Ants are the most common pests that infest our homes. They vary in color from black to grey and reddish. Ants infest our homes in search of food, water, and shelter. They can be a nuisance and can become a major problem. Ants have an average life span of 4–12 months. Some live for even 1 month. Queen ants can live for years. They live to serve the queen. It is important to deal with the infestation as quickly as possible.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural pest-repellant made of sedimentary rock that consists of fossilized diatoms. It is found in the form of finely ground powder derived from fossilized remains. When it comes to killing insects, DE acts as a mechanical insecticide. The microscopic particles adhere to the exoskeletons, leading to the loss of the waxy layer of the insects, which serves to retain moisture. As a result, the insects die of dehydration. In this guide, we will tell you about how diatomaceous earth is effective in killing ants.
Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Ants?
Yes, DE can kill ants. It is an effective DIY option for controlling common ant species. Though it is effective for killing individual ants, it cannot eliminate ant colonies. The ants that come into direct contact with it can be affected, particularly those ants that are foraging for food. Some foraging ants bring the DE particles back to the colony, but the effect may not be substantial enough to eliminate the entire colony.
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Ants?
You can apply a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around the parameters of the house to kill ants. Sprinkle it in cracks, crevices, and holes in walls, doors, and windows. Be cautious of moisture, especially during the monsoon, as moisture can reduce the effects of DE. You need to reapply it over the affected areas. Follow the tips below to remove ants from your house with best ant control services.
- Locate the Infested areas in the house. Identify the corners. cracks and crevices where ants are hiding and use as an entry point to the house.
- Allow easy access to the ant-prone areas. Remove any clutter and obstacles or food particles that attract the ants.
- Apply a thin layer of diatomaceous earth in ant trails, affected areas, and potential entry points. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, and holes. You can use a squeeze bottle or a duster to sprinkle DE on the areas that have been affected by ants.
- Leave the diatomaceous earth undisturbed and give time for ants to come out and crawl on it. Do not wipe or vacuum the area.
- The diatomaceous earth may lose its effectiveness due to dust settling and moisture. Reapply the powder after cleaning and if ants still persist in the area. If ant activity increases, you need to reapply the powder at frequent intervals.
How Long Does It Take Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Ants?
Ants have very small exoskeletons, so it might take 24 hours to get killed. It depends on how much powder the ant has infested. If ants crawl on the powder and get only on its legs, it may take 24-48 hours to kill them. The ants must come into direct contact with the diatomaceous earth. The powder’s sharp edges must puncture the exoskeletons to cause damage and dehydration. Diatomaceous earth will be effective as long as it is not disturbed.
There are two types of Diatomaceous earth available in the market. These are food-grade diatomaceous earth and pool-grade diatomaceous earth. While food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption and can be used for pest control, pool-grade diatomaceous earth is used for pool filtration. It is important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth for safe and effective pest control. Do not forget to read the labels and instructions before use. Though DE is safe for pets and humans, follow the safety guidelines to minimize skin contact and accidentally inhaling it. Wear gloves and a mask when applying the dust. Though diatomaceous earth is usually not harmful, it can cause respiratory discomfort if inhaled in larger quantities. Direct touching can also cause irritation in the hands. Using diatomaceous earth can be messy, and cleaning after it can be a bothersome task.
Conclusion
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic alternative to chemical pesticides. Its efficacy may vary between different species of ants. It is a popular insecticide because it is inexpensive to use. Though it can kill insects, it doesn’t mean that your house is ant-free, as it does not eliminate entire ant colonies. If you are dealing with a severe ant infestation, it is better to hire a professional pest control in Kolkata. Professional pest control experts will inspect your home and treat it according to the severity of the infestation. They will eliminate ant colonies and also implement preventive measures to stop future infestation.