Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth, which is sometimes referred to as Celite, diatomite or kieselgur, is made from a sedimentary rock that is naturally occurring which can easily be crushed into a fine powder. The powder is quite abrasive and very light due to its porous structure which allows it to hold a lot of air. The rock was created from the fossil remains of diatoms and has the ability of absorbing a high amount of moisture.

Diatomaceous earth has one property that makes it a great solution for bed bugs treatment; it can be used as a natural pesticide. When the powder comes in contact with the exoskeleton of an insect it absorbs the lipid and essential dehydrates the bedbug. Being used as a pesticide is just one of its uses, but a very effective one.

Although the process may take a few weeks to take effect, this is a great option for bedbug extermination as it is natural and safe for you, your family and your pets. In fact, some doctors actually use this in de-worming humans and animals. If you want to be extra careful, make sure to purchase food grade diatomaceous earth.

The application is very easy, after you have properly cleaned the room that has bed bugs, simply spread the powder around the room liberally and let it go to work. Take special care to get the powder in all the joints and cracks in your bed as well as any cracks or crevasses around your room. As the power is very fine, wearing a mask is suggested while applying the diatomaceous earth.

This solution can also be used for those struggling with carpet beetles, fleas, ticks, flies, fly larva and cockroaches. You next question may be where to buy diatomaceous earth. You should try your local hardware or home and garden store first as they may have some or know a local supplier of diatomaceous earth. If you don’t find it there, you may want to do an online search and have it delivered to your home.

Uses of diatomaceous earth:

• Dynamite (awesome)
• Filtration aid
• Abrasives
• Absorbent aid
• DNA purification
• Hydroponics
• Can be used to safeguard food supplies from bug attacks
• When added to the food supply of livestock it can guard animals against worms and insects

Varieties of diatomaceous earth:

• Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth from fresh water – This is the type used in the US, mostly in the agricultural sector
• Tripolite – specific variety only found in the city of Tripoli, Libya
• Bann Clay – type found in Ireland
• Moler of No-clay – found in Denmark on the islands of Fur and Mor

What Does Diatomaceous Earth Look Like

Here is a great picture of diatomaceous earth, ground up as you would buy it in a store for home use.