Diatomaceous earth: how can you use it in your home?

Bed bug infestation? Dog infested with fleas? Ants getting into the house? Diatomaceous earth might just be the old-fashioned remedy you’ve been waiting for! Both abrasive and absorbent, it’s often considered a natural insecticide. It helps purify our homes and absorb unpleasant odors. To use it at home, simply make sure to choose uncalcined diatomaceous earth and follow all necessary precautions. This way, you can enjoy its benefits for your home with peace of mind.

Reading time: 0 min.

What is diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth (also known as “diatomite” or “kieselguhr”) comes in powder form. It is 100% natural, as it is a sedimentary rock like chalk, sandstone, or coal, to name a few. It consists almost exclusively of fossilized diatom skeletons. These famous diatoms are actually microscopic single-celled algae. When they die, they accumulate on the ocean floor. They form a rock that is then ground into powder.

Good to know: if you want to use diatomaceous earth in your home, be sure to choose the uncalcined (i.e., “food-grade”) version. Calcined powders are available only to professionals, as they require much greater caution when handling.

What is diatomaceous earth used for?

Diatomaceous earth and pest control

At home, diatomaceous earth is gaining popularity for controlling insects. This property is directly linked to its high silicon dioxide content. The combination of its abrasive and absorbent properties damages the insects’ cuticle. Diatomaceous earth “slices” through it while absorbing its protective waxes, which normally make it waterproof. Deprived of this natural waterproof barrier, the insects gradually dehydrate and eventually die. The effect has the advantage of being rapid (just a few minutes), so that the insects do not have time to develop protective mechanisms or resistance. Used as an insecticide, diatomaceous earth has proven effective against various insects and mites commonly found in our homes. It is particularly effective against cockroaches, silverfish, dust mites, ants, flour moths, and houseflies. And if you have pets: it also eliminates fleas!

Diatomaceous earth and plant protection

Diatomaceous earth isn’t just a valuable ally for the home, but also for the garden and houseplants. Thanks to its natural insecticidal properties, it can be used to protect plants from pests such as aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and whiteflies. By applying a thin layer of powder directly to the leaves, stems, or around the base of the plants, it acts as a physical barrier and a natural repellent. Diatomaceous earth is also beneficial for the soil, as it improves its structure by promoting aeration and water retention. As a natural soil amendment, it helps enrich the soil with essential minerals, particularly silicon dioxide, which is beneficial for plant growth. This makes it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for gardeners looking to limit their use of chemicals.

Diatomaceous Earth and Odor Control

Diatomaceous earth is also an excellent natural absorbent. Thanks to its ability to capture moisture and impurities, it effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors, whether in pet litter, shoes, or closets. Its fine texture also allows it to be used as a natural deodorizer when combined with essential oils. Easy to use and eco-friendly, it’s an ideal alternative to chemical products.

How do you use amorphous diatomaceous earth in the home?

Diatomaceous earth does more than just get rid of insects and dust mites. It’s also a simple and completely natural solution for maintaining your home! For example, you can use it to purify your environment and absorb unpleasant odors. Its use is quite similar to that of baking soda or Sommières clay.

  1. Vacuum all the areas of your home that you want to purify.

  2. Sprinkle amorphous diatomaceous earth (uncalcined) on your carpets, upholstery, sofas, cushions, mattress, your pets’ bedding, etc. You can also sprinkle it on your floors: hardwood, tile, linoleum, etc.

  3. Let it sit for a few minutes to a few hours. It is counterproductive to wait too long: diatomaceous earth loses its effectiveness when it has absorbed too much dust and moisture.

  4. Vacuum again wherever you sprinkled it to remove any powder residue.

Precautions for use

Here are a few guidelines we recommend following when using diatomaceous earth in your home:

  • Protect your respiratory tract with a mask

  • Keep your children out of the rooms where you are applying it

  • Use it only on small, targeted areas, not everywhere

  • Avoid contact with the eyes

  • Always vacuum up the diatomaceous earth at the end of the process.

Expert tip

You can also use diatomaceous earth in your garden or vegetable patch! Some gardeners who have switched to organic methods use it as a natural insecticide to combat slugs or insects that destroy crops. Keep in mind, however, that its effectiveness is not selective: it can target both harmful insects and species necessary for pollination… Biodiversity is precious: whenever possible, try to preserve it even on your own scale. There are other alternatives, such as companion plants.

Learn more

Is diatomaceous earth harmful to humans?

Even though amorphous diatomaceous earth is widely used in the home, some precautions are necessary. When spreading it around your home, it’s very important to protect your respiratory system. The goal is to minimize inhalation of the powder as much as possible. Its high silica content makes it quite irritating to our lungs, especially with long-term exposure. This is why some sources recommend using coarse-grained diatomaceous earth. Larger particles are harder to inhale, which may reduce the risks.

Does diatomaceous earth kill fleas?

Yes, diatomaceous earth can kill fleas by dehydration. Once ingested, it acts like micro-razors that shred the fleas’ insides and cause rapid dehydration.

Is diatomaceous earth effective against bed bugs?

Yes, several studies conclude that diatomaceous earth can eliminate bed bugs by drying them out.

Diatomaceous earth: how long should you let it sit?

Let it sit for a few hours on your carpets, cushions, armchairs, and floors before vacuuming it up. Avoid leaving it in place for too long to limit your exposure to silica particles. It won’t necessarily be more effective if you leave it for several days.

Meet Our Specialist Writer, Hélène Betoux

Hélène Betoux is a French beauty journalist specialising in web media. Every day she writes tips, advice and guides to help consumers choose the right beauty products. With a strong interest in natural, organic and clean cosmetics, she analyses and shares trends and innovations in the sector.

Bibliography

1

Saiful Islam, Motiur Rahman, “Diatomaceous Earth-Induced Alterations in the Reproductive Attributes of the Housefly Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)” in SSRN Electronic Journal, June 2016, 96:41241-41244.

2

Akhoundi M, Bruel C, Izri A. Harmful Effects of Bed Bug-Killing Method of Diatomaceous Earth on Human Health. J Insect Sci. 2019 Sep 1;19(5):13. doi: 10.1093/jisesa/iez095. PMID: 31606744; PMCID: PMC6790245.