Q&A for How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth

You want to do a very, very fine dusting with the powder. If the layer is too thick, insects will just walk around it.

It's basically a very fine powder of fossilized particles that cuts up insects when it comes into contact with their exoskeletons. It's also a desiccant, so it dries out insects.

You can but it will create a mess. It's better to apply it dry in an even, visible, and light fashion. Not in big piles but rather just so it is visible for most insects. With insects like cockroaches that have larger bodies and sit higher on their legs, apply it a little thicker. For rooms that are hard to get into (attics, crawlspaces) look into applying with a larger applicator to fog that area so it gets into all the cracks and crevices.

You could do that, but it would be better to use an applicator that will poof the dust into the hole so that the powder distributes evenly and not just in a big pile. When doing new construction, you could apply DE to the bottom of walls before sheetrock is installed as an added layer or protection.

Diatomaceous earth does not necessarily prevent bugs from entering but will kill any that walk or crawl through an application of the powder. Apply it under baseboards, entryways like doorways and windowsills, screen doors, and around the outside foundation of your home. The baseboard idea is good because once you get it in there, it is there for a prolonged period of time. That location should have a reapplication every six months or so. For entryways and around the foundation, keep it dry and reapply after a rain.

If raccoons were to lie in it, it might adhere to their fur and help kill some of the mites, but it will not be very effective. The best way to apply to pets or animals with fur is to actually apply the diatomaceous earth to their fur coat, making sure to reapply after a few days until the problem has been resolved. Be sure to get the entire coat, avoiding the eyes and face. For pets it's also a good idea to apply some in kennels, pet bedding, and areas where they frequently lie or play.

Apply it around areas where dust accumulates (under beds, behind pictures, on top of shelves, etc.) Make sure the application is light, even, and just visible, as you don't need much to kill dust mites. Clean and then reapply every week until the problem has been resolved.

You could use the Dustin-Mizer powder duster or the JT Eaton Insecticide Duster.

They might work but they would probably be difficult to use.

Use a seed or fertilizer spreader. Mix diatomaceous earth and lawn sand/topsoil 50/50 in the spreader. The reason for the mixture is so DE can be spread evenly without all falling out of the spreader or none coming out at all. Apply until visible and reapply after a rain when it is dry. It is OK to finely mist your lawn so it becomes slightly wet. This allows diatomaceous earth to adhere and stick to blades of grass and weeds better.

Diatomaceous earth works against any insect that crawls and has an exoskeleton, so it would be very deadly against ants of any kind or size.

Good dusters include the JT Eaton Insecticide Red Duster and the Dustin-Mizer powder duster. Find them at most farm supply stores.

Start with a dry application to the cement patio, applying it lightly, evenly and visibly. It's not windy every day to the point it will blow it away. But if it does, simply reapply it. You may apply wet to the cement, but be sure you use more than just a few tablespoons to a gallon as it states in the article. Use up to 1 cup per gallon.

It's best to apply to your bed and baseboard (border of walls) dry. You can spray it on those locations, but the application will not be enough to stop bed bugs. When applied dry in strategic locations, bed bugs and other insects will come into contact and die.