Safely combat cockroaches without harmful chemicals or risks to your family and pets using diatomaceous earth.
This natural, non-toxic solution is effective, affordable, and easy to use. Discover how to use diatomaceous earth for cockroach control now!
Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Roaches?
Did you know?
Diatomaceous earth is effective against a range of pests, from cockroaches and fleas to ticks and bed bugs.
It’s not only a wonderful natural deterrent but also acts as an insect killer.
So, if you’re looking for a home solution to tackle those pesky roaches, diatomaceous earth might just be the answer. Believe it or not, it genuinely does the trick!
How Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Cockroaches?
Diatomaceous earth has a fascinating way of handling pests.
Its gritty texture damages the protective waxy coat of a cockroach’s shell, leading to dehydration and eventually their demise.
When roaches pass through this powder, tiny particles stick to the fine hairs on their legs. Often, they retreat and meet their end back at their nesting place.
>> Read more: Using Demon spray for roaches: The Best Tips and Tricks.
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Roaches
Step 1: Clean and dry the area
Before you begin, ensure the targeted areas are clean.
If you decide to clean these spaces, wait a little while for them to dry.
In places with high humidity, like attics or basements, consider using fans to reduce moisture levels.
Step 2: Apply a thin layer
Dust a light layer of diatomaceous earth on surfaces where you’ve noticed roach activity.
Prioritize areas behind appliances like stoves and refrigerators, where these pests might be drawn to food residues.
And remember, bathrooms and closets are potential hotspots, provided they aren’t too humid.
Step 3: Target the entry points of cockroaches
Roaches can make their way in from the smallest of openings.
Ensure you address tiny spaces like cracks, outlets, and gaps around wiring.
These critters can come from places you might least expect.
Step 4: Address gaps in the walls
Discover a crack or a hole leading to your wall? That could be a roach hideout.
Use your duster bottle to spray diatomaceous earth through these gaps.
If you can’t find an opening, consider drilling a small one near the floor or concealed behind a fixture.
Step 5: Try diatomaceous earth outside
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas like garden soil, mulch, and grass around your home’s perimeter.
This won’t harm your plants. Choose days that are expected to be dry and let the powder do its magic.
If your home has a crawl space or a similar area, consider pouring DE at the entrance.
Using a leaf blower, spread it inside the space.
But remember, when handling large amounts of DE, wear protective gear like masks and goggles.
Step 6: Repeat and hopefully, you will relax
Inspect the treated areas periodically.
Depending on the severity of your roach problem and environmental factors, you might need to reapply the diatomaceous earth.
Humid conditions or rainfall can lessen its effectiveness.
For significant infestations, consider applying it twice a week.
Some studies have shown that diatomaceous earth can achieve up to 80% effectiveness within just 72 hours.
However, tackling a large infestation might require a more sustained effort.
How To Clean Up DE (Diatomaceous Earth) After Use
Clearing away diatomaceous earth is straightforward.
For hard surfaces, a damp cloth works wonders, while wood and tile floors can be easily swept with a broom and dustpan.
For those carpeted areas? A vacuum is your best friend. The cherry on top? It’s completely natural, leaving no harmful residues behind.
>> Read more: Roaches in my bed: How to Get Rid of them naturally.
How Long Does It Take For Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Roaches?
Well, it varies. While our insights come from average outcomes and people’s experiences, your situation might differ. The key is persistence and detailed application.
By following the recommended steps, you’ll likely notice a change in 2-3 weeks of consistent DE use.
Remember, DE works when bugs physically touch the powder. So, if roaches are moving through different routes, it might take a bit longer.
Important Considerations When Using Diatomaceous Earth
While filter-grade diatomaceous earth has about 60% crystalline silica, which can be linked to certain lung issues, food-grade DE contains under 2% and is generally deemed safe for use.
However, it’s always a good idea to keep it out of reach from little ones and pets.
And when you’re using it, wearing goggles and a mask is advisable, as the fine grains can be bothersome to your respiratory system.
>> Read more: Can you flush a cockroach: Everything You Need to Know.
Conclusion
In summary, Diatomaceous Earth is a remarkable, natural solution in the battle against cockroach infestations. Not only does it offer an environmentally friendly approach, but it also proves to be highly effective.
Curious about other innovative pest solutions? Dive deeper into the wealth of knowledge on our Pestweek blogs.
Calina Mabel has over 15 years of experience in the field of journalism and communications. Currently, Calina Mabel is the Content Writer for categories such as Cockroach, Ants, Bed Bugs, Mosquito, Rodent, Termite, and Flies on Pestweek.com. She aims to build content for these categories with a focus on providing valuable and accessible information to readers, in order to create the world’s largest knowledge community about Pests.
All content written by Calina Mabel has been reviewed by Emily Carter.