The Insect Buster | Bulb Duster for Diatomaceous Earth

For mess free filling, we’ve included a convenient funnel for your DE powder. DE is a very fine powder and also clumps very easily. This can result in small inconsistencies in flow with most powder applicators on the market. To avoid this, we’ve included a steel ball already in the bulb. You can shake periodically to break up any small clumps. The flexible vinyl tubing can be attached to the curved tip to reach around corners or eaves, and last but not least, the brass extension rod can be used to get into those hard-to-reach crevices. Just unscrew the curved brass tip from the aluminum lid and thread the extension rod in its place. Now add the curved tip to the nut connector at the end of the extension rod and viola!

DE will rid your home of insects including fleas, ants, cockroaches, and bedbugs by dehydrating insects rather than killing them with insecticidal toxins. That said, it takes time for the dehydration process to take place. DE is not a "dead on contact" solution, but it is very effective. We recommend at least 24-48 hours before cleaning. Use proper safety precautions to protect your lungs from irritation.

There are two types of DE for use in the home: food grade and insect grade. Your DE doesn’t have to be food grade, but if you are using it in your kitchen, it’s better to use food grade. Both types have the same basic make-up, but food grade comes from a source that is whiter in color, while insect grade is more gray in color. The white is psychologically more “pure” to ingest into the body. (Please consult a doctor before consuming DE powder). They also have different labeling requirements. Even though there are no toxic or poisonous additives in pure insect grade DE, the EPA requires it to have a CIC label instead of a food grade label, which changes its classification to an insecticide rather than a consumable product. With that in mind, be sure to check insect grade DE labels closely as some manufacturers do add attractants and other insecticide boosters. There is also a third grade of DE powder for use in swimming pools. Stay away from using this as an insecticide or around food since this product is not safe for human consumption.

Once you’ve applied the DE, the longer you can leave the powder out before sweeping or vacuuming, the better. If you have applied the powder in hidden places, leave it alone and let it do its job for as long as possible. It doesn't have an attractant, but it acts as a barrier to keep bugs out and kill anything that walks through it. If it has been applied along baseboards and is more noticeable, try to get powder into any cracks, and then leave it for 24 to 48 hours before cleaning. Sweeping is better than vacuuming since more powder is left in the crevices. If you have applied it on your carpet, vacuum after 48 hours. (A WORD OF CAUTION: DE powder will burn up the motor on a standard vacuum. Only use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. If you are unsure of the type of vacuum you have, we do NOT recommend spreading DE or other powder insecticides on your carpet.)

To reduce the flea circus on your cats and dogs, dust their beds with diatomaceous earth (DE) 1 to 2 times per month. You can apply DE directly onto your pets, but be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area. Rub the powder deep into their fur, and avoid their eyes and nose. If they have any negative skin reactions, discontinue use.

To rid your kitchen of cockroaches (arguably the most objectionable insect known to man), squeeze a thin line of DE along the back wall inside your cupboards and pantry. If your top cupboards are not flush with the ceiling, apply the powder along the crevice against the wall. Pull your refrigerator out from the wall and apply behind and under the refrigerator (most refrigerators have wheels and can easily be rolled away from the wall). Squeeze some DE along the wall under the sink.