Can you use diatomaceous earth around beehives for ant control?

Answer 1

Diatomaceoeus earth is made from the fossilized shells of tiny sea creatures called diatoms. It comes in the form of a chalky powder. It's like a fine light dust, and it clings to the bodies of insects when they walk or crawl over it. The way DE works is that the particles are incredibly tiny, but incredibly sharp to creatures as small as insects. The glass-like shards of the DE cut through the waxy coating on the insects, or work through the joints of the exoskeletons on them. For insects with tightly jointed exoskeletons the DE is still able to work through their mouths or eyes, and is just as effective. The other way that DE works is through extreme dehydration--DE is such a powerful absorbant that it's recommended for nearly all spills. What does this all mean for you? Well, DE will naturally be a highly effective mechanical pesticide against the ants. The only problem is that it will be every bit as "effective" on the bees...which, of course, is completely contrary to what you're hoping for...