Does diatomaceous earth really kill stink bugs? We asked pest control professionals

Diatomaceous earth (often called DE) is a natural abrasive powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It has a wide range of applications, but is best known as a natural pest control agent.

It works by damaging insects’ exoskeletons, ultimately leading to their dehydration and death. Since DE requires a dry environment to work best, it is most often used in and around the home.

Food grade diatomaceous earth can effectively control various crawling and flying insects, including ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, silverfish, fleas, etc. But is this natural solution as effective in combating pesky bedbugs in the home?

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Diatomaceous earth and stink bugs

Although diatomaceous earth is a natural pest control agent and effective against various insects, experts agree that it is not the best option for controlling stink bugs at home.

“Technically, DE can kill them, but don’t think of it as a magic bullet,” says Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention. “The armor of stink bugs is much tougher than that of softer-bodied insects, so DE works slowly (if at all). The insect has to crawl through it for a long time to get scratched,”

Additionally, stink bugs are known to hide in small cracks, crevices, walls, and baseboards around the home, which means they may naturally avoid any DE treatment you propose.

So, can it work? Potentially. But this is not a guaranteed solution. But if you want to try DE in your fight against stink bugs, there are a few things you need to know.

“For homeowners who want to try this solution, the key is to spread a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth with a face mask in the right places, especially around doors, windows and other entry points that you think might be entrances to your home,” says Kris Bagnara, associate certified entomologist and service director at All U Need Pest Control.

While it may be tempting to leave large piles of diatomaceous earth in stink bug-prone areas, Bagnara emphasizes that more is not always better. Stink bugs are likely to avoid piles or obvious barriers, so it’s best to apply a thin, inconspicuous coating.

How to Control Bedbugs at Home

If you’re looking to control stink bugs quickly and effectively in your home, Carpenter and Bagnara agree that DE is not the way to go.

Instead, focus on perimeter treatments to prevent these sneaky pests from entering your home. Stink bugs are attracted to light, warmth, and food, so if they can find a way inside, they always will.

“Sealing cracks and entry points, removing debris from around your home, making sure your garage door is sealed and your windows are securely closed, and removing any standing moisture around and in your home are still the most effective ways to prevent stink bugs from getting inside in the first place,” says Bagnara.

So, what about those who have already set up camp inside your house? For these unwanted residents, Bagnara says vacuuming is the best way to get rid of them. It’s fast, efficient and practical.

If you’re sucking a never-ending parade of stink bugs into your home and you’ve already tried tackling perimeter treatments, that’s when it’s time to call in a professional.

A licensed pest control specialist will be able to quickly identify potential entry points, apply effective perimeter treatments, and provide customized treatments throughout the year to help prevent and manage stink bug infestations.