Diatomaceous earth is a mineral powder that can help you get rid of fleas, cockroaches, ants, and dust mites. You can apply it in wet or dry form—applying it in wet form allows it to cling to a surface easier, especially in the wind. Whether you're applying it as a dry powder or mixing it with water to spray it on your yard, avoid breathing it in and only apply it to spots that need protecting.

Use diatomaceous earth on plants that truly need it. Instead of spreading the powder all over your yard, only use it on plants that are being eaten or really need the protection. This will help protect beneficial insects that you might have in your yard, such as bees.
• Apply it close to the ground, and avoid spreading it over flowers that are in bloom so that you don’t harm bees.

Integrated pest management (IPM), also known as integrated pest control of (IPC) is a broad-based approach that integrates practices for economic control of pests. IPM aims to suppress pest populations below the economic injury level (EIL). The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization defines IPM as "the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the development of pest populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to levels that are economically justified and reduce or minimize risks to human health and the environment. IPM emphasizes the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro-ecosystems and encourages natural pest control mechanisms. Entomologists and ecologists have urged the adoption of IPM pest control since the 1970s. IPM allows for safer pest control.

The introduction and spread of invasive species can also be managed with IPM by reducing risks while maximizing benefits and reducing costs.