What are the downsides of diatomaceous earth?

Author: Prof. Jayde Schmeler IV  |  Last update: Monday, February 10, 2025

If breathed in, diatomaceous earth can irritate the nose and nasal passages. If an extremely large amount is inhaled, people may cough and have shortness of breath.

What are the negative side effects of diatomaceous earth?

Lung disease: Some forms of diatomaceous earth may be harmful to the lungs, especially if inhaled. Breathing in diatomaceous earth might result in lung problems in people that already have some problems in their lungs. This includes asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. Use cautiously.

Why do exterminators not use diatomaceous earth?

Because it can cause respiratory issues and other conditions, we never recommend indoor use of diatomaceous earth as a pest control method.

Is it safe to sleep in a room with diatomaceous earth?

Yep. It should be applied very lightly to the point of invisibility... Totally non toxic. Don't breathe it as it is irritating. Don't sniff the dust in the floor.

What bugs does diatomaceous earth get rid of?

It is effective against various insects, including ants, aphids, centipedes, cutworms, crickets, bed bugs, cockroaches, Japanese beetles, millipedes, ticks, spiders, cabbage maggots, slugs and snails, making it a popular choice for natural pest control.

The Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth for Humans

What works better than diatomaceous earth?

An excellent alternative is Dr. Killigan's Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder. This powder is a safer and more effective alternative to diatomaceous earth for insect control. In fact, it is proven to have kill times up to 50% faster than diatomaceous earth.

Can you use too much diatomaceous earth?

That's why food-grade diatomaceous earth is usually recommended for pest control solutions. However, if too much diatomaceous earth is inhaled, it can irritate the nose and nasal passages or cause coughing and shortness of breath.

How long does diatomaceous earth stay active?

So you may be wondering how long Diatomaceous earth will continue to be effective, the answer is indefinitely as long as it remains dry.

Can I spread diatomaceous earth on my mattress?

Diatomaceous earth can even be rubbed into carpets and mattresses (under a mattress cover) to kill bed bugs that might be living in these places. If you use it in places that experience significant foot traffic, vacuum it up afterward to avoid it being blown or moved around too much.

What happens if a human breathe in diatomaceous earth?

If breathed in, diatomaceous earth can irritate the nose and nasal passages. If an extremely large amount is inhaled, people may cough and have shortness of breath.

Can I touch diatomaceous earth with my hands?

Pool-grade diatomaceous earth is treated in ways that make it more hazardous to touch or breathe for humans and other large animals. That's why food-grade diatomaceous earth is usually recommended for pest control solutions.

What if my dog licks diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth has actually been fed to dogs before in hopes that it helps with certain infections and is not toxic. The only concern would be that he ate enough to cause a blockage in the stomach or intestine. You would know that it's causing a blockage if Blu is vomiting and acting painful/lethargic.

Should you wear a mask when spreading diatomaceous earth?

Inhalation: While DE is generally safe for plants and animals, it is important to avoid inhaling the dust as much as possible. Wear a mask and gloves when handling DE to avoid inhaling or getting it on your skin.

What does diatomaceous earth do to your gut?

It's thought to pass through your digestive system quickly, with most excreted as waste. Some marketers say that diatomaceous earth can help remove toxins from the body. These “diatomaceous earth detox” claims are based on its ability to remove heavy metals from water when used as a filter.

Can diatomaceous earth cause liver damage?

While DE is widely used for pest control and purported detoxification benefits, its silica content raises concerns about liver health. Studies suggest that silica particles in DE may accumulate in liver tissue, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Why isn't diatomaceous earth killing bed bugs?

Due to its abrasive and moisture-absorbing properties, Diatomaceous earth can help control bed bugs, but it's not a guaranteed fix. Effective DE application involves spreading a thin layer in areas where bed bugs are likely to travel, such as bed frames and baseboards.

Can you vacuum diatomaceous earth with a Dyson?

Dyson vacuums are engineered for ordinary domestic use picking up dust, debris, pet hair and allergens. As a precaution, we would advise against using your Dyson Gen5outsize™ vacuum to pick up diatomaceous earth as the machine hasn't been engineered or tested for that purpose.

What kills bed bugs permanently?

Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins. Both compounds are lethal to bed bugs and can flush bed bugs out of their hiding places and kill them.

What precautions should be taken when using diatomaceous earth?

If you are going to use food grade DE in your house, you need to know that inhaling food grade DE is no more harmful than inhaling dust. But if you are asthmatic, elderly, smoke, or have small children, be aware that there might be respiratory discomfort or health complications if proper precautions are not taken.

How long does it take to get rid of worms with diatomaceous earth?

De actually rids the body of roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms within 7 days of being fed daily. But to be most effective, food grade diatomaceous earth must be fed long enough to catch all newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach as De does not kill the eggs.

What happens to diatomaceous earth when it rains?

Diatomaceous earth relies on insects drying out, so the whole process works best in dry environments. You need to reapply it after rain, watering, or dew exposure. It also works best when it isn't compacted, so again, rain or foot traffic will render it ineffective.

Can I get silicosis from diatomaceous earth?

The repeated use of diatomaceous earth insecticides is responsible for many diseases, including silicosis (Hughes et al. 1998), lung cancer (Park et al. 2002, Gallagher et al. 2015), nonmalignant respiratory diseases (Park et al.

What happens if you touch diatomaceous earth?

On the skin or in the eyes, it can cause irritation and dryness. If you notice that your child has ingested diatomaceous earth, it is important not to panic. Take the substance away from the child and wipe their mouth out with a soft wet cloth.

What are the side effects of Diatomite mat?

There are usually mild to known side effects of the material. If breathed in the raw form, it can irritate the nose and nasal passages. If a person inhales very enormous amount, it can result in shortness of breath and coughing. Some of the side effects on the skin are dryness and irritation.

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