Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Natural silica-based desiccant dust made from fossilized diatoms. Kills bed bugs, fleas, and crawling insects by abrading waxy exoskeleton coating causing dehydration. Food-grade DE is safer than filter-grade (pool-grade) DE. Less effective than CimeXa silica gel but available for homeowner use in some formulations. Works best in low-humidity environments. Long-lasting if kept dry.
Common Use Cases
- Crack and crevice treatment for bed bugs
- Flea control in carpets and pet areas
- Treatment of harborage areas for crawling insects
- Apply in wall voids and attics
- Homeowner-applied bed bug control (certain products)
Application Instructions
Apply light dusting in cracks, crevices, and harborage areas using hand duster or applicator. Target areas where bed bugs hide: behind baseboards, in bed frames, cracks in furniture, along carpet edges, inside wall voids. Apply barely visible layer - thick applications less effective as insects avoid clumps. For flea control: lightly dust carpets, work into pile with broom, leave for 12-24 hours, then vacuum. Reapply after vacuuming. Keep dry for effectiveness. Professional-grade EPA-registered formulations require licensing.
Specifications
Composition: 85-95% amorphous silica (silicon dioxide from freshwater diatoms). Must be FOOD-GRADE, not filter/pool-grade (contains crystalline silica - respiratory hazard). Available as EPA-registered pesticide products or non-registered food-grade powder. Container sizes vary. Less effective in high humidity (>50%). Slower kill speed than CimeXa.
Safety Warnings & Precautions
- Use ONLY food-grade DE, never pool/filter-grade (crystalline silica hazard)
- Wear dust mask during application to avoid inhalation
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- EPA-registered formulations may require licensing
- Do not apply to sleeping surfaces or where dust contacts skin
- Keep away from children and pets during application
- Avoid creating airborne dust clouds
- Less effective in humid conditions
Related Materials
Other insecticide dust materials
Boric Acid Dust
Low-toxicity insecticide dust that kills cockroaches, ants, silverfish, and other crawling insects through contact. Works by abrading insect exoskeleton causing dehydration. Provides long-lasting control in dry areas. LICENSING: Commercial/professional application in New York State requires 7A, 7C, or appropriate certification. Some pure boric acid powder formulations are available for homeowner use, but professional-grade EPA-registered products and commercial application require licensing.
CimeXa Insecticide Dust (Silica Gel 100%)
Professional-grade silica gel desiccant dust highly effective against bed bugs, fleas, and other crawling insects. Kills by absorbing waxy coating on insect exoskeleton causing dehydration and death. More effective than diatomaceous earth - faster kill and works in higher humidity. Odorless, non-staining, long-lasting (10+ years if kept dry). Low mammalian toxicity. Labeled for crack and crevice application. EPA Reg. No. 73079-7. NY DEC registered.