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A bed bug problem needs to be dealt with quickly, especially if they’ve invaded your mattress.

When applied to bed bugs, diatomaceous earth dries them out while piercing the exoskeleton for effective pest removal.

Bed bugs scrambling about on a mattress

And it’s cheap, with food grade diatomaceous earth sold at most hardware stores.

Does diatomaceous earth kill bed bugs?

Diatomaceous earthis a natural rock consisting of fossilized aquatic organisms (known as diatoms, hence diatomaceous earth.)

Diatomaceous earth in a container with a spoon

This rock is then crumbled to form a fine powder which can be used as pest control.

In powder form, diatomaceous earth also has sharp edges (albeit, microscopic.)

These abrasive edges puncture the exterior of bed bug shell, to speed up the killing process.

A close up of a hand holding the Jimmy Mattress Vacuum Cleaner and using it to clean the surface of a mattress

If you’re trying toget rid of carpet mothsorfight off flying ants, diatomaceous earth is a potential solution.

Our number one tip?

Vacuum your mattressand the surrounding area, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies.

Bed bugs found nestled in the seams of a mattress

Empty the vacuum canister away from the house.

Essentially, any cracks and crevices where a bed big might hide.

Bed bugs are particularly likely to gather in these areas, so you want to ensure a good coating.

Bed bug feces on a mattress

As a final step, consider placing a circle of diatomaceous earth around the mattress.

This means any bed bugs traveling towards their feeding grounds will come into contact with the substance.

However, as contact is required it can be a slow process.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth: $8.99 at Amazon

it’s crucial that you wait for all the bugs to come across the diatomaceous earth.

We recommend waiting seven to 17 days, for the best chance at total removal.

However, we recommend investing in a goodmattress protectorand a fitted sheet, to prevent disturbing the dust.

A woman�s hand holding a magnifying glass magnifying bed bugs on a mattress

However, the fine particles of diatomaceous earth can cause respiratory issues if breathed in excessively.

For a start, it’s crucial that you exercise patience.

Diatomaceous earth can cause irritation if inhaled, so you want to avoid disturbing it once in place.

Vacuum cleaning a mattress

That means once applied it to your mattress, you may want to sleep elsewhere.

If you’re a pet owner,diatomaceous earth is largely considered safe for use around pets.

But although it sounds like a specialty purchase, it’s widely available in hardware stores and inexpensive.

Bed linens crumpled on a white mattress

For bed bug removal, use food grade diatomaceous earth.

Once inside your home, they can spread quickly.

Which is why if you suspect a bed bug outbreak, you oughta treat it fast.

Woman changing bedding

These methods can help you control an outbreakbefore bed bugs have spread throughout the house.

Bed bugs or fleas on a mattress through a magnifying glass

A person wearing rubber gloves uses a spray bottle and a clean cloth to clean the surface of the Emma Elite mattress.

Blue Jimmy BX7 Pro mattress vacuum on white mattress

A woman with brown hair lies on her stomach on a grey colour Japanese floor mattress

A mattress we tested is dressed with neutral colour bed linens and pillows

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