You are correct about how to use diatomaceous earth. It's fossilized diatoms, and if I recollect is nice because it's silica-based, not calcareous (silica won't change your pH).
Diatomaceous earth - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Quote:
Pest control
Diatomite is also used as an insecticide, due to its physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the cuticle, the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Fick's law of diffusion. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat slugs. However, since slugs inhabit humid environments, efficacy is very low. Beekeepers are apparently experimenting with it, to keep small hive beetles from breeding. It is sometimes mixed with an attractant or other additives to increase its effectiveness. Medical-grade diatomite is sometimes used to de-worm both animals and humans. It is most commonly used in lieu of boric acid, and can be used to help control and eventually eliminate a cockroach infestation. This material has wide application in control of insects of grain storage.
Among the disadvantages of using diatomaceous earth for pest control include the health risk to humans (see below), and that it is harmful to the many insects that are beneficial to gardens, including predatory beetles and bugs and many detritivores.
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Oh yeah, I fucking HATE ants, especially those Argentinian ants you find down in SoCal by the BILLIONS. They drive me NUTS. Our mountain ants are much better (a lot fewer) because they make war on each other and keep their own numbers in check.
