Is Diatomaceous Earth a Good Bed Bug Killer?
Are you tired of unwanted guests lurking in your sheets? Bed bugs are the bane of many households, hiding in the nooks and crannies of our beds, waiting for nightfall to feast. But fear not, for there is a natural, effective, and little-known warrior in the fight against these pesky invaders: diatomaceous earth.
With bed bugs being one of the most common pests in households worldwide, many have turned to various solutions, including harsh chemicals to kill these tiny parasites. Among these solutions is diatomaceous earth, a natural sand-like powder used to kill bed bugs slowly but naturally.
As such, its efficacy, ease of use, and safety profile make diatomaceous earth a popular choice among those seeking to manage bed bug issues without resorting to synthetic chemicals.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilised remains of marine organisms known as diatoms. Their skeletons are made of an organic substance called silica. Over long periods, diatoms accumulate in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans, turning into the chalk-like substance known as diatomaceous earth.
As a natural pesticide killer, diatomaceous earth is not poisonous, but still, it poses a danger for tiny insects as they dry out and die from absorbing the insects’ fats and oils. It’s a slow process, but as long as it remains dry and undisturbed, it will continue to work as long as possible.
Diatomaceous earth is a prevalent bed bug killer, especially among those who prefer the organic and natural way, which is why many shops carry diatomaceous earth. Australians largest retailer, Bunnings does not sell diatomaceous earth.
Uses and Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, powdery substance made from fossilised remains of diatoms. Being a popular bed bug extinguisher, diatomaceous earth has various benefits in your home, which include the following:
- Non-Toxic Pest Control
It acts as a natural pest control agent, providing a chemical-free method to kill bed bugs inhabiting your house. It dehydrates the insects through its abrasive qualities, which damage their exoskeletons.
- Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to other chemical-based pesticides, diatomaceous earth is more affordable, and because of its longevity, you don’t have to buy DE every other week to prevent infestations.
- Availability
It is widely available online, making it easily accessible for consumers. If you are looking for diatomaceous earth, Bunnings, unfortunately, does not carry it.
- Other Uses
Aside from pest control, many people also use it for farming and gardening as it can quickly improve soil quality and retain water when used as a soil conditioner in gardens. Some farmers even include them as feed for their animals as a deworming agent.
Can I Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Bed Bugs?
Regarding bed bug infestations, diatomaceous earth is a popular and organic way to prevent and stop bed bug infestations by damaging the parasite’s exoskeleton and dehydrating them.
Dust a small amount of diatomaceous earth on areas where bed bugs are typically found, such as bed bases, bed frames, and baseboards. It’s essential to ensure that a fine layer is applied. Although it might take a few weeks to entirely stop the infestation, as it can take several days for bed bugs to die after exposure to diatomaceous earth, it has long-term effects.
It’s also essential, especially if you have pets or children around the house, to buy food-grade diatomaceous earth just to be extra safe and wear a mask to avoid inhalation when applying diatomaceous earth.
Does Bunnings Sell Diatomaceous Earth?
Bunnings is Australia and New Zealand’s premier home improvement and lifestyle product retailer and a key supplier to project builders, commercial merchants and the housing sector.
As a major chain in Australia and New Zealand, they offer a vast range of products for home improvement, gardening, and outdoor living. They are well-known for providing various solutions for pest control, including sprays, traps, and insecticides.
Since its discovery, many people who had trouble with bed bugs have used products, including diatomaceous earth. Bunnings, despite its intensive collection of pest control solutions, does not sell diatomaceous earth to control bed bugs.
For those seeking alternatives to diatomaceous earth, Bunnings provides several other pest control products. However, for those who remain firm in using diatomaceous earth because of its organic nature and long-term effects, worry not because you can easily find this product at Bed Bug Barrier.
Bed Bug Barrier offers an extensive range of products that provide better solutions and eco-friendly bed bug monitoring, prevention, and control services. Bed Bug Barrier’s products offer a great solution to any bug problem, from organic powders and dusters to bed bug steamers.
Combining Bed Bug Barrier’s products, including diatomaceous earth, can help tackle bed bug infestations effectively. Moreover, we also provide a convenient location to find these solutions, ensuring ease of access for those seeking alternatives for bed bug eradication.
Pest Control Products Only at Bed Bug Barrier!
Diatomaceous earth is a practical, natural solution for bed bug infestations. It works through a physical process where the fine powder absorbs the oils and fats from the cuticle of a bed bug’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.
Its non-toxic nature allows for safe use in homes, and you can easily use it in various environments. Although it’s easy for anyone to use diatomaceous earth for bed bug problems, partnering it with other methods such as vacuuming, regular washing and encasements for mattresses and pillows is always better.
Bed Bug Barrier is your one-stop shop for bed bug products. You won’t have to worry about tiny parasites making your way to your bed sheets or pillows, as their eco-friendly solutions guarantee only the best for every customer.
If you’re having trouble with tiny pests and have no idea what to do, buy bed bug barrier products and call them today.
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Addison says
What I like most about Diatomaceous Earth is that it’s also preventive; you don’t have to have your house infested with those creepy bugs in order to use it, you can use it as a precaution method and it’s super easy to use and incredibly cheap, I highly recommend you try this!
James S. says
These look unbelievable under the microscope! I’ve had a minor bed bug issue last summer and Diatomaceous Earth fought with it the healthy way. What amazes me is its effectiveness and how cheap it is. You can save a lot of money by buying this powder and applying it yourself instead of having to rely on specialized services as those guys don’t seem to care and do a lousy job in some cases.
Eliza Marshall says
Do you guys have any input as to how small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs react to it? My daughter has two hamsters and three guinea pigs which roam free around the house and I wanted to make sure this powder is safe for them. Thanks in advance, Tony!
Tony Abrahams says
Hi Eliza
Your pets are completely safe because there are no poisons in the Bed Bug Killer powder, so it wont harm them at all if they swallow it.
Thanks for the question.
Regards
Tony
Elizabeth Summers says
I will be travelling to Australia in a couple of weeks and I know the first thing I’ll buy once I get there: a Bed Bug Killer as I’ve heard this has a more effective blend than what we have in US! I’ve been fighting with bed bugs since ever and while all the toxic products I’ve been using have had some results, they also messed up my immune system.
Tony Abrahams says
Bed Bug Killer powder is 100% Diatomaceous Earth so there are no poisons to worry about. It is the only product in Australia that is non toxic, long lasting and 100% effective.
Greg says
I never heard of Diatomaceous Earth until now but if this stuff is so powerful, why aren’t companies in US doing the same as you guys and sell this more instead of those awful sprays? In US bed bugs are a HUGE deal and my wife is pregnant so we’re doing the best we can to keep our home pest free.
Tony Abrahams says
HI Greg. Companies in the USA do sell Diatomaceous Earth for bed bugs. Unfortunately it is under promoted and under used because chemical companies like to patent their own poisons so that’s what people get offered 🙁
Alex London says
This is fantastic! I’ve never heard of Bed Bug Killer (DE). I’m definitely going to get some. I travel for business every week and I’m terrified of bringing bed bugs back to my house. I’m a little suspicious as to the effectiveness of the sprays available and they smell awful.
Tony Abraham says
Hi Alex
Bed Bug Killer powder is brilliant for bed bug prevention because the powder works for many years to kill bed bugs. And no, you dont have to worry about any smells because there is no odour
Regards
Tony
Sandra says
I have tried almost all the insecticides on the market and I couldn’t manage to get rid of those pesky bugs. A friend of mine recommended I try DE because it’s a lot safer and the bugs don’t get accustomed to it. What I like most about it is that it looks like talcum powder and I know exactly where I’m using it.
Tony Abraham says
Hi Sandra
Bed Bug Killer (DE) is brilliant for killing bed bugs because it lasts for many years and its 100% effective. There is no other treatment in Australia that can do that 🙂
Regards
Bed Bug Barrier