Safer Brand 5170B Ant and Crawling Insect Killer 4 Pound bag

by Safer

Product Features

• 4 lb bag
• Contains diatomaceous earth (77.69%)
• Kills insects by ingestion/dehydration within 48 hrs indoors or outdoors
• Kills cockroaches, ants, earwigs, silverfish, crickets, millipedes and centipedes
• OMRI-listed and compliant for use in organic gardening

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 9.2 x 16.6 inches ; 4.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000LNP1UK
• Item model number: 5170B
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,928 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
  • #86 in Patio, Lawn & Garden > Pest Control > Repellents > Insect Repellents

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

This organic pest control formula is ideal for killing ants, earwigs, cockroaches, silverfish, crickets, millipedes and centipedes. This ant and crawling insect killer utilizes diatomaceous earth (AKA silicon dioxide) which includes a bait formula that kills insects by ingestion/dehydration within 48 hours. Works indoors and outdoors when kept dry. OMRI-listed and compliant for use in organic gardening.

Product Description

Insect control powder with patented baits. Controls ants, cockroaches, earwigs, silverfish and other listed pests. Odorless and non-staining.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Non toxic pest control, March 14, 2008

By 

Kate Black (NYC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I discovered diatomaceous earth after a search for non-toxic pest control. DE is a mechanical killer -- meaning, it never loses effectiveness the way that poisons do. Diatomaceous earth is named after diatoms, the fossils of single celled organisms which have sharp edges that cut insects' exoskeletons so that they dehydrate to death. It's like razor wire for roaches. AND unlike boric acid (borax), it's food safe, so humans can use it in kitchens.

Cover your mouth and eyes when you use this, because big puffs of dust will come up with each spray. It's safe stuff to use, but it's not fun to breathe.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a SAFE product, as long as you avoid breathing in the powder, September 22, 2009

By 

bobbydsgirl "bobbydsgirl" (north carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Safer Brand 5170B Ant and Crawling Insect Killer 4 Pound bag (Lawn & Patio)

The reviewer who said this was not eco-friendly does not know what they are talking about. The warning on the bag does not say it is "hazardous to humans and animals," instead, it lists specific "hazards" which include only its abrasive properties (what kills the insects). Basically you should avoid getting it in your eye or breathing it in while spreading it. The substance is not toxic but it can cause physical damage to your lungs and eye because of its abrasive properties.
The 22% patented baits are "inert, food-grade" baits to attract the insects. There is nothing toxic about them. A simple call to the manufacturer would have cleared this up. The other reviewer should not have just assumed that the other ingredients were toxic? What would be the point of adding toxins to a natural product for killing insects? The Concern DE is actually made by the same company.
I gave this 4 out of 5 because we just put it down yesterday. I am sure it will work after what I've read about DE. It doesn't get a 5 because you have to be so careful not to breathe the powder, not just when you put it down but when you go to vacuum it up too. Always use a dust mask. There is another, very expensive product, out there that is not supposed to be as powdery (fleabusters) but we didn't want to spend the money when DE was an option.
Whatever you do, don't use the DE used in pools! It's very dangerous as the DE has been heated to change its chemical composition and the structure of the DE.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Safe Pest Control, July 8, 2008

By 

just somebody ordinary (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this product as a inside the home pest control. I did not want to hire a professional. I sprinkled this stuff where the carpet meets the walls and around vents, doors, and outlets. A couple of days later I found insects of all types dead in random places. I simply vacuumed them up. It does not kill them immediately but sure enough should an insect come in contact with it, it is an automatic death sentence. I only used a tiny bit for a rather large bedroom. This stuff is visible on carpet but vacuums up easily leaving no trace. I find this product much more beneficial compared to insecticides that are potentially health hazards.