live with them is another type of struggle. If you notice tiny bite marks on your body that become itchy and irritated, this might confirm that you have bed bugs. If you’ve ever had them before, you know how much of a painful process it can be to rid them. They’re so small and tricky to see, but once you’ve located them, you’ll want them out of your home ASAP! There is one method you can resort to: Diatomaceous earth is a go-to for many individuals suffering from the annoyance of bed bugs, but there are still those who might not know what it is.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth, also known as D.E. or diatomite, is a natural powder made from rock. It’s used in many products, from toothpaste to cat litter, and can also be utilized to prevent the spread of bed bugs.

Origin

A soft powder, yet rough to the touch, D.E. is made from the remains of fossilized algae called diatoms. When the diatoms died, their tiny shells compacted to form rocks, explaining the fine and rough texture. It is all-natural and free of harmful chemicals, making it safe to apply around your home.

How It Works

Does it kill bed bugs?

Diatomaceous earth can kill bed bugs, but you’ll need a great deal of patience when using it. The powder won’t terminate them immediately, as it can take a week or two before they are finally dead. Some people assume it doesn’t work, but what is essentially happening is that when the bed bugs walk through the powder, it rubs away their defense systems and outer shell. It takes time, but eventually, due to the deterioration of their shells, they will dehydrate and die.

Does it attract them?

Bed bugs have learned to avoid most things that could be harmful or toxic, like pesticides and tea tree oil. However, they are attracted to CO2, heat, and the smell of people (terrifying). While diatomaceous earth won’t attract them, it’s safe to place the powder in areas around you that they’ll have to walk through. Some D.E. products contain synthetic bed bug alarm pheromones, which will make them scurry around faster and more likely to get into the diatomaceous earth.

Before Applying

The effectiveness of diatomaceous earth has had mixed results. There are other methods that should be taken before preparing the application of the powder in your home:

●Steam clean. Bed bugs can’t survive in temperatures of 55℃ (130℉) for more than a couple of hours. Steam cleaning your furniture and bed sheets is a good step in limiting the number of bed bugs.

●Vacuum your home to ensure that you remove bed bugs from any hiding spots. Vacuum carpeting, mattresses, and take apart furniture to get to the spaces they could be lurking in.

●Wash your fabrics. Throw any bed bug-contaminated fabrics, like linens, in the washer at a high temperature. When done, dry them on high heat and store them in a sealed plastic bag or a container.

Applying Diatomaceous Earth

There are some destinations in your home that should be a target for you to treat first. Use an applicator to spread the D.E. powder, which will make it easier to control the amount you distribute.

Where?

●Your bed is a prime spot for bed bug infestation (if the name didn’t already indicate that), and this should be the first spot on your list.

●After you have steam cleaned your mattress, place it in a cover and coat the inside of it with the powder. Any bed bugs that are trapped under it will be forced to crawl through the D.E.

●Sprinkle some D.E. under the mattress on the box spring.

●Make small piles on each corner of the bed so that the bed bugs must walk into it.

●Coat the furniture that you believe may be a place of infestation.

●Sprinkle under couch cushions, around the armrests, under the couch, etc.

●Look at tackling drawers and small crevices where they can hide.

●Window sills and door frames are other spots where they can be lurking.

●Unscrew electrical faceplates and apply some D.E. behind electrical switches or outlets.

How much to use?

The more, the better. You want to ensure that there’s no way for bed bugs to walk around without having to pass through the D.E. Make little hills, rings, or simply dust areas with the powder. It is inexpensive and easy to find, so there is nothing wrong with using large amounts.

Make sure to reapply when necessary. Some spots may require more than one application.

Safety

While diatomaceous earth is non-toxic, you’ll still want to be mindful of inhalation. When applying, wear a mask to ensure you don’t breathe the D.E. into your lungs, as it’s difficult for your body to break down. Crack a window to air out the room. This will rid any dust particles that may have been kicked up during the application of the D.E.

Explain to any children in your home what the D.E. is and urge them to avoid any application points. If you think your pet might get into it, keep them away until the bed bug problem is over.

Avoid getting the powder in your eyes. Goggles are recommended in avoiding any airborne particles from falling into your eyes and irritating them.

Knowinghow to identify bed bugs is essential if you fear you have an infestation. Once you’ve confirmed the worst, you should contact a professional. They’ll take care of any concerns or inquiries you may have and provide several services to choose from, bed bug extermination being one of them. Take action today and make your home life pest-free.