Diatomaceous Earth, or DE, is an extremely effective tool for removing bugs of all species from your home. Most diatomaceous earth users are aware of the benefits of using DE to eliminate smaller insects such as bed bugs or fleas, but are unaware of the fact that it can also eliminate larger insects such as cockroaches or spiders.
One of the most surprising facts about using DE to remove insects from your home is how little of the substance is required to completely eliminate an infestation. In this article we’ll provide a few tips on the best application methods for protecting your home from insect incursions with diatomaceous earth.
Application Method 1: The Spray Bottle
One of the most versatile methods of distributing diatomaceous earth around the inside of your home is with a simple spray bottle.
Creating a diatomaceous earth water mixture to distribute with a hand spray bottle is an extremely cost effective method of distributing diatomaceous earth around the house, creating an even application that won’t irritate the sinuses.
Creating a diatomaceous earth mix for spray use is simple. Mix two to three parts water with one part diatomaceous earth and shake thoroughly. If you’d like further details on creating an indoor diatomaceous earth spray mix, take a look at our step-by-step article. Use this spray anywhere you see ant, cockroach or spider activity. The water will evaporate, leaving a fine layer of diatomaceous earth that will eliminate any insectile intruders. Remember not to apply this mix to anything that can be damaged by water.
Application Method 2: Paint Brushes or Squeeze Bottles
For spot fixes or hard-to-reach applications, a paint brush makes a great diatomaceous earth applicator. Simply dip an old paintbrush in DE and apply it to where you need it. Remember that diatomaceous earth works by attaching to insects that traverse regions dusted in it, so be sure not to leave large piles. Small, light layers of DE work best.
A bulb duster or squeeze duster is often the best tool for applying light coats of diatomaceous earth to indoor areas, offering the ability to evenly distribute DE with minimal effort. For advice on the best bulb or squeeze duster, take a look at our squeeze duster review article.
Application Method 3: Diatomaceous Earth Applicators
Paintbrushes, spray mixes and bulb dusters are great for applying DE in small amounts, but for larger scale jobs the best tool is definitely a diatomaceous earth applicator. A diatomaceous earth applicator streamlines the application process, stores easily, and makes any job involving the distribution far more efficient and simple.
The JT Eaton Duster is a great tool for dispersing diatomaceous earth in hard-to-reach places, between floorboard and baseboard cracks, and inside crevasses and nooks. Fitted with a skinny nozzle, the JT Eaton Duster is excellent for deterring even the smallest species of insects. For more information on the best applicators for the various different uses of diatomaceous earth, take a look at our Top 3 Diatomaceous Earth Applicators article for a comprehensive breakdown.
Always remember to replace diatomaceous earth around your home every few weeks to ensure you’re using fresh, dry DE. For more information about the various properties and applications of diatomaceous earth, take a look around the various articles in our DE knowledgebase.
Diatomaceous Earth Information Guide:
We have a wide variety of food grade diatomaceous earth resources for you look through to make your life a little easier and chemical-free. Please check out the other valuable resources and versatile application uses for silica-rich diatomaceous earth below:
- Diatomaceous Earth Supplementation
- Truth About D.E. Food Grade Silica Supplements
- Diatomaceous Clean Up Tips
- Diatomaceous For Hair Loss
- Diatomaceous Safety Risks
- What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
- Diatomaceous Bed Bug Control
- Diatomaceous Fleas Removal
- Diatomaceous For Chicken Mites
- Diatomaceous Toothpaste Enhancement
- Diatomaceous Environmental Uses
- Diatomaceous Bed Bug Removal
- Diatomaceous Dog Flea Treatment
- Diatomaceous Earth Cleanse
- Diatomaceous Cat Health Benefits
- Diatomaceous Rodent Deterrent
- Diatomaceous Health Safety Risk Warnings
- Diatomaceous Human Health Benefits
- Diatomaceous Cat Flea Treatment
- Diatomaceous Application Tips
- Diatomaceous Beginner's Guide
- Diatomaceous Weight Loss Detox
- Diatomaceous Dog Health Benefits
- Diatomaceous Rapid Roach Removal
- Diatomaceous Earth Ant Removal
- Diatomaceous And Bentonite Clay
- Diatomaceous Earth For Hair, Skin & Nails
- Diatomaceous Organic Exfoliation Skincare
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- Diatomaceous Earth, Honey, Coconut Oil Cocktail
- Diatomaceous Earth Safety Precautions
- Natural Diatomaceous Home Spider Removal Treatment
- Diatomaceous For Home Gnats Removal
- How To Use Diatomaceous Earth Powder
- Diatomaceous Natural Flea Removal Treatment
- Diatomaceous Home Bugs & Insects Defense
- Diatomaceous Earth Food Storage Tips
- Where To Find Diatomaceous Earth Online
- Diatomaceous Natural Kitty Litter Odor Control
- What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
- Diatomaceous Organic Fly Repellent
- Diatomaceous Dog Ticks Treatment
- Diatomaceous Carpet Deodorizing Treatment
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- Diatomaceous Earth Natural Deodorant
- Diatomaceous Earth Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Diatomaceous Home Termite Removal Treatment
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- Diatomaceous Natural Cleaning Products
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- Diatomaceous Organic Feline Tick Control
- Diatomaceous Earth Organic Backyard Tick Control
- Diatomaceous Earth Ant Trail Preventing Tips
- Diatomaceous Chemical Free Home Cleaning Tips
- Best Time Of The Day To Use/Take Food Grade Diatomaceous
- Diatomaceous Gilmour Duster
- Diatomaceous Horse Feed Additive Benefits
- Diatomaceous Earth In Homemade Essential Oil Soaps
- Diatomaceous Earth Home Use Tips
- Diatomaceous Hog Pig Feed Benefits
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- Diatomaceous Chicken & Turkey Feed Additive Benefits
- Silica Supplements Guide
- Silica Mineral Benefits For Hair
- Silica Mineral Benefits For Skincare Health
- Silica Mineral Benefits For Nails
- Silica Mineral Benefits For Teeth & Gum Health
- Silica Water
- Bamboo Extract
- Orthosilicic Acid (Organic Silica)
- Diatomaceous Earth DIY Bath Bombs
- Diatomaceous Earth Squeeze Duster
- Diatomaceous Earth All Purpose Cleaner
- Diatomaceous Earth Drying Flowers
- Diatomaceous Earth Pumpkin Preservation
- Diatomaceous Earth Homemade Body Butter Bars
- Diatomaceous Earth For Cleaning Grease & Oil Spills
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- Diatomaceous Earth For Winter Garden Preparation
- Diatomaceous Earth Bed Bug Hotel Traveling Tips
- Diatomaceous Earth For Snakes & Slugs Defense
- Diatomaceous Earth For Polishing Copper Pots & Pans
- Diatomaceous Earth Silverware Tarnishing Protection
- Diatomaceous Earth Elk Feed Additive Benefits
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- Diatomaceous Earth Duck Feed Additive Benefits
- Diatomaceous Earth For Deodorizing Your Shoes
- Diatomaceous Earth For Deodorizing Your Trash Can
- Going Green With Diatomaceous Earth
Please reach out regarding any information above. In the future, more share-worthy useful enhancements, experiences and effects of diatomaceous earth will be added as the benefits continue to pile up. Always welcome for more insight and awareness, click the button to see the most recommended beautifully blended product that combines both high quality food grade diatomaceous earth powder and pure organic silica together in one formula.