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Diatomaceous Earth Insecticide

- A natural insecticide from ancient marine organisms -

Summary: Diatomaceous earth is a safe and effective alternative to conventional insecticides for a variety of pests. It can be used indoors and outdoors in dry situations.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

What is diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is composed of the fossilized shells of tiny marine organisms called diatoms. The shells are made mainly of silica sand. Ancient, land-locked, nearly pure deposits of diatomaceous earth are mined for use in manufacturing and agriculture.

Diatomaceous earth has a variety of uses in filtration, adsorbants, a component of dynamite (another name for diatomaceous earth is diatomite), and as a natural insecticide. The insecticidal properties come from its highly absorbant and slightly abrasive properties.

Diatomaceous earth is very effective against a number of crawling insect pests like cockroaches, ants, earwigs, silverfish, sowbugs and pillbugs, and bedbugs. But, it must be kept dry to be effective. When wet the material will clump and become ineffective. For this reason it is more often used indoors as a low toxicity insecticide or in the garden during dry periods.

 

 

Because diatomaceous earth is a fine powder you should wear a dust mask when applying it. But, except for the hazards of breathing the dust, diatomaceous earth exhibits very low mammalian toxicity compared to many other insecticides.

Another form of silica used in pest control is called amorphous silica. Amorphous silica is made by heating ordinary sand to a very high temperature. Amorphous silica is often combined with the natural insecticide pyrethrum. Two commonly used silica dust insecticides are Tri-Die and Drione.

Using Inert Dust Insecticides

Borate and silica dusts have a variety uses in pest control. They are generally safe to apply and last a long time if they are kept dry.

The Pest Management Store

Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.

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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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