North East Bed Bug Forum

Diatomaceous earth also known as diatomite, DE, or kieselgur, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. Diatomaceous earth is a very effective way to kill bed bugs, although it will not kill the bed bug infestation in it’s entirety, it can alleviate the problem until you can get a bed bug inspection company and pest control agent to the origin of bed bug infestation.  Diatomaceous earth has a particle size ranging from less than 1 micrometre to more than 1 millimetre, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, mechanical insecticide,[2] absorbent for liquids, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, and a stabilizing component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.

It is not reasonable to take a bag of diatomaceous earth and spread it through out the house like you were spreading carpet freshener.  The main advantage in using diatomaceous earth to alleviate a bed bug problem is to spread it around your bed as a barrier.  This may not work though if the bed bugs are already in your bed.

Your best bet if you think you have bed bugs is to call a bed bug inspection company to find out for sure and then proceed with a pest control agent that specializes in bed bug infestations.