Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-occurring sedimentary rock that is crumbly and soft. It is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms tiny aquatic creatures with hard shells. The sharp edges of diatomaceous earth cut through an ant’s exoskeleton causing it to dehydrate and die.
The best way to use diatomaceous earth to kill ants is to sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home in areas where you’ve seen ants crawling. You can also put it in small dish near ant trails or in places where you think ants might be entering your home. Just be sure to keep it away from children and pets as it can be harmful if inhaled.
If you have a major ant problem you can also try baiting them with food that has been dusted with diatomaceous earth. The ants will take the bait back to their nests and the diatomaceous earth will kill the entire colony.
Whatever method you choose be patient – it can take a few days to a week for the diatomaceous earth to work. But once it does you’ll be ant-free!
How does diatomaceous earth kill ants?
Answer: The sharp edges of diatomaceous earth puncture the ant’s exoskeleton causing it to dehydrate and die.
How do you apply diatomaceous earth to get rid of ants?
Answer: You can sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home in cracks and crevices and wherever else you’ve seen ants.
How long does it take for diatomaceous earth to kill ants?
Answer: It usually takes a few hours to a few days.
Is diatomaceous earth safe to use around children and pets?
Answer: Yes diatomaceous earth is a natural product and is non-toxic to humans and animals.
Will diatomaceous earth kill other insects besides ants?
Answer: Yes diatomaceous earth is effective against a variety of crawling insects including cockroaches silverfish and earwigs.
How often do I need to apply diatomaceous earth to keep ants away?
Answer: You should apply it as needed but typically every few weeks should do the trick.
Can I use diatomaceous earth indoors?
Answer: Yes you can use diatomaceous earth indoors but be careful not to track it into your living areas as it can be messy.
What is the active ingredient in diatomaceous earth that kills ants?
Answer: The active ingredient in diatomaceous earth is silica a naturally occurring substance.
How does diatomaceous earth work to kill ants?
Answer: Diatomaceous earth works by puncturing the exoskeletons of crawling insects causing them to dehydrate and die.
Is diatomaceous earth harmful to humans?
Answer: No diatomaceous earth is not harmful to humans.
In fact it is often used in food and beverage applications.
How long does diatomaceous earth stay effective?
Answer: Diatomaceous earth remains effective as long as it is kept dry.
Can diatomaceous earth be reused?
Answer: Yes diatomaceous earth can be reused.
Just be sure to store it in a dry airtight container.
What are the benefits of using diatomaceous earth to kill ants?
Answer: Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that is effective against a variety of crawling insects.
It is also safe to use around children and pets.
Are there any drawbacks to using diatomaceous earth to kill ants?
Answer: One drawback to using diatomaceous earth is that it can be messy.
Be sure to apply it carefully to avoid tracking it into your living areas.
What do I do if I have an ant problem?
Answer: If you have an ant problem you can try sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home in cracks and crevices and wherever else you’ve seen ants.
