Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Ants?

Ants can be an extremely annoying pest to have in your home or business. They can get into food and even cause structural damage. Many people want to use a DIY method instead of calling in professionals. They also do not want to use any harsh chemicals. Oftentimes, this is where diatomaceous earth comes in. 

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is an effective and non-toxic substance. It is a naturally-occurring powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Diatoms are single-celled algae with hard, silica-based shells. The remains of these diatoms accumulate over time, creating deposits of diatomaceous earth which can be harvested. Diatomaceous Earth has a number of uses including: 

• Pest control
• Filtration
• Dietary supplement

Of course, we’re most interested in its ability to be used for pest control, particularly when it comes to ants. 

How It Works on Ants

As mentioned, diatomaceous earth is made up of fossilized diatoms. These fossilized diatoms have sharp, microscopic edges, which pierce the ant’s exoskeleton. Once the exoskeleton has been pierced, the silica in the diatomaceous earth absorbs the oils and moisture from the ant’s body. The resulting dehydration from this process then leads to the ant’s death. An ant does not need to ingest diatomaceous earth for it to be effective, they only need to come into physical contact with it.  

Limitations of Using Diatomaceous Earth to Get Rid of Ants

As with any pest control method, diatomaceous earth does have certain limitations when used to get rid of ants. These limitations include:

• Moisture Sensitivity: Diatomaceous earth is most effective in dry conditions. When wet, it clumps together, preventing it from clinging to ant exoskeletons. This makes it ineffective in humid environments or after rainfall. 
• Slow-Acting: Diatomaceous earth kills ants through dehydration, which is not an instant process. Once ants have come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it may take several days for them to succumb to dehydration. During this time, you will likely still see them and they will continue to be a nuisance.
• Requires Direct Contact: For diatomaceous earth to work, ants must come into direct contact with it. This makes it less effective against ants within the nest or those that avoid treated areas. 
• Application Challenges: Diatomaceous earth can be messy when applying and has a tendency to become airborne. Inhaling large amounts of diatomaceous earth dust is not recommended, as it can lead to health issues. For this reason, it is not recommended to use it in confined spaces. 
• Not Suitable for All Infestations: Diatomaceous earth is best used for small, localized infestations, or for preventing ants from entering a specific area. For large, established infestations, other methods are much more effective. 
• Reapplication: Diatomaceous earth is a powder, making it prone to being blown away by wind or foot traffic. This results in a need for regular reapplication, which some may find to be a nuisance.

As you can see, while diatomaceous earth can be an effective method of ant control, it comes with a number of limitations. These limitations mean that ​​diatomaceous earth is not always going to be the best option. 

Why DIY Ant Control Often Fails

Unfortunately, DIY ant control is often not effective, and can even be dangerous. Reasons that DIY ant control often fails include:

• Targeting Only the Symptoms: DIY methods often focus on only killing the ants you see, not the queen or the nest itself. Without eliminating the source of the problem, the colony will continue to send out more ants. Due to this, DIY ant control often follows a pattern of temporary relief followed by reinfestation.
• Improper Method or Application: Pest control is a craft. It can take years to learn which methods are best and how to apply them properly. When people take ant control into their own hands, they often choose the wrong method or apply it wrong. This leads to ineffective results.
• Potential Health and Environmental Risks: The chemicals and pesticides used in ant control should be used sparingly. Oftentimes, when people try to use DIY ant control, they overuse these chemicals, leading to health issues for family and pets.

Due to the above reasons, DIY ant control often ends in failure. Proper ant control takes years of experience and having the proper knowledge. 

Benefits of Opting for Professional Ant Control

There is no substitute for hiring professional ant control. This is because professionals are able to:

• Use targeted methods, minimizing collateral damage and ensuring the health of your family, pets, and the environment.
• Accurately identify pests, ensuring the correct methods are used.
• Find hidden nests, ensuring that the source of the problem is being treated, not just the symptoms.
• Provide long-term prevention, ensuring that the ants do not come back. 

It is always going to be more effective to use a professional when it comes to ant control. In the long run, it will often save you time and money over attempting a DIY solution. 

When to Call a Professional

You should call a professional immediately if DIY solutions have been ineffective, if the infestation is particularly large, or if you suspect structural damages. In reality, it is never too early to call in professional help for ant control, such as that provided by GreenHow. Doing so will ensure that your loved ones and property are protected.