Will Diatomaceous Earth Kill Spiders?
WouterDiatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder that is commonly used in pest control. It is a safe, non-toxic product, but it may cause irritation to the skin and respiratory distress if inhaled.
Diatomaceous Earth works by sticking to the exoskeleton of spiders. This causes the spider to die. DE also causes the spider to dehydrate. The moisture in the body is drawn out by the silica in the particles. The sharp edges of the DE particles lacerate the spider’s body, causing death.
Depending on the size of the spider, it can take about four hours to die. Because of this, it is important to reapply the product every few days.
Diatomaceous Earth is not a permanent solution to infestations. To keep the product effective, it needs to be reapplied after rain or heavy dew.
Diatomaceous Earth should be applied to areas where spiders hide, such as under furniture or baseboards. It is also used around windows and doors. If the weather is windy, it may blow away.
To apply the powder, use a dust spreader or duster. You can purchase one at a hardware store. After applying the product, inspect the area to see if there are any signs of activity.
When applying the product, you must wear a mask. Using a hand duster is a better option because it will distribute the diatomaceous earth more evenly.
The product can also be mixed with water to make an insecticidal spray. In order to do this, you must first add essential oils and then diatomaceous earth to the spray. Apply the mixture to the infested areas and then wait at least three days before reapplying.
