How does food-grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) control woodlice?
Answer
It dehydrates them upon contact due to its abrasive nature
Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth is utilized as a non-smell-based, physical control method. Although it is not a scent, it is often considered alongside odor solutions. DE functions by being abrasive, meaning that when woodlice crawl across the fine powder, the material physically scratches their exterior and causes severe dehydration by drawing away the necessary moisture from their bodies. This mechanism directly attacks their biological requirement for moisture management, acting as a desiccant rather than a repellent trying to persuade them to move elsewhere. This physical removal of moisture is highly effective, contrasting with scent methods which are secondary in importance.
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