Diatomaceous earth is a natural product made from tiny fossils of aquatic plants called diatoms. These plant particles have sharp edges that cut through the protective skin, dehydrating and possibly killing insects. Fossil powder is a natural pesticide that is widely used for bedbugs/bed bugs, but can also be effective against all carpet pests. Because it tends to work slowly and can be unpredictable at times, it's best to combine this method with other pest control practices, such as thorough cleaning and moisture control.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Ingredients
Step 1. Use diatomaceous earth labeled as pest grade or food grade
Diatomaceous earth is available in two forms. Most diatomaceous earth sold as a pest control or labeled food grade is safe for the home and has not been associated with serious health problems. Never use diatomaceous earth labeled pool grade or industrial grade at home because this product (eventually) causes permanent respiratory distress.
- All diatomaceous earth products are actually a mixture of “safe” and “unsafe” types. Food grade diatomaceous earth still has a small amount of “unsafe” diatomaceous earth, and is still harmful if inhaled in large quantities.
- Diatomaceous earth sold for pest control must meet certain safety standards and include safe instructions on the label (at least in the United States) so it is usually the best choice. Food grade diatomaceous earth may not carry a detailed safety label as it is not intended for use in its pure, dry form, but is similar to pest grade diatomaceous earth and the risks are minimal provided follow the precautions below.
Step 2. Follow the security instructions
Since food grade diatomaceous earth is usually stirred into food and eaten, some people find this product completely safe. However, concentrated dry powder can seriously irritate the lungs, eyes and skin. Review the following precautions before starting:
- At a minimum, always wear a dust mask because your respiratory system is the most at risk. It is better to wear a respirator mask, especially if you plan to use diatomaceous earth frequently.
- Wear gloves and protective eyewear, as well as long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Keep children and pets off the carpet while it is still sprinkled with diatomaceous earth.
- Consider testing a small area first, following the instructions below. If you or your household doesn't react negatively, repeat on the entire carpet.
Step 3. Select a sowing tool
Professional pest controllers use special tools to spread out an even layer of fine dust, but these tools are hard to find for the average consumer. You can use a feather duster, paint brush, or flour sifter. Take (don't pour) the diatomaceous earth into the sprinkler slowly so that the particles don't float in the air.
It is not recommended to use a squeeze bottle or bellows (a kind of pump) because it can blow diatomaceous earth powder so that it floats in the air
Part 2 of 2: Applying Diatomaceous Earth
Step 1. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth over the edges of the carpet
Apply a thin layer of powder so that it is evenly distributed and barely visible around the perimeter of the carpet. Insects need to crawl through the powder to be injured by it, and will most likely avoid thick powder coatings. A thick layer will also easily fly into the air and irritate the lungs or eyes.
Carpets are usually only treated at the edges so that work on the carpet doesn't blow diatomaceous earth into the air (that way you can kill insects without harming your health). If the rug is in a side room, it's best to spread it over a large area and stay out of the room for several days
Step 2. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the furniture legs
Diatomaceous earth is not designed for use on furniture or mattress fabrics, where it can irritate human skin. However, you can prevent insects from climbing on the legs of furniture by sprinkling a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around them.
This won't prevent the bugs from reaching the furniture, but will expose them to diatomaceous earth along the way and (hopefully) kill them a few days later
Step 3. Keep the humidity in the house low
Diatomaceous earth is more effective in dry environments if available, turn on a dehumidifier indoors. You can apply cross blowing with a fan, but make sure the fan isn't facing directly where the diatomaceous earth powder is so it doesn't blow off.
Step 4. Leave the carpet as long as possible
As long as the diatomaceous earth powder isn't blown off or you're not coughing (which shouldn't happen if applied correctly), you don't need to get rid of the diatomaceous earth powder. This powder will continue to be effective as long as it stays dry and often takes a week or more to kill the insects. Since insects may have hatched eggs during this time, leaving the diatomaceous earth powder on the carpet will help prevent insects from returning.
Step 5. Use other pest control methods along with diatomaceous earth
It is difficult to predict the effectiveness of the diatomaceous earth method. Insect populations in one area can be stronger than species in another. Instead of waiting for the results, attack insects using several methods at once. Learn more about dealing with bedbugs, cockroaches, carpet lice, or fleas.
Step 6. Clean the diatomaceous earth with an unfiltered vacuum cleaner
A regular vacuum cleaner can be used for one light application, but an unfiltered vacuum cleaner or shop vac is better if you plan to use diatomaceous earth several times.
You don't need to rush to remove diatomaceous earth from your carpet unless you use too much (leaving a visible pile of powder). You just don't forget to use the right tools so that they don't damage the normal vacuum cleaner when cleaning the carpet
Step 7. Consider leaving diatomaceous earth on the edges of the carpet
As long as diatomaceous earth remains dry, its effectiveness can last for months or even years. If you can lift the rug, consider leaving a thin layer of diatomaceous earth under the edges, where it won't kick people.
It's best not to leave diatomaceous earth at home with pets or small children. n
Tips
The effects of diatomaceous earth can be difficult to predict. If your first attempt fails, try another brand, or switch to a synthetic type called silica airgel
Warning
- Pest control and food grade diatomaceous earth is not the same as that used for charcoal filters or swimming pool filters. Even though they are made from the same mineral compounds, pool grade diatomaceous earth should never be used to eradicate pests.
- Even food-grade diatomaceous earth can irritate the lungs if inhaled. Although it rarely causes long-term damage, it contains small amounts of crystalline silicon dioxide, which is often associated with silicosis and other respiratory disorders.
