I have bed bugs!!!....does diatomaceous earth REALLY work on bed bugs...or have i just been suckered in (like the rest of the country)
I can attest to DE working on bedbugs. About a year ago, I suddenly found my small single-apartment unit infested with them - it was insane! From what I could gather, mine was a fairly 'heavy' infestation. Both the physical and psychological affects on me from these parasites, was enough to almost push me over the edge; no fooling. After doing careful research online for possible ways to get rid of them, I first tried a couple of 'traps' (including a yeast trap) but to no avail. Then I tried the DE. I made use of an empty dish washing-liquid bottle, (for the spout-tip), and filled it with the DE so I could spray the powder into every crack and crevice by 'squeezing the DE-filled plastic bottle. I then applied a moderately thick dusting over the carpets. Lastly, I dusted my mattress on both sides, and made sure it got into every mattress seam, etc. - then covered the mattress on top with a plastic sheet which draped down the sides but did not touch the floor. (I also disposed of all my old bedding, just to be sure.) The first application, I just left for about 2-3 days, (btw, I'd already noticed that it seemed to be working at this point). Then I vacuumed it all up, making sure that the vacuum cleaner contents were properly disposed of, and I even cleaned all the hoses, nozzles of the vacuum completely afterwards; then did an equally thorough re-application of the DE. About 2 more days went by, 'no more bedbugs'! I wanted to make absolutely sure, so I did another vacuuming/ re-application. All together, it was maybe 5-7 days, total, and they were completely gone... for good. This stuff is a God-send, in my opinion. I used the Safer brand from Ace Hardware, as well. *.Note: another thing I found out while I was doing this, was that Windex (or rather, 'ammonia window cleaner') was great for if I actually came across a living bedbug... one light 'spritz' of the ammonia mist would instantly immobilize and kill them on the spot, I discovered.
Diatomaceous earth does work against bed bugs, however, it is only one of a combination of products/approaches that need to be applied. Using diatomaceous earth alone will help to reduce the bed bug population the home or apartment, but will not eliminate it. It works by clinging to the outer shell of the bed bug, dehydrating them and killing them. The problem is that the bed bug needs to cross through the dust field. Since its impossible to place dust everywhere the bed bugs are hiding or may cross through, it is only a partial solution. Many home owners like this approach since it is an organic product. To stay all organic use along with steam heat and vacuuming. There are also organic sprays (see 1st resource) that can help to knock down or reduce the bed bug population. In terms of a sequence: 1. Vacuum first (use crevice tool) 2. Steam 3. Spray with a knock down spray 4. Spray with a residual spray 5. Followup with diatmoceious earth 6. Cover mattress and box spring You may need to repeat 2 or 3 times. Each treatment reduces the bed bug population a bit more.
I'm sure you can find these at Walmart and Kmart if you'd rather not buy on line. 5. Wrap duct tape or Gorilla Tape around the bed legs STICKY SIDE OUT. This way the bugs will get stuck trying to get to you. Another alternative is to buy some peel and stick tiles and place the feet of your bed on these...
Diatomaceous Earth Home Depot
For what it may be worth: I have for many years taken a 500 mlg capsule of odor free garlic oil every day. I am convinced this is why I am not bothered by mosquitoes or any other such pest, (i.e. ticks fleas etc.). There is a person who rents a room from me and he brought home some bar floosy who has infested his room with bed bugs. He is leaving my home and when he is gone I will clean his room with a combination of steam and diatomaceous earth (not the swimming pool filter kind). I will report the outcome at that time but in the mean time I must mention he is eaten up while I have had not a single bite. I can not help but think the garlic has had something to do with this. If you try this it is well to remember; you will taste and smell it for the first few days (about a week) then the taste goes away. No one smells it on me and I associate the type of people who would tell me if they did. Garlic has other beneficial attributes also but I can attest to its ability to keep mosquitoes off me and I now suspect bed bugs off me as well. Again for what ever it may be worth. Cheers, Andrew.
