Diatomaceous earth is cheap and effective. It's made of super sharp little shards of microscopic dead crustaceans. It gets caught in the bugs sensitive bits and dessicates them to death.
Asked bung to get sources and more accurate info::
Yes, diatomaceous earth is an effective remedy for cockroaches. It is a natural, environmentally safe insecticide that can kill cockroaches and other insects¹. It works by breaking down the waxy layer of the cockroach's exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death¹. It can kill the four common types of cockroaches that infest homes: American, German, Oriental, and brown-banded¹.
Diatomaceous earth powder is abrasive and breaks down the waxy layer of the cockroach’s hard exoskeleton, killing it through dehydration¹. When they walk through diatomaceous earth, roaches carry away some of the DE that clings to the tiny hairs on their legs¹. They typically die later, back at their nest¹.
It can be used indoors and is low in toxicity and safe for pets and children¹. However, it should be noted that diatomaceous earth must be applied correctly to be effective⁶. It should be used with a propulsion device to get it into the tunnels and crevices that pests are using to access your home⁶. Also, it should be kept away from exposed areas⁶.
To apply diatomaceous earth in your home, you should first give your home a thorough cleaning⁷. Sweep, mop, put away food, and vacuum thoroughly, including behind appliances and furniture⁷. Maintaining excellent sanitation practices is usually the best defense against cockroaches⁷. After cleaning, dry up any damp areas to prepare for your diatomaceous earth application³. To prevent more cockroaches, seal up any cracks that could be under sinks, in the bathroom, near baseboards, or around poorly sealed doors³. Any kind of entrance for a cockroach should be sealed up³. If there are any leaks they need to be taken care of; you can do this with caulk or sealant³. Then, apply diatomaceous earth anywhere you have seen cockroaches³. Dust lightly, since cockroaches won't step on diatomaceous earth if the dusting is too heavy³. Apply DE anywhere cockroaches can hide, enter your home, and where food is commonly dropped³. Don't apply the DE to any area that is consistently damp or wet, since wet diatomaceous earth will not kill insects³.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/17/2023 (1) Diatomaceous Earth & Roaches: What You Need to Know. https://cockroachfacts.com/diatomaceous-earth-roaches/. (2) undefined. https://www.insider.com/guides/home/diatomaceous-earth. (3) undefined. https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/blogs/learning-center/the-natural-cockroach-killer. (4) How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth for Cockroaches. https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/blogs/learning-center/how-to-apply-diatomaceous-earth-for-cockroaches. (5) . https://bing.com/search?q=diatomaceous+earth+effectiveness+against+cockroaches. (6) How To Use Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Cockroaches. https://www.cockroachzone.com/diatomaceous-for-cockroaches/. (7) How to Use Diatomaceous Earth Against Roaches? - Pest Control Options. https://pestcontroloptions.com/diatomaceous-earth-to-kill-roaches/. (8) undefined. https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-use-diatomaceous-earth-for-roaches/.