Does diatomaceous earth kill bed bugs?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae.

The shells consist of silica (silicon dioxide) and are heavily ornamented, giving them high absorptive power. When crushed, the sharp edges of the shells physically damage the outer protective wax layer of bed bugs, and in sufficient amounts, it causes them to dehydrate and die.

In smaller amounts, DE may enter joints on the bed bug’s legs and its proboscis, impairing its ability to move and feed. This breaks the life cycle and stops the bed bug population from increasing.

The powder can be applied as a spray, tape, or in loose form.