Being extremely sharp and abrasive, DE embeds itself into the bodies of pests and causes irritation and dehydration eventually causing death.  DE works on household insects such as ants, centipedes and cockroaches as well as garden pests like aphids, mealybug, worms, etc.

Caution: The downside to DE is that it does not discriminate between pests and beneficial insects. Ladybugs, green lacewings, butterflies, bees, and other “good guys” can also be killed by DE if they come into contact with it. For this reason, we recommend using DE with discretion on and around plants that beneficial insects may frequently visit. Application in the late evening also limits harm to beneficials.