• sandalbucket@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    12
    ·
    8 months ago

    Fortunately, diacontagious (or however you spell it) earth is not very “humane”. It cuts their wax layer as they crawl through it, leaving just enough of a gap that they can’t contain moisture, and they dehydrate / mummify to death.

    This fun fact brought me much comfort while I lied in bed, slapping every itch and wincing at every breeze.

    • DrRatso
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      5
      ·
      8 months ago

      DE is abrasive, and that does help, but the main reason it works is because it is a desiccant, so like a silica packet it dehydrates the insect.