- What is Diatomaceous Earth?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control<\/a><\/li>
- How to Avoid Harming Pollinators<\/a><\/li>
- Pros and Cons of Using Diatomaceous Earth as an Insect Killer<\/a><\/li>
- Why is Diatomaceous Earth Used as a Pesticide?<\/a><\/li>
- Common Pests Diatomaceous Earth Might Not Kill<\/a><\/li>
- Types of Diatomaceous Earth and Where to Buy Food-Grade<\/a><\/li>
- Other Uses For Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Diatomaceous Earth as Pest Control<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is Diatomaceous Earth?<\/h2>
![\"Four](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Japanese-Beetle-Grubs.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Packaged diatomaceous earth is an off-white, fine powder.<\/strong> It has a neutral taste, no smell, and looks like chalk or talc. Also referred to as DE, diatomite, Kieselgur, or Kieselguhr, it\u2019s made of the fossilized shells of aquatic organisms called diatoms. <\/p>
These single-cell algae have lived in streams, river beds, and oceans around the globe for millions of years. Ancient water beds shelter their graveyards and are mined today for the precious rock formed by diatoms\u2019 petrified remains \u2013 the diatomaceous earth. <\/p>
When grounded, DE becomes a fine powder with endless uses. One of them is pest killing.<\/p>
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control<\/h2>
![\"diatomaceous](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/diatomaceous-earth-in-powder-and-liquid-form.jpg\")
Photo Credit: marekuliasz<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Diatomaceous earth is an excellent natural pesticide to use for eco-friendly lawn care<\/a>. As with traditional insecticides, its efficiency depends on how you use it. <\/p>
Here\u2019s how to use diatomaceous earth as organic pest control for your lawn<\/a> and make the most of its pest-killing power:<\/p>
1. Opt Between Powder or Liquid Solution<\/h3>
Depending on the situation, you can apply diatomaceous earth as a powder or liquid solution on your turfgrass. <\/p>
- The dry form<\/strong> makes it easier to coat small areas and create circles around the infested patches.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Dissolved in water<\/strong>, DE is easier to spread on large surfaces and hard-to-reach places, like tall trees or dense shrubs around the lawn. Keep in mind that water is only a carrier. The solution must dry out to become effective, which can take 1 to 2 hours.<\/li> <\/ul>
2. Wait for the Right Weather <\/h3>
The best opportunities to apply diatomaceous earth are windless days with no rain in the forecast for 24 to 48 hours<\/strong>. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>
- The DE powder has very fine particles. Wind can sweep it away, spreading it everywhere but where needed.<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>
- Diatomaceous earth powder can only harm pests with its miniature razor blades when dry. If it rains and the powder gets wet, it\u2019s useless until it dries up<\/strong>. After it dries up, it works again. But it might be clumped up in the corner of your lawn or washed off on your driveway or into your storm drains. If it rains, it\u2019s a good idea to spread it again.<\/li> <\/ul>
3. Use Only Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth<\/h3>
The correct option of diatomaceous earth for yards is the food-grade form. Food-grade DE is safe for humans, wildlife, and pets. It\u2019s the correct option to use as a pesticide on your lawn, garden, greenhouse, crop field, etc.<\/p>
Important note:<\/strong> Never use pool-grade diatomaceous for pest control in your yard. We\u2019ll discuss it in detail later in this article.<\/p>
4. Wear Protective Equipment<\/h3>
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is not poisonous to humans. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC<\/a>) mentions that it can irritate your nasal passages and airways if inhaled, making you cough and sneeze. <\/p>
DE is also irritative for your eyes if exposed and can cause dryness to your skin by absorbing its natural moisture and oils. <\/p>
To spread DE correctly and safely, wear the following protective gear:<\/strong><\/p>
- A dust mask<\/li>
- Protective glasses<\/li>
- Garden gloves<\/li> <\/ul>
5. Spread Dry Diatomaceous Earth Correctly<\/h3>
If you\u2019re wondering how to spread diatomaceous earth on your lawn, it will depend on whether you opt for dry or wet DE. <\/p>
To spread dry DE powder over the grass, you\u2019ll need:<\/strong><\/p>
- Diatomaceous earth powder<\/li>
- A garden spreader or dust applicator (you can also use a flour strainer or a turkey baster)<\/li> <\/ul>
Treating your lawn with dry diatomaceous earth is pretty straightforward and includes seven steps:<\/p>
- Step 1: Prepare the lawn by spreading a soft water mist with your sprinkler system to ensure some powder sticks to the thin grass leaves.<\/strong> Since most lawn pests<\/a> are soil-dwelling or travel partially by soil, it is usually more important to get the powder on the ground than on the foliage.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 2: Put your protective gear on.<\/strong> Cover as much of your skin and face as possible. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 3: Look for signs of pest infestation<\/strong> (brown, thinned, wilted, dead grass). DE also harms beneficial insects<\/a>, so apply the powder only in areas showing signs of infestation or more likely to harbor pests <\/strong>(moist, shady places, etc.) to minimize the danger to bees, butterflies, and other helpful pollinators. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 4:<\/strong> Fill the garden duster with powder<\/strong> and close it tightly.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 5:<\/strong> Start spreading the powder <\/strong>in a thin and even layer across the affected area of your lawn. If you make it too thick, insects might avoid passing through it. Keep the spreader about six inches above the ground and squeeze to get the powder out. Give it a good shake if the powder refuses to come out.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 6:<\/strong> Finish by circling the targeted area with a continuous line of DE powder.<\/strong> Also, apply on neighboring flower beds that show signs of infestation.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 7:<\/strong> Repeat the application<\/strong> weekly for a month for an extensive infestation or every 3 to 4 weeks during their active season to keep pests under control.<\/li> <\/ul>
Some DE manufacturers include a spreader in the package, or you can get one online. Here are a few inexpensive and easy-to-use dusters for applying dry DE:<\/strong><\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome Depot<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalmart<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>6. Spray Liquid Diatomaceous Earth<\/h3>
A liquid solution can be easier to apply if your whole lawn or a large patch is infested with mole crickets, beetles, or grasshoppers and needs treatment. To do this, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>
- Diatomaceous earth powder<\/li>
- Water<\/li>
- Spray bottle (for spot treatments) or garden pump sprayer (for larger areas \u2014 you can buy one online from retail stores like Amazon or Walmart)<\/li> <\/ul>
It\u2019s easy to apply diatomaceous earth spray to your yard, you just have to follow five simple steps: <\/p>
- Step 1: Prepare the solution.<\/strong> The most common ratio to obtain a good concentration of DE is four tablespoons of powder to one gallon of water. <\/strong>
Fill the garden sprayer with water and add the diatomaceous powder. Stir thoroughly until the powder dissolves completely. The solution has a sticky texture.<\/li> <\/ul>- Step 2: Spread the solution uniformly across the lawn.<\/strong> Apply a thick coat to ensure the solution reaches the soil surface but not too much to create runoff.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 3: Go around the lawn and spray the edges.<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 4: Reapply if strong wind, rain, or heavy dew compromises the initial layer<\/strong> after you spray it and before it\u2019s had time to dry. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 5: With an extensive infestation, repeat the application weekly<\/strong> until the pest population is under control. Otherwise, repeat every 3 to 4 weeks to keep pests under control.<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy liquid sprayers:<\/strong><\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome Depot<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalmart<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>How to Avoid Harming Pollinators<\/h2>
![\"diatomaceous](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/diatomaceous-earth.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HelinLoik-Tomson<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Diatomaceous earth is a great natural insecticide for organic vegetable gardens. It doesn\u2019t pollute the soil or local bodies of water, and it doesn\u2019t contaminate produce. DE keeps your crops clean of chemicals while eliminating many garden pests like squash bugs, Colorado potato beetles, aphids, tomato hornworms, Japanese beetles<\/a>, flea beetles, and more.<\/p>
Nevertheless, applying DE in your garden comes with a red flag: Diatomaceous earth can harm pollinators. <\/strong>While a naturally occurring pesticide, diatomaceous earth doesn\u2019t differentiate between beneficial insects and pests and can also affect your garden\u2019s precious bees and ladybugs. <\/p>
Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to protect them.<\/p>
1. Use on Infested Areas Only<\/h3>
Bugs don\u2019t run up and down your garden like crazy, taking a bite from every plant. They\u2019re quite methodical in their eating habits, and spotting their feeding ground is usually easy. <\/p>
Spread the killer powder where you see bunches of chewed leaves and stems. Work in circles <\/p>
around damaged plants. You must ensure your targets can\u2019t get in or out of the infested area without getting some powder on their bodies. <\/p>
Try to help save bees<\/a> by avoiding the areas where you see them flying. If you spot bees buzzing around a treated corner in your garden, washing the powder off is a good idea. Postpone the application later in the day.<\/p>
2. Apply DE in the Evening<\/h3>
Bees and ladybugs are less active at the end of the day and start flying the next day only after it warms up a bit. <\/p>
When you spread the powder in the evening, you reduce the risk of pollinators getting into the treated areas while the powder is freshly spread and dense.<\/p>
3. Spread on the Ground<\/h3>
If you\u2019re treating slugs, grubs, beetles, spider mites, earwigs, sowbugs, cutworms<\/a>, mole crickets, and other species that spend time on the soil, spread the DE on the ground. <\/p>
Create complete circles around your infested plots or individual plants. Pollinators mostly visit the top of the plant where the flowers are and are safe from soil applications.<\/p>
4. Avoid Flowers and Top Leaves<\/h3>
Don\u2019t apply DE on the flowers, and also avoid the first layers of leaves next to them. If the top of the plant is overwhelmed by aphids or ants, it\u2019s better to cut the top leaves than to spread DE on them.<\/p>
4. Consider Ladybugs or Nematodes to Get Rid of Aphids<\/h3>
Aphids are the preferred snack of ladybugs. The safest way to get rid of aphids<\/a> with DE without killing ladybugs looking for food is to spread powder on the plants in the evening and wash them thoroughly in the morning before ladybugs start their rounds. This is typically enough time to get most aphids exposed to the pesticide.<\/p>
One ladybug eats up to 5,000 aphids during its lifetime. If you give these beautiful pollinators time to multiply, ladybugs will eliminate your aphid infestation. It just takes some time for them to reproduce and grow a large enough army.<\/p>
If such a short-term application of DE doesn\u2019t sound good to you, consider using another excellent organic pesticide that doesn\u2019t harm ladybugs \u2014 beneficial nematodes<\/a>.<\/p>
Pros and Cons of Using Diatomaceous Earth as an Insect Killer<\/h2>
![\"diatomaceous](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/diatomaceous-earth-and-sifter-in-a-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: FotoHelin Images<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Diatomaceous earth has pros and cons, like any other pesticide. Let\u2019s see what you put in the balance when deciding whether to use it.<\/p>
Pros<\/h3>
\u2713 A natural, organic pesticide that does not pollute the environment. <\/strong>It\u2019s almost 90% silica, which travels back into rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans, and it\u2019s used at some point to build new shells by aquatic life. <\/p>
\u2713 Not poisonous for people, animals, and fish.<\/strong><\/p>
\u2713 It adds useful minerals <\/strong>when it breaks down into the soil. <\/p>
\u2713 It kills a wide range of pests.<\/strong><\/p>
\u2713 It\u2019s a mechanical pesticide, not a chemical one, so pests can\u2019t develop immunity.<\/strong> This property makes it an excellent addition to integrated pest management<\/a> plans, in addition to chemical pesticides and effective cultural practices.<\/p>
\u2713 Safe to use indoors and outdoors.<\/strong><\/p>
\u2713 Highly accessible and inexpensive.<\/strong><\/p>
Cons<\/h3>
\u2717 Its efficiency depends on the weather.<\/strong><\/p>
\u2717 It can harm pollinators if misused<\/strong> because it is not a selective pesticide. <\/p>
\u2717 DE particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat if exposed.<\/strong> Inhaled in large amounts or over long periods, it can cause lung health issues in professionals mining, processing, or spreading DE.<\/p>
\u2717 When wet, it becomes useless.<\/strong><\/p>
\u2717 You need to apply it correctly for it to work. <\/strong>If it\u2019s spread too thick, pests will avoid it.<\/p>
Why is Diatomaceous Earth Used as a Pesticide?<\/h2>
Diatomaceous earth is a natural organic pesticide often used as natural pest control for lawns<\/a>, gardens, and greenhouses. It\u2019s gentler and safer for the environment than harsh chemical pesticides, but it still does an excellent job. You\u2019ll be surprised how many pests it can kill. Pest insects that come into contact with DE powder die by desiccation in 12 to 24 hours. <\/strong><\/p>
But how can seashell powder kill your lawn pests? Mainly because of its high silica content: <\/p>
- Silica dust is highly absorbent.<\/strong> When insects walk, jump, or slide through the DE powder and get silica on their bodies, it sucks out oils and fats in their waxy exoskeletons, making them fragile and dry. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Silica is also highly abrasive.<\/strong> While silky-smooth for your fingertips, DE powder feels like glass shards for small beings like insects. Tough as diamonds, silica particles have razor-sharp edges that scratch their bodies and protective shields, cutting the insects and exposing them to heat and dryness.<\/li> <\/ul>
According to the National Pesticide Information Center<\/a>, DE is used in its pure form and as an active ingredient in over 150 commercial pesticides for application in lawns, gardens, homes, pet kennels, farms, and orchards.<\/p>
Common Pests Diatomaceous Earth Might Not Kill<\/h2>
![\"snail](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/snail-on-a-blade-of-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Anest<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Diatomaceous earth might not be effective in killing slugs and snails.<\/strong> Some say they are protected from its sharp touch by their thick mucus, and that DE only slows them down and discourages them from feeding on your plants. In other words, it\u2019s unpleasant but not deadly.<\/p>
Others say DE powder gets inside the snail\u2019s shell and irritates the animal, forcing it to leave the shell behind. Exposed to the elements without the protective layer, a snail can\u2019t survive for long.<\/p>
The bottom line is:<\/strong> If you want to keep these slimy fellows under control, consider combining DE with other methods and following an integrated pest management plan for the lawn<\/a>. For example, use preventive measures like:<\/p>
- Turning over winter mulch to expose their hiding places. <\/li>
- Tilling the soil in the spring.<\/li>
- Avoiding watering in the evening. <\/li> <\/ul>
Copper tapes and slug collars are simple and inexpensive tools to protect your plants from hungry mouths. Here\u2019s where you can find some:<\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalmart<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>Types of Diatomaceous Earth and Where to Buy Food-Grade<\/h2>
![\"powdered](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/powdered-diatomaceous-earth-being-sprinkled-in-a-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Helin Loik-Tomson<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> There are two types of diatomaceous earth: pool-grade and food-grade. They differ in their degree of processing and chemical content. Only food-grade diatomaceous earth should be used for pest control. <\/p>
Pool-Grade Diatomaceous Earth<\/h3>
The pool-grade form is treated under high heat, a process called calcination, which makes its content rich in crystalline silica. If inhaled, crystalline silica is highly toxic to our respiratory system, so you shouldn\u2019t expose yourself, your family, or your pets to pool-grade DE.<\/p>
Calcination improves DE\u2019s filtering properties, making it great for keeping your pool water clean. But again, it\u2019s harmful to pets and humans. Don\u2019t use pool-grade DE as a pesticide.<\/strong><\/p>
Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth<\/h3>
On the other hand, food-grade diatomaceous earth<\/strong> is made of freshwater diatomite and purified to eliminate traces of nasty elements like arsenic or lead. Although it can irritate the mucous membrane in your nose, eyes, and throat if inhaled, food-grade diatomaceous earth does not kill grass, and is not poisonous for humans or animals. <\/p>
Only use food-grade diatomaceous earth for your garden.<\/strong> It\u2019s the only form safe for you, your family, and your pets.<\/p>
The OMRI also recognizes food-grade DE as an organic pesticide<\/a> that you can use in your organic garden, along with neem oil, insecticidal soap, and beneficial nematodes. DE is inexpensive and widely available in local garden stores and online.<\/p>
Here are some popular labels of DE that gardeners and lawn owners buy:<\/p>
- Silica is also highly abrasive.<\/strong> While silky-smooth for your fingertips, DE powder feels like glass shards for small beings like insects. Tough as diamonds, silica particles have razor-sharp edges that scratch their bodies and protective shields, cutting the insects and exposing them to heat and dryness.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Silica dust is highly absorbent.<\/strong> When insects walk, jump, or slide through the DE powder and get silica on their bodies, it sucks out oils and fats in their waxy exoskeletons, making them fragile and dry. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 5: With an extensive infestation, repeat the application weekly<\/strong> until the pest population is under control. Otherwise, repeat every 3 to 4 weeks to keep pests under control.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 4: Reapply if strong wind, rain, or heavy dew compromises the initial layer<\/strong> after you spray it and before it\u2019s had time to dry. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 3: Go around the lawn and spray the edges.<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 2: Spread the solution uniformly across the lawn.<\/strong> Apply a thick coat to ensure the solution reaches the soil surface but not too much to create runoff.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 1: Prepare the solution.<\/strong> The most common ratio to obtain a good concentration of DE is four tablespoons of powder to one gallon of water. <\/strong>
- Step 7:<\/strong> Repeat the application<\/strong> weekly for a month for an extensive infestation or every 3 to 4 weeks during their active season to keep pests under control.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 6:<\/strong> Finish by circling the targeted area with a continuous line of DE powder.<\/strong> Also, apply on neighboring flower beds that show signs of infestation.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 5:<\/strong> Start spreading the powder <\/strong>in a thin and even layer across the affected area of your lawn. If you make it too thick, insects might avoid passing through it. Keep the spreader about six inches above the ground and squeeze to get the powder out. Give it a good shake if the powder refuses to come out.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 4:<\/strong> Fill the garden duster with powder<\/strong> and close it tightly.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 3: Look for signs of pest infestation<\/strong> (brown, thinned, wilted, dead grass). DE also harms beneficial insects<\/a>, so apply the powder only in areas showing signs of infestation or more likely to harbor pests <\/strong>(moist, shady places, etc.) to minimize the danger to bees, butterflies, and other helpful pollinators. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 2: Put your protective gear on.<\/strong> Cover as much of your skin and face as possible. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Step 1: Prepare the lawn by spreading a soft water mist with your sprinkler system to ensure some powder sticks to the thin grass leaves.<\/strong> Since most lawn pests<\/a> are soil-dwelling or travel partially by soil, it is usually more important to get the powder on the ground than on the foliage.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Diatomaceous earth powder can only harm pests with its miniature razor blades when dry. If it rains and the powder gets wet, it\u2019s useless until it dries up<\/strong>. After it dries up, it works again. But it might be clumped up in the corner of your lawn or washed off on your driveway or into your storm drains. If it rains, it\u2019s a good idea to spread it again.<\/li> <\/ul>
- The DE powder has very fine particles. Wind can sweep it away, spreading it everywhere but where needed.<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>
- Dissolved in water<\/strong>, DE is easier to spread on large surfaces and hard-to-reach places, like tall trees or dense shrubs around the lawn. Keep in mind that water is only a carrier. The solution must dry out to become effective, which can take 1 to 2 hours.<\/li> <\/ul>
- How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control<\/a><\/li>