If you have kids and pets in your home, you may be worried about using chemical sprays and baits to keep bugs under control. One solution is to use diatomaceous earth instead. You can buy it at a store that sells pest control supplies and apply it yourself. It works on a large variety of bugs such as roaches, spiders, fleas, and even bed bugs. Here are a few things to know about using this form of DIY pest control.
Buy Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is used for many things. It is used in industrial applications and for filtering swimming pool water. It comes in different forms for these purposes, so you want to be sure to buy the food grade diatomaceous earth powder for use around your home. Even though you won't be eating it, you still want the food grade product so it is safe to use around your kids and pets. You can safely handle food grade diatomaceous earth, although it is drying to the skin. The only precaution you need to take when using it is to wear a mask when you apply large quantities, so you don't breathe in the powder. Since it is food grade quality, you won't have to worry if your pet happens to lick up some of the powder.
Apply The Powder Lightly
The trick to using diatomaceous earth effectively is to apply it in a very light layer. If the powder is too thick, the bugs may avoid it rather than walk through it. Also, if you apply too much on your carpets, your vacuum cleaner may bog down when you clean your carpet. Using less powder is more effective, but it is difficult to spread powder lightly unless you use some sort of device. When you buy the powder at the pest supply store, look for applicators too. There are shakers and bulb pumps you can buy very inexpensively. These allow you to lightly sprinkle the powder in your carpets and puff small clouds of powder in crevices where roaches hide.
Kill Bugs And Prevent Their Return
Diatomaceous earth is effective for active invasions and also as a pest preventative. If you currently have a problem with roaches or some other bug, spread the powder around areas where they like to hide. The powder scratches their exterior and leads to dehydration. Initially, the powder may flush out the bugs and it will seem like the infestation is worse. However, the bugs should die off in a few days. Once they are gone, you can apply a fresh dusting of the powder every few weeks, or as often as necessary, to keep bugs under control.
The great thing about diatomaceous earth is that it works on so many pests. You can use it indoors as well as outdoors in your garden. However, it works best when it is dry, so you may need to reapply it after it rains. Also, the powder is natural and safe to use, which is important when you want to avoid harsh chemicals in your home. The best thing is that diatomaceous earth is very effective as long as the bugs walk through the powder and get it on their bodies.
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