Cimexa vs Diatomaceous Earth
People are always looking for the next best thing when it comes to getting rid of insects. We will compare Cimexa and diatomaceous Earth insecticides to see which option is better.
Both of these products are effective at killing insects, but there are some key differences that you should know about before deciding which one is right for you. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at these two products!
Diatomaceous Earth Vs Cimexa Table
This table will compare the two brands’ modes of action, ingredients, and many more.
Diatomaceous Earth | Cimexa |
 |  |
Silica Based fossilized diatoms. | Pure silicon dioxide. |
Diatomaceous earth contains silicon dioxide daround 80-90%. | Cimexa contains 100% silicon dioxide |
Pet safe if you are using them as label directed | Pet safe if you are using them as label directed |
CimeXa remains potent for an impressive 10 years. | CimeXa is specifically identified as being effective against pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs |
It is the only official health supplement-grade diatomaceous earth in the USA. | It remains viable for up to 10 years when undisturbed. |
The diatomaceous earth (DE) being produced is 100% organic and certified by the Organic Minerals Review Institute. | It is odorless and non-staining. Its desiccant structure does not absorb water vapor except in high humidity conditions. |
Diatomaceous Earth is effective against Cockroaches, ants, earwigs, Crickets, Silverfish, Fleas and other crawling insects. | Cimexa is effective against a wide range of insects, including ants, crazy ants, cockroaches, dry wood termites, and more. |
Active Ingredient
One of the key differences between Cimexa and diatomaceous Earth is the active ingredient. Cimexa contains 100% silicon dioxide, while diatomaceous earth contains around 80-90%.
The other ingredients in Cimexa include clays, minerals, and water. The other ingredients in diatomaceous earth include algae, bacteria, and minerals.
Target Pests
Another key difference between these two products is the target pests. Cimexa is effective against a wide range of insects, including ants, crazy ants, cockroaches, firebrats, silverfish, spiders, mites, bed bugs, lice, fleas, ticks, dry wood termites, and more.
Diatomaceous Earth is also effective against a wide range of insects. Still, it’s particularly effective against Cockroaches, ants, earwigs, Millipedes, Centipedes, Crickets, Silverfish, Fleas, Carpet Beetles, Bedbugs, Grasshoppers, Slugs, and other crawling insects.
Per Safe
Both products are pet safe if you are using them as label directed. Cimexa is an insecticide that’s made from silicon dioxide, which is a natural substance that’s found in sand and rocks.
Diatomaceous Earth is another natural substance that’s effective at killing insects. This substance is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are tiny algae that live in water.
Long-Lasting Effect
Diatomaceous earth (DE) and CimeXa both have longevity in their efficacy. DE, a natural pesticide, maintains its effectiveness indefinitely provided it remains dry.
Moisture compromises its abilities as it clumps together when wet, reducing the surface area that can come in contact with insects. CimeXa, on the other hand, remains potent for an impressive 10 years when applied in undisturbed areas due to its stable chemical composition.
OMRI Listed
The DE product referenced here is listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute (OMRI). This reputable organization provides an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production and processing.
This means it can be used safely in an organic setting. CimeXa, however, has yet to have this specific certification, making its suitability for organic use unclear without further information.
Using Instruction
Harris Products Group’s Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade Natural is versatile. It comes in a 4lb package and can be used indoors and outdoors, signifying its utility across various insect problems.
CimeXa offers broader use in residential areas and commercial and public spaces such as daycare centers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, recreational areas, offices, hotels, vehicles, warehouses, and even food handling and processing plants.
Absorbent Nature
Both DE and CimeXa operate on the same principle of desiccation or dehydration of insects. They absorb the protective waxy coating on an insect’s exoskeleton, leading to water loss and, ultimately, the insect’s death.
Source Material
The source material for DE and CimeXa differs. DE comes from the fossilized remains of diatoms, tiny aquatic organisms. These fossilized remains are incredibly sharp at a microscopic level, enhancing their destructive abilities against insects.
On the other hand, CimeXa is made from engineered silica, a compound derived from quartz, one of the most common minerals on earth.
Mode of Action
These products are not chemical poisons that could harm humans or pets. Instead, they physically interfere with an insect’s life processes. This means that insects can’t develop resistance to them over time, unlike some chemical pesticides, which can become less effective as pests evolve.
Pyrethroid-Resistant Bed Bugs
CimeXa is specifically identified as being effective against pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs. Pyrethroids are a common class of chemical pesticides, and some bed bugs have developed resistance to them.
DE’s effectiveness against this specific type of resistant bed bug is not mentioned, indicating the need for further research to confirm its efficiency against these pests.
Other Factors
The DE product, being the only health supplement-grade in the USA, suggests a superior standard of purity and safety for human consumption.
On the other hand, CimeXa is also recognized for its safety due to its low toxicity. It is composed of 100% silica dust, which is generally safe for humans and pets but deadly to insects.
Our Observation
Based on the analysis, we found Cimexa to be the superior product for several reasons. Firstly, it contains a higher percentage of silicon dioxide (100%) than Diatomaceous Earth (80-90%), potentially contributing to its broader pest control scope.
Moreover, it retains its efficacy for up to 10 years in undisturbed areas, surpassing Diatomaceous Earth’s longevity that, depends on remaining dry.
Cimexa’s versatility in application, being usable in a vast array of residential, commercial, and public spaces, makes it more adaptable to different settings. Its proven effectiveness against pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs gives it a distinctive advantage, as the resistance issue is a growing concern in pest management.
However, it’s important to note that Diatomaceous Earth is listed with OMRI, making it suitable for organic use, while Cimexa’s organic usability remains uncertain. Both products are pet safe and work by physically harming pests, thereby avoiding the risk of pest resistance development.
