Diatomaceous earth is a natural product made with tiny fossilized aquatic plants, called diatoms. These plant particles have razor-sharp edges, capable of cutting through the coating that protects the insects and causing them to dehydrate, potentially killing them. These powdered fossils are natural pesticides, used primarily against bedbugs, but potentially effective against all pests that lurk in carpets and rugs. Since they act slowly and often unpredictably, it is best to take other insect control measures as well, such as cleaning the house thoroughly and controlling humidity.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Materials
Step 1. Use food grade diatomaceous earth or insecticide
This product is available in two versions. Usually when it is sold as an insecticide treatment or as a "food" product you can use it at home without running any health risks. On the contrary, never use diatomaceous earth for swimming pools or for industrial use at home, as it can cause permanent respiratory problems.
- All diatomaceous earth products contain a mix of the "safe" and "unsafe" variants. Food diatomaceous earth also contains small amounts of "unsafe" fossils and is still dangerous if inhaled in large quantities.
- Diatomaceous earth sold as an insecticide must meet specific safety standards and have instructions for use on the label, so this is usually the best choice. You may not find detailed safety guidelines on food-grade diatomaceous earth because it is not intended for use in its pure form; however it is similar to insecticide and the risk of health problems is low if you follow the precautions outlined in this article.
Step 2. Follow the safety instructions
Since edible diatomaceous earth is meant to be added to foods and eaten, people assume it's completely safe. However, concentrated dry powder can cause severe irritation to the lungs, eyes and skin. Read the following safety precautions before starting:
- At a minimum, always wear a mask, as inhalation is the main danger. A respirator is much safer, especially if you plan to use diatomaceous earth frequently.
- Wear gloves, goggles, sleeves and long pants.
- Do not let children and pets near the carpet until you have removed the diatomaceous earth.
- Consider starting with a test in a small area, following the instructions in the article. If none of the people living with you have any negative reactions, repeat the process on the rest of the carpet.
Step 3. Choose a tool to spread the dust
Professional exterminators use special equipment that spreads a fine, even layer of dust, but it's not easy to get hold of if you're a private individual. You can use a duster, brush or sieve. Pour the diatomaceous earth slowly with a spoon (not directly from the bag) onto the tool, to avoid forming a cloud of dust.
Sprinklers and bellows are not recommended because they create too strong a jet
Part 2 of 2: Apply Diatomaceous earth
Step 1. Sprinkle a fine layer of dust on the edges of the carpet
Carefully apply an even layer of powder, barely visible, along the perimeter of the carpet. Insects have to crawl on dust to injure themselves and are more likely to avoid dust piles or thick layers. In addition, dense layers of diatomaceous earth can become airborne, irritating the lungs and eyes.
Carpet is usually only treated on the edges, so that people walk by doesn't release dust into the air (where it will make you cough rather than kill bugs). If the carpet is in a room that is not used very much, you could apply the flour to a larger area and avoid that environment for a couple of days
Step 2. Sprinkle the dust around the furniture legs
You shouldn't use diatomaceous earth on mattresses and furniture upholstery, where it can irritate the skin. However a thin layer around the legs will affect any insects that crawl on the bed or sofa.
This remedy does not prevent the insects from reaching the cabinet, but forces them to pass on diatomaceous earth, which will lead to their death a couple of days later
Step 3. Maintain a low humidity level
Diatomaceous earth is most effective in dry environments. Turn on a dehumidifier in the room where you applied the treatment. Draft can also be helpful, but avoid orienting the fans to blow dust away.
Step 4. Leave the flour in the carpet for as long as necessary
If the powder doesn't come up and doesn't cause you to cough (it shouldn't happen after proper application), there's no need to remove the diatomaceous earth. This product stays effective as long as it's dry and often takes weeks to get rid of the bugs. Since the insects may have left eggs by then, do not remove the diatomaceous earth for a few weeks to prevent the infestation from returning.
Step 5. Use other insect control methods at the same time
It is difficult to predict the effectiveness of diatomaceous earth treatments. The insect population in a specific location may be more resilient than the same species from another part of the world. Instead of waiting for the results, attack the bugs with multiple treatments at the same time. Learn more about how to fight bedbugs, cockroaches, carpet dermestids and fleas.
Step 6. Remove the diatomaceous earth with an unfiltered vacuum cleaner
This dust is very hard and can quickly ruin an ordinary vacuum cleaner filter. A traditional vacuum cleaner may be fine for a single light application, but one without a filter is more suitable if you intend to repeat the treatment several times.
You can leave diatomaceous earth on the carpet for as long as needed if you haven't applied too much (i.e. if there are visible piles of dust). Simply consider which tools are the most suitable, so as not to damage the traditional vacuum cleaner when you use it
Step 7. Consider leaving diatomaceous earth under the carpet edges
As long as this powder stays dry, it is effective even after months or even years. If you can lift the carpet, try to leave a thin layer of flour under the edges where it cannot rise into the air.
It is best not to leave diatomaceous earth in homes with pets or small children
Advice
The effects of diatomaceous earth can be unpredictable. If the first attempt doesn't work, try a different brand or type of synthetic powder called silicon airgel
Warnings
- The pesticide and food variants of diatomaceous earth are different from those used for charcoal or swimming pool filters. Even though they are made from the same mineral compound, you should never use diatomaceous earth as an insecticide.
- Edible diatomaceous earth also irritates the lungs if it is inhaled. While unlikely to cause long-term damage, it contains small amounts of silicon dioxide crystals, a substance related to silicosis and other respiratory problems.
