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Permaculture web site Rich Soil explains how DE works:
Diatomaceous Earth is almost pure silica (with some beneficial trace minerals); under a microscope, it looks like shards of glass (glass is made from silica). On any beetle-type insect that has a carapace, like fleas and cockroaches, the DE works under the shell and punctures the body, which then dehydrates and the insect dies. DE is totally nontoxic. There is no buildup of tolerance like there is to poisons because the method of killing is PHYSICAL, not chemical.
Since DE is nontoxic to humans, you'll often find it in grain-based foods, as DE is mixed in with commodity grain to keep it safe from bugs. I used it last year to kill a few mounds of fire ants in my backyard. It took a few days to fully kill all the ants, but it worked well. Keep in mind that you need to keep DE dry before using as water will make it ineffective. Also make sure you buy food grade DE instead of pool grade DE as the latter contains up to 70% crystalline silica, a substance known to be carcinogenic with sustained use.
Food grade DE can be found at most organic gardening suppliers. You can also buy it online; here's a source to purchase a 2.5 gallon jug for $11.50 plus shipping.
Diatomaceous Earth is an inexpensive, nontoxic, and effective way to kill bugs. Give it a try next time you have an infestation. Photo by Alisha Vargas.
Diatomaceous Earth (food grade): bug killer you can eat! | RichSoil - Permaculture Articles by Paul Wheaton
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