diatomaceous earth for bed bugs

How To Use Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Bed Bugs

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If you’re looking for an effective and natural way to get rid of bed bugs, you might want to consider using diatomaceous earth. This natural substance is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, which are ground into a fine powder that can be used to kill insects.

In this article, we’ll explain what diatomaceous earth is, how it works, and how to use it to kill bed bugs. We’ll also provide some tips on how to use diatomaceous earth safely and effectively, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about this natural bed bug killer.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE BED BUGS?

Bed bugs are small insects and usually prefer to walk around at night. Therefore, you can realize the existence of bed bugs in two ways:

  • You can see them
  • They can bite you

The first way is the easy one. If you know what they look like, you can easily be sure of their existence. A bed bug has those physical features:

  • 1 to 6 mm sized
  • Oval-shaped
  • Flatted
  • Reddish-brown (close to red when recently fed)
  • Has no wings
  • Can’t fly
  • Can’t jump
  • Moves fast when you start to observe them

WHAT A BED BUG BITE LOOKS LIKE?

Sometimes you do not see any bed bugs around, but you know they are there because you have some bites on your body.

Signs of bed bug bites are below:

  • There are small red bite trails and spots
  • Bites cause red welts
  • Bites cause itching in most cases
  • Bites are like mosquito bites

DO YOU FEEL BED BUG BITES?

Checkout Bed Bug traps

The answer is usually “no”. Because bed bugs secrete a liquid while they’re biting, and this stops you from feeling pain.

However, several reactions can occur during a bed bug bite, you will probably feel nothing while the bed bug is feeding on you.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BED BUGS

I always suggest you have some professional support in such cases, even so, there are some homemade natural remedies for bed bugs.

Diatomaceous earth may become the best choice among these natural remedies. So, what is it?

WHAT IS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH?

Diatomaceous earth is composed of silicon dioxide and formed from fossilized diatoms. Diatoms are a kind of microorganisms. Diatomaceous earth, also known as DE, is a naturally occurring substance that is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are microscopic organisms that live in water and are characterized by their hard, porous shells. When diatoms die, their shells sink to the bottom of the water and accumulate over time, eventually forming deposits of diatomaceous earth.

Diatomaceous Earth to kill bed bugs

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HOW DOES DIATOMACEOUS EARTH KILL BED BUGS?

Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating insects. When bed bugs come into contact with diatomaceous earth, the sharp edges of the tiny particles cut through the waxy outer layer of their exoskeleton, causing the bugs to dehydrate and die.

It is important to note that diatomaceous earth does not work immediately. It can take several days or even weeks for bed bugs to die after coming into contact with it.

ADVANTAGES OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO KILL BED BUGS

There are several advantages to using diatomaceous earth to kill bed bugs, including:

  • It is a natural and non-toxic solution.
  • It is effective at killing bed bugs and other insects.
  • It is relatively inexpensive compared to other bed bug treatments.
  • It can be used in combination with other bed bug control methods.

IS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH SAFE TO USE?

Diatomaceous earth is very safe to use. Because it is a kind of earth and the only way it can harm you is by making around dirty.

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH SHOULD BE USED?

There are a lot of types of diatomaceous earth. So, you must find a %100 diatomaceous earth which can is good to use against insects at home.

Important awareness: Some diatomaceous earth is used for swimming pool filters and this kind of diatomaceous earth should not be used at home, because it is an important inhalation hazard.

WHERE TO BUY DIATOMACEOUS EARTH?

You can easily find it on internet websites like Amazon. It should also be available in some markets in your city.

HOW TO USE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO KILL BED BUGS?



Here a tried-and-tested method is:

Strip diatomaceous earth to those areas carefully:

  • Door sills
  • Wall edges
  • Around the bed
  • In front of the cracks and holes
  • Around the cabinets

Our main purpose while doing this is to put this earth in all possible walking ways of bed bugs. so, we want bed bugs to pass over this earth if they want to move.

I know a lot of earth is going to be around, but we shouldn’t let them find one single space without any diatomaceous earth.

After doing this, you must wait for a couple of weeks. As bed bugs pass over diatomaceous earth, they will start dying because of dehydration in their bodies.

What you must do is only to be patient and wait for that!

CLEANING UP AFTER TREATMENT

After the bed bug infestation has been eliminated, it is important to clean up the diatomaceous earth properly. This includes

  • Vacuuming up any excess diatomaceous earth. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to ensure that the powder is properly contained.
  • Wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any remaining diatomaceous earth residue.
  • Laundering all bedding and clothing that may have come into contact with diatomaceous earth.

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH PRICES

Sure, it will change from one country to another one. But the use of diatomaceous earth against bed bugs at home will cost $20 to $30 on average, while a professional bed bug exterminator will cost $500 at least.

How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs with diatomaceous earth?

As I explained above, you will need time to get rid of bed bugs with diatomaceous earth. In our case, it was a week, but it can last up to 30 days in some cases.

So, my advice is to keep diatomaceous earth around, as long as you can do it.

TIPS TO USE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO KILL BED BUGS

  • It is dust and can spread around easily. Avoid strong airflows at your home.
  • If you have a baby at home, keep an eye on the baby.
  • If you have any other places to go, leave the house during the BED BUGS treatment.
  • Bed bugs’ eggs will not be affected by diatomaceous earth. But eggs will hatch in 6 to 10 days and they will walk around for feeding too. ?

OTHER METHODS FOR BED BUG CONTROL

In addition to diatomaceous earth, there are other methods for controlling bed bugs, including:

  • Heat treatment: Exposing infested items to high temperatures can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
  • Chemical treatments: Professional pest control companies can use insecticides to eliminate bed bug infestations.
  • Encasements: Bed bug-proof mattress and box spring encasements can prevent bed bugs from entering or escaping from the bed.

CONCLUSION

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and effective solution for killing bed bugs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can use diatomaceous earth to eliminate a bed bug infestation in your home. Remember to be patient, and use diatomaceous earth in combination with other bed bug control methods for the best results.

FAQS

  1. Is diatomaceous earth safe to use around pets and children?
  • Yes, as long as you use food-grade diatomaceous earth and follow the instructions carefully.
  1. How long does it take for diatomaceous earth to kill bed bugs?
  • It can take several days or even weeks for bed bugs to die after coming into contact with diatomaceous earth.

“Using diatomaceous earth for bed bug control is an effective and natural solution that can be used safely in homes with pets and children.”