Diatomaceous Earth

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Nobody wants bed bugs. They’re a pain in the, well, bed. In this blog post, we’ll explain what they are, how to tell if you’ve got an infestation, and share a non-toxic, affordable way to give the bugs the boot for good. What are bed bugs? Bed bugs are small insects that are reddish-brown in colour and oval and flat in shape, no bigger than an apple seed. These pesky little insects like to set up home in our homes - they have a particular fancy for bedding, mattresses and furniture - so they have easy access to their food source: us. That's right, they feast on our blood. And if that wasn't creepy enough, they usually wait until after hours to gorge. How to identify bed bugs Signs you've got an infestation may include: · Bites on the areas that are exposed while you're sleeping; often face, neck and arms · Small spots of blood on your bedding, which can be caused by the bites or you rolling over and squashing one in the night · Small brown spots which, we're sorry to tell you, is likely bed bug poo While the bites can be itchy and unpleasant, they are unlikely to cause any major health issues. Nevertheless, nobody wants these uninvited lodgers hanging around. Thankfully there is a simple, straightforward way to get rid of these irritating critters without having to spend a fortune on expensive pest control. The benefits of Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous Earth is an affordable, non-toxic method for putting an end to your bed bug misery. Here are just a few of the reasons why we can’t get enough of the stuff: · It's a natural product - Made from fossilized sea creatures, these remains largely consist of silicon dioxide, which is non-toxic and safe to handle · Works with heat treatment - Used alongside heat treatment (heads up: you're going to be doing a lot of laundry), it works wonders to eradicate bed bugs for good · Safely kills - You won't find any pesticides or other nasties in Diatomaceous Earth, so you might be wondering how does Diatomaceous Earth kill bed bugs? It essentially dehydrates their waxy shell and in doing so, kills them · Long-lasting - How well does Diatomaceous Earth kill bed bugs? It’s long-lasting stuff! While you're looking at a week minimum for it to work its magic, Diatomaceous Earth is a powerful remedy that will put an end to your bed bug plight for good · Can't be outwitted - Diatomaceous Earth is clever too; bugs can't crawl through it as it acts as a physical barrier and they also cannot develop a resistance to it like they can do with certain pesticides · Safe for most pets – Is Diatomaceous Earth safe for pets? It depends on what furry company you keep but, in most cases, yes. This non-toxic substance is safe around pets like cats and dogs. However, it's best to avoid in areas where you've got reptiles or spiders as it could cause a number of dehydration related health issues. How to get rid of bed bugs with Diatomaceous Earth 1. Isolate the room/s affected First things first, you're going to need to decamp elsewhere for a week minimum while this process gets underway. 2. Heat treat loose items Diatomaceous Earth works best alongside heat treatment, so for items that can be hot washed (e.g., your bedding, clothes) that is your first line of defence. Once washed, pop into a sealed container until the infestation has gone. 3. Apply Diatomaceous Earth Now it's time to crack out the good stuff and be liberal as these cheeky critters get everywhere. It's important to sprinkle it in all the places where bed bugs like to lurk, so pay close attention to: · Around the borders of a room · Behind faceplates · Underneath all furniture and in any interior space e.g., bed frames There is no precise measurement you need to use, but it’s better to be generous than scrimp. And while it is perfectly safe to handle, you’ll want to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any. 4. How to get rid of bed bugs on mattress The majority of the bed bugs are going to be hiding in your mattress ready for their next feast, so this requires a particularly intensive approach. For the best result, apply the Diatomaceous Earth over the whole thing and then pop it in a bed bug mattress cover. This will ensure that all the bedbugs are killed as they won't have access to their food supply. 5. Leave it for at least a week, ideally longer, and then vacuum Once you've left the Diatomaceous Earth for a week to work its magic, you get the satisfying job of vacuuming up* the dead bed bugs. Once you're done, dump the contents in your outside bin. - So, what are you waiting for? Stock up on Diatomaceous Earth and say goodbye to your bed bug nightmare! *When vacuuming Diatomaceous Earth DO NOT use a regular filtered vacuum cleaner or a vacuum cleaner with a bag. Use only vacuum cleaners with a high quality HEPA filter. //

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sand made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. These are tiny aquatic organisms whose skeletons are composed of natural silica – an essential ingredient of diatomaceous earth. It looks like an off-white powder, a bit like talc, and has no noticeable odour. It's non-toxic and abrasive and can be used for a number of handy things. And please don't worry, as diatomaceous earth is a vegan product, meaning that no diatoms were hurt during the production process. What is Diatomaceous Earth Used For? There are two main types of diatomaceous earth: food grade and feed grade. Food grade diatomaceous earth is often used as alternative medicine. It can be ingested or used on the outside of the body to cure various ailments. Food grade can also help cleanse the digestive tract, improve cholesterol and bone health, and promote hair growth. Feed grade diatomaceous earth is used as a natural pesticide and effectively kills fleas and other pests, including ticks, ants, cockroaches, and bed bugs. When sprinkled around the house or placed directly onto your pet's coat, the powder scratches the insects with its abrasive, sharp edges, penetrating the exoskeleton while absorbing its oils and fats. This dries the insects out, killing them. The difference between feed and food grade diatomaceous earth is due to the level of filtration. While both contain less than 1% crystalline silica, food grade contains fewer heavy metals, making it safer for human consumption. How to Use Diatomaceous Earth When consuming diatomaceous earth, take one teaspoon once a day alongside a glass of water. For best results, use it on an empty stomach at least one hour before eating or two hours after. Drinking an additional glass of water after each dose will improve the effects of the powder. When used against fleas and other insects, diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled directly onto a carpet or soil. It can also be used in the garden to protect your plants and crops from pests. However, you'll need to reapply the powder after heavy rain or dew for it to work. As a non-toxic, natural substance, the rain will simply wash it away. On carpets, sprinkle the powder where fleas are most likely to hide and leave it for three days. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove dead fleas and repeat the process over a couple of weeks to capture newly-hatched eggs. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth on your bed in case of a bed bug infestation. Just remember to vacuum it off before you go to sleep, as it may feel a little itchy. If you've found fleas on your pet's fur, diatomaceous earth can be applied directly to the coat. After sprinkling it into fur, brush it deep into the scalp, being careful to avoid the eyes and nose. Your pet shouldn't be bothered by the powder and may even enjoy a good brush. While the powder can kill fleas, it can't kill insect eggs. Therefore, repeat the treatment for a minimum of two weeks. After using diatomaceous earth, store it in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard to keep it at its best for longer. How Long Before You Feel the Effects of Diatomaceous Earth? It can take a little while for the silica in diatomaceous earth to work through your system. Don't be disheartened if you don't feel the effects straight away, as it usually takes between 6-8 weeks for results to show. Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Pets? As a non-toxic substance, diatomaceous earth is perfectly fine to use on dogs, cats, and larger mammals. However, when using it on your pet, be careful not to get it near the eyes or nose, as it may dry them out and cause irritation. We wouldn't advise using diatomaceous earth around lizards and geckos, as the powder can irritate the skin. As a general rule of thumb, keep it away from reptiles in case it dries them out and causes health issues. Similarly, diatomaceous earth is not safe around spiders or other pet insects as it will dehydrate and kill them. You should only use food grade diatomaceous earth with your pets as this is the grade that's safe for animals if accidentally ingested. To make it easier for you, we only sell diatomaceous earth that's kind for both pets and humans. Where to Buy Diatomaceous Earth? You can find both Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth and Feed Grade Diatomaceous Earth in our online store. Wholefood Earth is committed to providing full transparency on the testing and acquisitions procedure for your peace of mind, so check out the product pages to find out more. /**/