Can I use diatomaceous earth for bed bugs?

People who search for ways to get rid of bed bugs often come across a variety of DIY methods. Among them, diatomaceous earth (often shortened to DE) is frequently mentioned as a natural bed bug killer. But what exactly is it—and how effective is it for treating an infestation?

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how diatomaceous earth works, how it’s used to control bed bugs, and what to keep in mind when applying it in your home. While it may be part of a broader DIY plan, it’s important to understand what DE can—and can’t—do in the fight against bed bugs.

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What is diatomaceous earth?

How diatomaceous earth is used to eliminate bed bugs

So, is diatomaceous earth effective for bed bug control?

Is diatomaceous earth safe for pets and children?

Getting rid of bed bugs with DIY

What is diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a fine, powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms called diatoms. These tiny organisms have hard outer shells made of silica, which, when ground up, create a dust with sharp, jagged edges at the microscopic level.

When bed bugs or other insects come into contact with diatomaceous earth, those tiny edges can damage their protective outer coating, causing them to lose moisture and eventually dry out and die. Because of this, DE is considered a natural, chemical-free pesticide—and it’s often included in DIY bed bug control tips.

There are two main types of DE: food-grade and filter-grade. For any use inside your home, it’s important to stick with food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is processed to be safe for limited household use. Filter-grade DE, on the other hand, is used in industrial settings and can be harmful if inhaled or misapplied.

How diatomaceous earth is used to eliminate bed bugs

Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating bed bugs, but it’s only effective if it’s applied correctly and consistently. DE doesn’t kill on contact—it can take several days to work, and it must remain in place long enough for bed bugs to walk through it. For best results, it should be one part of a broader treatment strategy, not a standalone solution.

Here’s how to use diatomaceous earth for bed bugs:

1. Identify the infested areas: Look for signs of bed bugs around mattress seams, bed frames, couch cushions, baseboards, and cracks in floors or walls.
2. Vacuum thoroughly: Clean the area to remove as many live bugs, eggs, and debris as possible. Dispose of the vacuum bag or canister contents immediately.
3. Apply a thin layer of DE: Lightly dust DE into cracks, crevices, along baseboards, under furniture, behind headboards, and around mattress edges. Avoid piling it up; bed bugs will avoid thick, obvious layers.
4. Leave it in place: Diatomaceous earth takes time to work. It may kill some bed bugs in a few days, but full exposure and dehydration can take up to 7–10 days.
5. Reapply as needed: If you clean or disturb the area, you’ll need to reapply. It’s also a good idea to refresh the application every few days during an active infestation.
6. Use with caution around soft surfaces: Avoid applying directly on pillows or bedding. If using it near a couch or mattress, apply it around the seams or underneath, not directly where people will have skin contact.

While DE can help reduce bed bug numbers, it won’t reach bugs hiding deep inside furniture or walls. That’s why it’s most effective as a supplemental measure alongside other tools, not a primary method of control.

So, is diatomaceous earth effective for bed bug control?

Diatomaceous earth can kill bed bugs—but not instantly, and not always reliably. It’s a passive treatment that depends on bed bugs crawling through the powder to be effective. That means if bugs are hiding in deep cracks, behind walls, or inside mattresses, DE alone won’t be enough to reach them.

A 2014 study from the Mississippi Entomological Association found that while diatomaceous earth can help reduce bed bug populations, it works best as part of an integrated approach. In the study, DE took several days to kill bed bugs, and effectiveness dropped significantly in humid environments or when the powder was disturbed.

So, what does an integrated approach look like? It typically includes:

• Vacuuming regularly: To remove live bugs and eggs from carpets, furniture, and cracks
• Using encasements: Mattress and couch covers help trap bed bugs and reduce hiding places
• Sealing cracks and gaps: To limit where bed bugs can travel and reproduce
• Applying targeted treatments: Including heat, steam, or professionally applied insecticides
• Monitoring with interceptors or traps: To track ongoing activity

Compared to other DIY methods, diatomaceous earth has the advantage of being chemical-free and inexpensive. But it also requires patience, repeated applications, and precise placement. Used incorrectly—or without other supportive methods—it may offer little real protection against a growing infestation.

Is diatomaceous earth safe for pets and children?

Yes—when used correctly, food-grade diatomaceous earth can be safe around pets and children, but it still requires caution. While it’s less toxic than chemical pesticides, it can cause irritation if inhaled or touched directly in large amounts. Proper application—keeping it confined to cracks, crevices, and other out-of-reach spots—is key to using it safely in your home.

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

Yes, as long as it’s applied in a thin layer and allowed to settle before the room is reoccupied. Avoid placing DE where it can be easily disturbed and inhaled, such as on bedding or open flooring. Apply it around baseboards, under furniture, or in wall cracks—not in high-traffic areas or where people rest their heads.

Can you use diatomaceous earth on mattresses and couches?

Diatomaceous earth shouldn’t be used directly on areas where people sit or sleep. That includes mattresses, couch cushions, and pillows. Instead, apply it around the edges and seams or underneath the furniture. For direct protection, use properly fitted mattress and couch encasements designed specifically for bed bug control.

Getting rid of bed bugs with DIY

Diatomaceous earth can support your bed bug control efforts, but it’s rarely effective on its own. Bed bugs are experts at hiding deep in furniture, walls, and flooring, which means a single method usually isn’t enough to eliminate them. That’s why many DIY plans work best when combined with other strategies, like regular vacuuming, heat-drying bedding, and using protective encasements for mattresses and furniture.

If you’re trying to manage bed bugs on your own, consistency and thoroughness are key. Look for signs of activity regularly and continue using preventative measures even after the most obvious signs have disappeared. And remember, the longer an infestation goes untreated, the harder it becomes to control.

If DIY tools aren’t doing the trick—or if you want peace of mind that the job is done right—schedule a free inspection with Terminix. Our technicians can assess the situation and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your home. Learn more about bed bug control options and how we can help protect your space long term.