Spiders are a common household nuisance, and many people seek natural solutions to keep these eight-legged visitors at bay. One effective and eco-friendly option is crawling insect control diatomaceous earth, a versatile substance derived from the fossilized remains of diatoms. Many people ask, "will diatomaceous earth kill spiders? " In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the benefits of using diatomaceous earth natural spider control and provide practical tips on its application.
Understanding Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance composed of the microscopic remains of diatoms, which are ancient aquatic organisms. These diatoms accumulate over time in sedimentary rock and are mined to produce the fine, abrasive powder we know as diatomaceous earth.
How Diatomaceous Earth Natural Spider Control Works
Dehydration Mechanism:
Diatomaceous earth works by absorbing lipids (oils and fats) from the exoskeletons of spiders and other insects.
When spiders come into contact with DE, it adheres to their bodies, leading to gradual dehydration, and will eventually die.
Using Diatomaceous Earth to Repel Spiders
Application Areas:
Inside your home, focus on dark and damp areas of your home and mark them with sticky notes. As an example, your bathrooms, basement rooms, and any utility rooms.
Outside your home, focus on entryways to your home and mark them with sticky notes or flags. Examples would be your entire foundation and entryways into your home like your doors, garage, and windows.
Dry Application:
Please first apply in a 1/4" thick application around the locations that you marked outside and also inside. For the outside, you may apply to window sills, by the door, and around the entire foundation. Inside you want to also apply about a 1/4" thick application to the locations you marked.
Focus on baseboards and wall outlets inside. You may use our JT Eaton Red Insecticide Duster for that job. As for the corners of rooms and such, please apply to those locations in the same fashion.
Leave & Repeat:
Please leave the application outside for 7 days and then reapply to get rid of spiders. Please leave applications inside for 7 days and then clean and reapply to the same locations and in the same fashion.
Repeat if necessary and please continue outdoors until the first heavy frost.
Additional Tips for Spider Prevention
Regular Cleaning:
Eliminate spider habitats by keeping your home clean and free of clutter before applying diatomaceous earth.
Regularly vacuum and dust to remove potential hiding spots.
Clean up any oils and damp areas of your home and mark them with sticky notes.
Sealing Entry Points:
Identify and seal any cracks or gaps in windows, doors, and walls to prevent spiders from entering.
Outdoor Application:
Use diatomaceous earth in outdoor spaces, especially around entry points to your home, like doors and windows.
Create a perimeter barrier to discourage spiders from approaching.
Safety Considerations
While diatomaceous earth is generally considered safe for humans and pets, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines to ensure you are protecting yourself:
Use a mask during application to prevent inhalation.
Choose crawling insect control diatomaceous earth for added confidence and safety from chemical pesticides.
When applying, be sure to use a thin layer of diatomaceous earth and avoid excess piles of diatomaceous earth. This helps limit the amount of dust within the air during application as well.
Diatomaceous earth provides a natural and effective solution for repelling a spider infestation without resorting to harsh chemicals. The National Pesticide Information Center confirms diatomaceous kills insects like spiders by absorbing the oils from the cuticle of the exoskeleton. Sucking the body fluids from the insect, killing it. By understanding how DE works and following proper application techniques, you can enjoy a spider-free home while minimizing environmental impact. Embrace the power of diatomaceous earth as a safe and eco-friendly alternative in your pest control efforts.
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