How to Kill Spiders With Diatoms

Few people are happy to encounter spiders in their homes.

While the majority of spiders pose no real threat to humans, some can deliver painful or annoying bites, and having too many in your home may make you want to get rid of them entirely. Spiders are difficult to exterminate since they don't respond to most baits and their food supply is not dependent on humans. Diatomaceous earth, an abrasive powder formed from fossilized diatoms, offers an extermination method that is nonchemical and considered safe for children and pets. It works by abrading the exoskeletons of arthropods, compromising their ability to retain water and leading to death by dehydration.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Squeeze bottle

Instructions

1. Don a dustmask and gloves before handling diatomaceous earth. It dries out skin on contact and may irritate eyes, lungs and mucous membranes while it is being spread.

2. Fill a plastic squeeze bottle, such as a ketchup or mustard bottle, with diatomaceous earth, which can be bought from the same type of stores that sell insecticide.

3. Apply to all exterior doorjambs using short bursts from your squeeze bottle. An effective barrier is 2 inches to 3 inches wide.

4. Treat all windowsills and any gaps or cracks in your exterior walls.

5. Apply diatomaceous earth along baseboards, underneath appliances and on top of shelves or cabinets in rooms where spiders have been sighted.

Tips & Warnings

• Diatomaceous earth takes several days to kill spiders, but unlike faster acting insecticides, it provides continuing protection for as long as it remains in place. Reapply seasonally to maintain full protection.

• Only use diatomaceous earth marked for pest control applications. The diatomaceous earth used in pool filters contains much higher levels of crystalline silicone, and is not considered safe for household use.

References

• Golden Harvest Organics: Diatomaceous Earth
• Simple Gifts Farm: Diatomaceous Earth