This is a FAQ on diatomceous earth (DE).
Diatomaceous earth, also known as DE, diatomite, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur and Celite) is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is 86% silica, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron.
Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.
Freshwater DE is used by many in fighting or preventing bed bugs. It is not a pesticide, but a dust made from granulated fossil shells; it kills bed bugs when they make contact with it. So a thin dusting in places where it won’t be disturbed can be helpful in killing bed bugs.
I would caution people against trying to deal with a serious infestation using just DE (or vacuuming, or contact killers such as enzyme cleaners, 90% rubbing alcohol, steam or boiling water). You may have a serious infestation even if you have not been seeing bed bugs, and a PCO experienced with bed bugs should be brought in, or other treatments such as professional Vikane gas treatment (for entire buildings) or professional thermal treatments.
We’re also told DE can take ten days to kill bed bugs once they come into contact with it.
That said, many people may benefit from augmenting treatment with DE, and others may use it as a preventative against new infestations.
I have cobbled together advice from several readers who posted to a “Tales of Woe” thread, where diatomaceous earth was the subject.
There are pesticide dusts, but the comments below refer only to food-grade freshwater diatomaceous earth (since those which are not food-grade and from freshwater sources are less safe). If you use DE, you need a good tool for applying it. You can buy a puffer. Some have mentioned using a paintbrush or a turkey baster, but I would recommend getting the best tool you can for applying a thin layer of dust. More is not better in the case of DE: bed bugs won’t walk through a thicker coating and so it won’t have a chance to kill them.
Also, since I recommend you work with a PCO, I suggest that you do not apply DE during the course of their treatment without consulting them. They may be using other substances that this may not work with (always a danger when you use anything of your own volition during treatment!) So ask. Also, if you are vacuuming often (as is frequently necessary during treatment–again, ask your PCO) you’ll want to reapply a thin coating when the DE is vacuumed up. It may wear out your vacuum more quickly, so be warned.
I would also say that although fresh water / food grade DE is safe if used properly, you should probably use a good respirator mask when applying any dust (such as the one recommended below), and disposable waterproof gloves when applying this or any other substance. No dust is safe if inhaled. Do not use large quantities that are likely to be kicked up and inhaled, and do not place in windowsills where a breeze might blow the dust around.
In our forums, Jim (spideyjg) contributed the following important safety warning (note: I am copying spideyjg’s entire statement below, so you do not need to leave this FAQ):
DE or any pesticide dust is for use only in areas where the living things present are ones you want to die. Cracks, crevices, wall voids etc, applied then left undisturbed.
Apply it, wearing your PPE, Personal Protective Equipment, ventilate the place when done before removing your safety gear.
See the CDC’s Occupational Health Guideline for Amorphous Silica (PDF here), or NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards on Amorphous Silica.
DE is an inhalation hazard per the CDC. It can cause silicosis. It can be quite safe when used properly but isn’t as safe as some hucksters make it out to be.
Your choice to either listen to the CDC and NIOSH who are charged with health and worker safety or some schmoe selling DE as a miracle BB treatment.
Don’t get me wrong I used DE and swear by it as an effective BB weapon but have done enough homework to realize it isn’t as benign as some portray it.
You need to protect yourself from inhaling it and NIOSH recommends a filter depending on the concentration but go for a P100 filtered respirator.
KillerQueen suggested this,
“I would use a Comfo Classic Respirator no matter what the label tells you.
I use GME-P100 cartridge part number or reference number 815182.”
Whatever respirator you get ensure it is P, N, or R100 rated for finest particulate filtration if you are using ANY pesticide dusts.
Your one set of lungs, your choice, but decide on the facts.
Good advice, thanks Jim!
This is the MSA Comfo Classic respirator Jim quotes KillerQueen in recommending (on Amazon): Respirator,Half Mask MSA 808071
This is the GME-P100 #815182 cartridge (on Amazon): Msa 815182 Gme/P100 Shortstack Combination Cartridge
The quotations from others below are, unless otherwise noted, from this thread of comments. (Since a lot else in those comments is not relevant, I won’t just send you there.)
RemedyJones asked,
I am reading mixed messages as to the safety of using DE. It had been recommended that I use fresh water DE since I have pets. Apparently it is food grade. I’ve seen comments on the web stating that it shouldn’t be breathed in or used around areas of high traffic. Others state that it is safe to sprinkle on carpet and floors that it won’t harm pets or humans. So what’s the deal?
Geoffrey Day said:
First off, I am an adviser to a business that sells DE along with other natural and organic pest control products so I am naturally biased. I also use DE and since I haven’t had any BB problems personally, I cannot speak first hand on that matter.
Dirtworks started selling organic fertilizers and learned from farmers that this DE stuff was really something. It is routinely used to quell mite outbreaks in chickens. Lots of farmers swear by this stuff.
I am not a PCO nor an entomologist and perhaps we should have them weigh in here to get their official words on DE.
Fresh water / food grade DE is an ingredient in most pest control powders including numerous best selling flea powders.
At the Dirtworks shop John has a dog named Angel. Angel is routinely treated with DE when necessary, both internally and externally. Angel is doing great! We should all have such an Angel.
If you are concerned about breathing the dust, then avoid breathing it by using the best dust mask you can find. [editor's note: Bedbugger strongly suggests you use a respirator mask, not a dust mask, to apply DE. Please see spideyjg's comments above.]
… What you want to do with DE is apply a light film. What I mean by that is a VERY LIGHT film.
If you are applying it in a way that you are kicking up visible dust, you are putting WAY too much down.
Wally Tharp (the inventor of the DE manufacturing process) routinely would illustrate the safety of this product by mixing a tablespoon of it in a glass of water and then drinking the water. Wally today is in his 80’s and going strong. (Editor’s note added 3/2008: In response to a reader’s question below, I want to make it absolutely clear that Bedbugger does NOT recommend that you experiment with this.)
Reader Bugalina recommends the use of a small hand bellows to apply DE. (We can edit this when she tells us where she got it.)
Perma-guard, who make food grade freshwater DE, discuss applications of DE in various household settings. They do not list bed bugs, but we are told this product works on bed bugs. (Remember, bed bugs have only become a big problem very recently, and everyone has to catch up with that.)
John Meshna, the owner of Dirtworks, a company that sells (among other things) fresh water DE (fossil shell flour) and also a D-20 which is DE plus pyrethroid insecticides, says
Diatomaceous Earth … is a dust and if you have a low tolorance for dust, you can wear a dust mask or get some one else to apply it. [editor's note: Bedbugger strongly suggests you use a respirator mask, not a dust mask, to apply DE. Please see spideyjg's comments above.]I’ve used both the D-20 with pyrethrin and the fossil shell four and it works great to kill fleas, ticks, silver fish and all soft bodied bugs. fortunately i’ve never had to suffer the ravages of bed bugs but, if I did, I would not hesitate to use it everywhere in my house. Why not? I’ve done it already for other pests.
Professional pest control companies make lots of money selling their toxic products and they don’t like products like DE that anyone can apply and work forever, so long as they are down. Even they will tell you that no matter what they do, the bugs might return. DE last forever. It’s a mineral and doesn’t gas off or biodegrade over time.
It does have to come in physical contact with the bugs, so, if there any advantage to the synthetic chemicals is that they can kill by inhalation alone, but this is also what makes them so toxic to us and other warm blooded animals.
I could say more but, check out the Perma-guard web site and mine at dirtworks.net if you need more information.
Nobugsonme said:
John, I believe food grade DE is safe if used properly, though sometimes we hear from people who are clearly over-using it or putting it places they will be breathing. Everyone reading this should realize that you must educate yourself if you apply any products–whether it’s food grade DE or a pesticide.
No matter what you use, I also caution anyone against trying to fight an infestation of bed bugs with just food grade DE (or any other product in isolation, for that matter). Please see a qualified PCO–one with bed bug experience.
The other side of that is that you need to make sure your PCO knows what you’re using (whether it’s Kleen Free or DE or something stronger). Some applications you might do could work against something they might do, and you would have no idea unless you discuss it with them.
PCO Sean referred us to his brief post on DE at the Bed Bug Resource which reminds us that we should call a PCO who is experienced with bed bugs right away (though I’m not a PCO, I tend to agree). Sean warns against the dangers of DE if incorrectly applied, though I think this is even more a problem with non-food grade, non-freshwater DE.
It is worth noting that some PCOs will NOT treat you if you have self-treated. They may refuse to do the work if you have put DE or other substances down before they come in.
As always, Your Mileage May Vary. If you want to use any technique or tool in your bed bug war, research it, find knowledgeable and preferably unbiased advice, and make sure you are cautious. More than anything else, remember how hardy and resilient bed bugs can be. Don’t try one tactic, try every one you can, provided they work together. And I seriously think a PCO can help you figure that out, as talking to others here can.
But don’t do something because someone told you it would work or “be enough.” I think it might figure in many treatment plans, but especially be useful to people who don’t yet have bites or any signs of bed bugs (but know they were exposed to them), or those who’ve gotten rid of bed bugs (and would like some insurance). For those with active infestations, the DE with pyrethroids might be the most useful, alongside other treatments. Remember, ask your PCO.
Application
I have not used one, but some readers have used a bellows duster like this one, to apply DE or other dusts. There is doubtless a trick to using it, and it might take practice, but a tool such as this might be useful to those who wish to use DE. (Other methods suggested include using a blusher brush — obviously, one used strictly for this purpose — to apply it, or using the kind of plastic container that dispenses mustard to squirt or dab it. In any case, apply DE lightly and as deeply as possible to cracks and places it won’t be disturbed or kicked up, touched or breathed, by you or anyone else.
Share your DE stories and ask questions about DE, in the comments below.
Buy Diatomaceous Earth 2.5 pounds
Full Disclosure: Bedbugger has an affiliate advertising relationship with Amazon. If you purchase via the links to Amazon.com above, a small percentage of your purchase goes to support Bedbugger, at no additional cost to you.
Update (5/2009):
A new post on New York vs. Bed Bugs today examines the following study:
Journal of Medical Entomology 46(3):572-579. 2009
doi: 10.1603/033.046.0323
Addition of Alarm Pheromone Components Improves the Effectiveness of Desiccant Dusts Against Cimex lectularius
Joshua B. Benoit, Seth A. Phillips, Travis J. Croxall, Brady S. Christensen, Jay A. Yoder, and David L. Denlinger.
This article notes that
The efficacy of diatomaceous earth seems to depend somewhat on the formulation; sometimes it works and sometimes it does not (Allan and Patrican 1994). Resistance also seems to be an issue with diatomaceous earth (Korunic and Ormesher 2000, Rigaux et al. 2001). Previous studies concluded that Dri-die seems to be superior to diatomaceous earths (Allan and Patrican 1994, Appel et al. 1999), and that is what we observed in this study during short-term exposure. Two key points that may alter the effectiveness of Dri-die and DE are the duration of bed bug exposure and the residual effects. Indeed, future studies are needed to test these two aspects for C. lectularius.
The only thing I did know was, sometimes it works, sometimes it does not, clearly, but I thought the problem was with application and the difficulty of ensuring exposure, not resistance. Resistance never crossed my mind. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve heard “bed bugs cannot develop resistance to DE” more than once.
It is important to take note of this, and consider that it may account for why DE does not always work for people (even if they apply it properly, even if bed bugs walk over it, even if they allow sufficient time).
I am re-opening comments on this FAQ, due to this additional information.
![[Post to Twitter]](http://bedbugger.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter3.png){kind=icon}
{ 7 trackbacks }
{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Raya,
First, please STOP doing that. When you try something and it makes your stomach and esophagus burn, it is obviously a bad idea. Doing it a second time seems like a really bad idea.
Second, why did you drink DE? I see that Geof Day is quoted above referencing the fact that Wally Tharp, a DE proponent, drank a tsp of it per day. But why are YOU drinking it? We are absolutely not recommending this here. Drinking DE will do nothing for your bed bug problem.
I had seen the claim by Wally Tharp somewhere (I believe on http://www.Perma-Guard.com), but can’t easily find it now. I assume Wally Tharp did as described, but am not entirely sure the DE you ingested was of the same type. It may not be safe for this purpose, and I would assume NOT unless I knew for sure.
What was the exact label — brand name, and specifics listed — of the item you ingested, just out of curiosity?
Please get professional help if you have bed bugs, and please do not consume anything discussed on our website. We are definitely NOT recommending that.
Hi all. Has anyone had any problems putting DE in electrical outlets? Sure it’s safe? Wondering what the flash point is.
I am just wondering, should I expect to *see* signs that the DE is working? I.e. should I expect to find dead bugs around the corners of my room where I sprinkled the powder? Or do I just have to take it on faith that it’s doing something?
Anyone else who has used DE, what has been your experience?
(And just for the sake of some background, I live in a rented free-standing house, where we had a PCO come in 3-4 times over 3 months and thought we had kicked the problem when we were bite-free for 6 weeks…but then they came back
. Now I am realizing it’s time to step it up a notch by applying other methods in addition to the pyrethrin spray the PCO is using, so I started last night by applying some freshwater food-grade DE around my bed and baseboards with a nylon stocking.)
DE can take 10 days to kill bed bugs, so you certainly would not expect to see anything at this point. However, I would seriously encourage you to go the PCO route again. 3-4 visits in 3 months is not frequent enough to break the cycle of bed bugs. You need the PCO to come at apprx. 2 week intervals, to kill the hatching generations which will appear within a few weeks of treatment. Giving them a month to spring back is not wise. While DE can be useful, it sounds like you have a serious case and I would personally continue with PCO treatment, though I would urge you to find a PCO who returns at shorter intervals, for a more aggressive approach.
i am dealing with a bed bug prob for a while now though i get rid of them and then they come back i have very lil furniture and no carpet i do live in a apartment complex and i want to seal it up then treat and get rid of them i keep hearing my neighbor on one side had them what should i dop to keep her bed bugs away and get rid of the few i have..i check my beds and i never see any spots or huge amounts like you see in pictures in fact my beds look clean but once in a while i get bit and once in a while i will find one i just got treated by my landlord and now its a few weeks later and i got bit today then i found one…i want to get de but would it work if so should i apply to all cracks so incase bed bugs come from the apartmnets next door they will die immediatly..also could i just get like a cement mixture to seal up the walls or can bed bugs eat through it?
Tess,
If your neighbors have them, they will keep coming. It sounds like this is what is happening. Your landlord must have all units next to, above, and below your neighbor’s apt. and yours professionally inspected and treated if necessary. The landlord cannot rely on neighbors saying they don’t have them. Up to 50% of people do not react to bites and will have NO idea. Please come to the forums if you have further comments or questions:
http://bedbugger.com/forum
i used drione dust in my electrical outlets with a duster. i guess i was a bit too enthusiastic bc the third puff caused a spark of electricity & shorted the fuse. i wonder if it’ll happen with just DE too.
Anyone familiar with Concern diatomaceous earth? It does not state that it is food-grade on the package. The ingredients list includes silicon dioxide 85%. I found a website that states it is freshwater DE, but not sure how reliable that info is.
(Can’t reach the product info line today because they are closed on the weekend.)
i always get bit by bed bugs when they are around.. (i think its the red hair/fair skin) anyway a month or so ago i was getting bit in my favorite chair and didtn know why (suspected bed bugs) and a week later i foun one biting my toe then one..so i grabbed one and put it in a container …called my land lord and he cprayyed my house before he did i bagged everything that could be washed and bagged it and he sprayed everything else (or so was said, luckily no carpet so not that bad)after he sprayed i still got bit once or twice in my chair ( not realizing it may take a lil time before they actually die) so i threw it out..weeks after no bites….well the bed bug i got put away i accidently dropped ( go figure ) and a couple days later i got bit (i guess it took a while for it to get to me since it was starving and swivvled up )well i ended up catching a bug after it bit me…i believe it was the same one…now its been weeks again and i have not been bit at all does that mean they are gone or do i still have them….i have very little amount of stuff so not really many places to hide .. my daughter has not shown signs of being bit either
bedbugs?
Please copy and repost your message in the forums where you will get more response. It’s not really on topic in this FAQ.
Click the blue forums button at top right!
Dear All,
I have a small infestation in my bedroom of BBS. I only have two rooms in my flat with an ajoining doorway.
If I apply DE across the doorframe between the bedroom and second room, sleep in the second room to attrach the BBs, will most of them die as a result of crossing the DE application?
thanks
ADR,
It’s possible. We’re told bed bugs will die within 10 days of walking through DE IF it is used properly.
But they have to walk through it. I can’t tell you where your bed bugs are coming from, or where they’re going.
I would strongly advise you to get a professional in to do a more comprehensive treatment. I think DE has a place as a preventive (once bed bugs are cleared) or as part of a professional’s treatment plan, but you may have bed bugs for longer if you rely on this alone.
And that’s the best case scenario.
If you don’t have it where they’ll all walk through it, then you could have them for a long time.
If your attached neighbors (if any) have bed bugs and are not treated, they may keep coming from there as well.
Finally, I am not sure how you assessed how big the infestation is and where the bed bugs are living, but this can be very difficult to determine.
Good luck and if you have more questions, please come to the forums where you will get more responses from more people!
The NIOSH site regarding DE…
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0552.html
They recommend a respirator of NIOSH rating N,P, or R95 or better. I’d go all out and get a N,P,or R100
Here is info on approved respirators.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/
Thanks, Jim (spideyjg).
I have just removed links to rose dusters (which our readers had suggested) since I do think they allow people to overapply DE.
I have used DE in all of our bedrooms and it seems to have worked. The first thing I did was dust the entire room and all of it’s contents. I let it sit for @ a week before disturbing and cleaning. By the 3rd bedroom I was using a Shop Vac (reversed)to blow the DE into the room - (need to wear a respirator and goggles)this allowed me to reach the ceiling and under everything then every item - including the carpet was either cleaned/steamed or tossed. Did not want to risk them dropping off in the rest of the house so we took everything out the windows. We used a paintbrush to dust the mattress & box springs before placing into aller-zip covers, also placed a barrier of DE around the bedroom - under baseboards and on top - electric outlets, etc and coated all remaining furniture with DE. Next step is to have my husband use the shop vac to blow the DE into the attic. Seems to have worked just wanted to see if you have any further suggestions.
I have seen several post regarding DE damaging vacuum cleaners - use a SHOP VAC -we purchased a small one for under 60$ and the suction is much greater than you will get with a regular vac. Just make sure to get the filter bags so that you can throw out the bugs and eggs that you vacuum.
Update (5/2009):
A new post on New York vs. Bed Bugs today examines the following study:
Journal of Medical Entomology 46(3):572-579. 2009
doi: 10.1603/033.046.0323
Addition of Alarm Pheromone Components Improves the Effectiveness of Desiccant Dusts Against Cimex lectularius
Joshua B. Benoit, Seth A. Phillips, Travis J. Croxall, Brady S. Christensen, Jay A. Yoder, and David L. Denlinger.
This article notes that
Like Renee,
It is important to take note of this, and consider that it may account for why DE does not always work for people (even if they apply it properly, even if bed bugs walk over it, even if they allow sufficient time).
I am re-opening comments on this FAQ, due to this additional information.
← Previous Comments