Will Diatomaceous Earth Kill Termites In the Garden?

In a previous article of mine, (How to get rid of termites in your garden), I talked about the fact that termites are not only found in our homes, but often the infestation of these dangerous insects starts right in our gardens, without even realizing it!
In the article, I listed Diatomaceous Earth as one of the pesticides most commonly used to kill termites.

Can Diatomaceous Earth Kill Termites In The Garden?

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural and effective method to kill termites in our garden. DE comes in the form of white dust with microscopic sharp edges that cut through the termite’s exoskeletons and kills them from dehydration.

Once termites come in contact with DE, they will die between 16 to 24 hours.

Diatomaceous earth is a completely natural and organic pesticide that essentially has two advantages: it is safe and you can use it countless times since termites cannot develop resistance to this product.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

In short, Diatomaceous earth is fossilized algae dating back thousands of years. It is a siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from the remains of algae-like plants called diatoms.
The diatoms are extracted and ground to obtain a white powder that looks and feels very similar to talcum powder.
Diatomaceous earth is composed of magnesium, sodium, iron, calcium, and silicon, along with many other trace elements.

Diatomaceous earth is mainly used as a fertilizer and as a natural insecticide in orchards and gardens. Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and can be used safely both in organic farming and gardening, for cosmetics, and for personal and domestic hygiene of animals.

How To Apply Diatomaceous Earth To Kill The Termites In Your Garden?

Once the termite infestation site has been identified, it is sufficient to spread the diatomaceous earth directly on the affected area. Keep in mind that you can sprinkle the diatomaceous earth on the ground and directly on the exposed termites, however, the powder will not be effective underground, where the colonies are.

Another thing to keep in mind is that DE is effective only if dry, so avoid applying it during rainy periods. This is the reason, it is necessary to reapply after a few days to make the treatment effective.

Is It Safe To Apply Diatomaceous Earth In The Garden?

The great advantage of diatomaceous earth is that it is a non-toxic, natural product and it can be used safely in our vegetable gardens, in raised beds, and in storage warehouses, and lockers, etc.
Nevertheless, although it is an organic product, this does not mean that it is completely safe.

If ingested diatomaceous earth does not cause damage. You have to be careful not to inhale diatomaceous earth because its fine dust contains crystalline silica, which if it enters the respiratory system could cause serious problems, especially if inhaled repeatedly.
For this reason, before using diatomaceous earth, it is advisable to protect yourself with a dust sprayer, gloves, and a protective mask with a filter.

During the application, it is important to keep the dust mask on until you are finish. Keep pets and children away from the dusting area until the dust has settled.
In the event of an accidental inhalation, it is advisable to step away, drink plenty of water and blow your nose to remove dust particles.

In short, as with any pesticide, be sure to read the product label carefully and follow the instructions!

Many people are confused about the type of diatomaceous earth to buy because there are mainly two types of diatomaceous earth on the market.

What’s the difference between Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth and Pool Grade Diatomaceous Earth?

It is very important to know how to distinguish the types of DE that are on the market to avoid buying the wrong product accidentally.
There are two types of diatomaceous earth: food grade and pool grade. The difference lies in their refinement and processing.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is harmless because it contains less than 1% of crystalline silica. It is recognized as safe for human consumption even during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is used in the production of animal feed and for pest control.
Pool-grade diatomaceous earth has a high content of crystalline silica which is essentially toxic to humans. This diatomaceous earth is used in the production of swimming pool filters.
Obviously, for the purpose of this article, I am referring to food-grade diatomaceous earth.
It is possible to buy this product in most nurseries, here is a link to buy it on Amazon.

Cons When Applying Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Termites In The Garden

Unfortunately, many gardeners recommend diatomaceous earth as the panacea for all pest problems. Truth is, even DE has its defects such as:

1. DE creates a barrier around the termite-infested area but the dust remains on the surface of the soil. It will not kill the thriving colonies that are underground.
2. It is a broad-spectrum pesticide, which means it does not discriminate between beneficial insects and pests. This is certainly an element to take into consideration if we want to have a garden visited by bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
3. Diatomaceous earth is less effective when wet. This means that one needs to repeat the application every time it rains or gets wet.
4. Being in a form of powder consistency, if you apply it on a windy day, well… the wind may blow it away!

What Attracts Termites To Your Garden In The First Place?

Termites are mainly attracted by food sources and moisture. The combination of the two allows this insect to thrive.

Chances are you are not even aware that your garden has all the conditions favorable to a termite infestation.

Let’s see together what attracts termites into your garden:

1. Tree Stumps. Nothing attracts termites more than a beautiful tree stump left in the garden to rot. Once they spot it, (they can easily detect decaying wood) they will creep into the cracks and begin to consume it from the inside. If they would stop at the tree stump, the damage would not be so extensive. Unfortunately, when it comes to termites, it is only a matter of time before they attack your roof or the foundations of your home.
2. Raised Garden Beds. Raised garden beds are paradise on earth (pun intended!) for termites because they have all the ideal conditions for them to thrive: a source of food (the wood boards) and lots of moisture. I wrote an article on the topic that you can read here.
3. Wood Piles. Termites love wood and of course wood piles! Don’t stack firewood too close to the walls of your home. A good habit to avoid all kinds of pests is to elevate the wood piles. Extra care must also be taken when introducing firewood into the house. This could be termite-infested, and if not burned immediately it could be a potential hazard.
4. Mulch. Non-treated mulch will definitely attract termites. Nothing is more appealing than the soft, moist mulch of our beloved gardens. Be aware that mulch that is laid too close to your house foundation can be dangerous in the near future. It is better to opt for rubber mulch. A bit more expensive in the beginning, however very durable.
5. Vines, bushes, and trees planted too close to your house. They are an ideal passage for termites (but not only them!). Often these insects enter unnoticed through the cracks into our walls and roof, hidden by the shade of the foliage.

What Other Pests Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill?

Diatomaceous earth works great if you want to get rid of insects such as: