Also called diatomite, Diatomaceous earth is a common organic insecticide. While you probably picture the gardening purposes when you hear the term ‘diatomaceous earth’, this substance is also a tool against infestations from pests like bedbugs. After utilizing diatomaceous earth bedbugs will cease to exist fairly quickly.

DE or diatomaceous earth is a natural material that is found as a sedimentary type of rock that is relatively soft. Once the material is mined from the earth, it is then commonly converted into powder form. The powder has a white colors and its texture is like talcum powder. Once diatomaceous earth has been ground into a powder, it is a substance that contains sharp edged particles. While these edges aren’t typically harmful to people, with contact to these particles, they penetrate the shield-like exterior that coats the vulnerable body of the bug. Subsequently, diatomaceous earth is introduced within the internal organs of the bugs, causing extreme dehydration and ultimately mortality.

The best practice for application of diatomaceous earth to treat a bedbug infestation is to lightly dust bedding and sprinkle around the flooring near the bed. Since bedbugs can not fly through the air, they will have go move through the diatomaceous earth to access their primary food source. With only a single treatment of diatomaceous earth bedbugs are not necessarily going to be eliminated. You might need to reapply multiple times to ensure the complete eradication of a bedbug infestation since these pests frequently vacate beds at daylight to move about and find hiding spots.