Is CimeXa better than diatomaceous earth?
If you have bed bugs and are searching for a way to kill them that is effective, fast, and permanent, then you may be wondering about the benefits of Diatomaceous Earth vs. CimeXa. So, how do they compare?
Diatomaceous Earth vs. CimeXa
An analysis of two common mechanical (non-poison) bed bug treatments| Diatomaceous Earth | CimeXa | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Makeup | Fossilized diatoms (silica based single-cell algae) | Amorphous silica aerogel (99.5% silicon dioxide) |
| Method of killing | Abrasion of the waxy cuticle | Dessication/ dehydration |
| Percent killed within 24 hours (laboratory) | 10% | 98% |
| Time for 100% mortality (laboratory) | 10 days | 1-2 days |
| Mortality after 1 week (field) | 12% | 82.3% |
| Mortality after 4 weeks (field) | 8% | 98.1% |
| Safe for humans | Yes | Yes |
| Safe for pets | Yes | Yes |
| Links | Check price | Check price |
Conclusion
So which works best? We believe that CimeXa is better than DE for killing bedbugs because:
- It kills a higher percentage of bedbugs in lab and field trials
- It works faster than DE
- It is safe
You can purchase it here.
Read on for more details and a full comparison.
What is CimeXa?
CimeXa is the brand name of a type of amorphous silica gel designed specifically to kill bed bugs and other insects. For insecticide purposes, silica gel is processed into fine dust or powder that can be applied with a bellows into cracks and other bed bug hiding places. When it comes into contact with an insect’s exoskeleton, it will adhere to the waxy cuticle of their body, abrading, desiccating and dehydrating them to death. Because it kills them manually, they cannot develop a resistance to it, like they can to other treatments like chemicals and poison.
CimeXa is 100 percent pure non-crystalline silica, a non-poison treatment that kills bugs by adhering to their exoskeleton and dehydrating them. CimeXa active ingredient is amorphous silica gel (ASG). Silica gel is a granular, vitreous, porous form of silicon dioxide made synthetically from sodium silicate. Silica gel is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring desiccant, purified and processed into a usable form. Although silica gel has been around since the 1640s, the synthetic version was invented and patented by a chemistry professor named Walter A. Patrick at Johns Hopkins University in 1918. During World War II, it was used to keep penicillin and other important military equipment dry. Today, it is often used to prevent the growth of mold and spoilage from condensation. If you’ve ever opened a package and found a small packet for absorbing moisture, this is a bead form of silica gel. Due to its high specific surface area (around 800 m2/g), it is able to absorb and retain a phenomenal amount of water.
How is CimeXa used to kill bed bugs?
CimeXa is a brand new treatment for bed bugs that has been proven to be more effective than Diatomaceous Earth in studies conducted by several universities, and also much safer when applied correctly and following manufacturer’s instructions. The reason that CimeXa is so effective is that the microscopic particles adhere to the exoskeleton of the bed bug and desiccate them from the inside out, causing abrasion and ultimately death. CimeXa is not a toxic poison, so it is generally harmless to the skin of mammals. It kills the bed bugs by completely mechanical means (drying them out), so it is safer to apply around the house than other methods of bed bug control.
Does CimeXa really work?
CimeXa is fatal to insects because it clings to their exoskeleton and absorbs the waxy coating, causing death from dehydration. However, Silica dust has low toxicity to mammals. The acute oral LD50 (lethal dose) is comparable to table salt. In fact, it is routinely added to foods and pharmaceuticals.
CimeXa dust was highly effective, even against bed bugs that have developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. In laboratory trials, 97.5% of bed bugs died within 24 hours of walking over silica gel dusted carpet, (only 10% in comparative trials using diatomaceous earth).
In laboratory trials conducted by professors at the University of Kentucky, CimeXa dust was highly effective, killing all insects within 24 to 48 hours. CimeXa was determined to have a higher mortality rate than alternatives Temprid or Diatomaceous Earth. CimeXa was also determined to kill the bed bugs much faster: 97.5% of bed bugs died within 24 hours of walking over silica gel dusted carpet, (only 10% in comparative trials using diatomaceous earth).
CimeXa was even effective against bed bug populations highly resistant to pyrethroids.
In trials that took place in 10 real apartments in 6 buildings, apartments were treated solely with CimeXa (no other insecticides were applied). The results were a rapid decline in bed bug numbers in treated apartments. (82.3% fewer bugs after one week and 98.1% fewer bugs after 12 weeks). The results were much better than similar trials using other methods such as Diatomaceous Earth.
[Note: further studies have found CimeXa to have low mammalian toxicity (meaning it is safe for mammals in small doses. For more about CimeXa safety, click here]
“The findings clearly show that silica gel is a more potent bed bug killer than diatomaceous earth.”
-Michael F. Potter, Kenneth F. Haynes, Jennifer R. Gordon, Larry Washburn, Melody Washburn and Travis, 2014. Silica Gel: A Better Bed Bug Desiccant
Some of the benefits of CimeXa are:
CimeXa is easy to apply.
CimeXa can be easily applied to high bed bug traffic areas using a bellows duster like this one. Simply pour a small amount of the powder into the dusters and puff into cracks in floorboards, under baseboards, around the bed, in light sockets and electrical fixtures, and other at-risk areas. It can be put into ClimbUp bedpost interceptors for added protection around your bed. Read more on how to apply CimeXa.
(Please use proper ventilation and wear an appropriate mask when first applying; although safe, inhalation should be avoided when it is still airborne. Follow all other manufacturer’s instructions. A single 4-ounce container is more than enough to dust an entire house.)
Safety
CimeXa is supposedly safe for use around mammals, including children and pets, when used properly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. CimeXa kills bed bug adults & nymphs. The acute oral LD50 (lethal dose) is comparable to table salt; meaning you’d have to eat as much CimeXa to kill a mammal as you would table salt. The main risk, minor irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract, is most prevalent during the initial application but can be largely avoided by wearing an appropriate mask. Once the dust settles, the risk of airborne inhalation greatly diminishes; only a small amount will become airborne again from normal movements. Exposure to the skin of a mammal will only cause mild dryness.
Fast-acting
CimeXa kills bed bugs more quickly than other methods of bed bug prevention, including the commonly recommended Diatomaceous Earth.
CimeXa provides residual protection
CimeXa keeps killing bugs even after the first application. In a laboratory study conducted by the University of Kentucky, 97.5% of bed bugs died within 24 hours of walking over silica gel dusted carpet, (only 10% in comparative trials using diatomaceous earth).
CimeXa is environmentally friendly
CimeXa is manufactured from silica (Si), which comprises more than a fourth of the earth’s surface. Furthermore, it is authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for household use.
Here are some testimonials from actual users, courtesy of Amazon.com
- “I had the worst of the cases ever seen. But with this product, you don’t really need to use interceptors. This is a very efficient product that literally does the job itself. Just apply it around the corners and by the bed legs and job done.”
- “Diatomaceous earth did not work for us….. the Cimexa worked. I wish I had used this in the beginning.”
- “I still haven’t had any bites since and it’s been ten days bug-free. This stuff worked. Buy it.”
- “I’ve tried a lot of different sprays & powder brands including D.E, nothing worked, but cimeXa is different.. this stuff is awesome!”
- I would recommend this product to everyone who has a pest problem… After LOTS of research, I found Cimexa. This not only took care of the problem that was starting, but also killed every insect that crosses its path. I didn’t realize that I had silverfish until I found their dehydrated corpses on my closet floor. I recommend this product because not only does it work, but it works fast!”
Is CimeXa safe?
CimeXa is a safe alternative to other bed bug treatments when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions because when humans or other mammals come into contact with it they will not be affected. The worst that might happen with direct contact is dry skin.
Like Diatomaceous earth, airborne silica gel particles can be somewhat irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The risk of silicosis and other chronic respiratory illnesses is even lower with silica gel than it is with Diatomaceous Earth. This risk can be mitigated with the use of a face mask or respirator during application. Once the dust settles, the risk of airborne inhalation greatly diminishes. Excessive exposure to the skin may cause dryness or mild irritation. CimeXa appears to be safer to humans and pets than Diatomaceous Earth; furthermore, most of the dangers associated with CimeXa are only prevalent during the initial application and can be reduced with proper application.
CimeXa is not harmful to the environment. CimeXa is manufactured from silica (Si), which comprises more than one-fourth of the earth’s surface (sand, quartz, clay, and other materials including many plants. CimeXa is authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Is CimeXa safe for kids?
There is no current data that suggests that children have an increased sensitivity to CimeXa.
Is CimeXa safe for pets?
Since CimeXa works by targeting the waxy cuticle of insects, the risks to pets are minimal (almost nonexistent with proper application).
What are some of the dangers of CimeXa?
You are probably concerned about whether it is safe to use CimeXa around the home. CimeXa is authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to kill bed bugs in the home. There is no current data to suggest that children or pets have an increased sensitivity to CimeXa. All reports indicate that it is safe to use around the home when applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How does CimeXa compare to Diatomaceous Earth?
If you are researching methods of DIY bed bug extermination, there is no doubt that you will come across CimeXa and Diatomaceous Earth. At first glance, the two whitish powders may appear quite similar, but there are major differences in their effectiveness and use.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth is a desiccant, (non-poison treatments that kill bugs by adhering to their exoskeleton and dehydrating them.) Diatomaceous earth is derived from naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock. It is formed in nature from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a species of hard-shelled algae. Diatomaceous earth is NOT an insecticide or a poison. It kills bed bugs manually, or mechanically, meaning that the microscopic particles (10 to 200 micrometers) cling to the bed bugs exoskeleton and cause micro-abrasions as it moves, which affects the insects’ ability to retain water. The bed bug quickly dies of dehydration.
Is Diatomaceous Earth safe?
Like CimeXa, Diatomaceous Earth is safe when used properly. Diatomaceous Earth is food-grade and FDA approved and is even certified by the EPA. Most diatomaceous earth is made of amorphous silicon dioxide, which has not been associated with any cancers in human beings.
What are the possible dangers of Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth can irritate the eyes, nose, and nasal passages if it becomes airborne and is inhaled. Coughing and shortness of breath can result, but usually only after exposure to a very large quantity. This risk can be mitigated with the use of a face mask or respirator during application. Once the dust settles, the risk of airborne inhalation greatly diminishes. Excessive exposure to the skin may cause dryness or mild irritation. Dust is best applied with a hand duster in cracks, crevices, and other inaccessible areas. Diatomaceous Earth should be applied with a mask or respirator.
Most of the dangers associated with Diatomaceous Earth are only prevalent during the initial application and can be reduced with proper application. There is no current data that suggests that children have an increased sensitivity to diatomaceous earth. In research studies involving rabbits and rats, Diatomaceous Earth was applied to the skin five times per week for three weeks. No adverse health effects were found.
Available research suggests that Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. The main component of diatomaceous earth is the second most abundant element in soils, as well as common components of rocks, sands, and clays, and plant life. It is commonly encountered by birds and other wildlife, and it’s not known to be harmful. Agencies have stated that diatomaceous earth is unlikely to affect birds, fish, or other wildlife in a harmful way. Conclusion: Diatomaceous Earth is not harmful to the environment
Is Diatomaceous Earth an effective bed bug home remedy?
Diatomaceous Earth is easy to apply, as well as fatal to bed bugs but not harmful to humans (risks are extremely negligible if applied in accordance with the label).
However, according to recent research, amorphous silica gel such as CimeXa may kill significantly faster than food-grade Diatomaceous Earth (usually as quickly as 2 days, vs. up to 14 days for Diatomaceous Earth.
Overall, Diatomaceous Earth is an effective bed bug treatment when integrated with other bed bug control and prevention methods, rather than as a standalone treatment. However, although there is an abundance of success stories with Diatomaceous Earth when integrated with other control and prevention methods, it is a type of treatment that is best used in conjunction with other methods, rather than as a standalone treatment. Diatomaceous Earth may take up to 2 weeks to kill bed bugs. CimeXa kills faster than Diatomaceous Earth, and available data suggest that it at least as safe (if not safer). This is why CimeXa may be a better alternative for bed bug removal.
Does CimeXa work better than DE for bed bugs?
Diatomaceous Earth and CimeXa are desiccants, non-poison treatments that kill bugs by adhering to their exoskeleton and dehydrating them. Unlike other highly toxic pesticides (which may take days or even weeks for their toxic properties to degrade bed bug populations), the desiccant powder dehydrates and kills the bed bugs before they are able to reproduce. These treatments are great because they are easy to apply, and are fatal to bed bugs but not harmful to humans (risks are extremely negligible if applied in accordance with the label).
Like Diatomaceous Earth, CimeXa is also a desiccant, (non-poison treatments that kill bugs by adhering to their exoskeleton and dehydrating them.) They are both safe for humans (and pets) but kill bugs by desiccation. The product clings to its exoskeleton and absorbs the waxy coating, causing death from dehydration. Unlike other highly toxic pesticides (which may take days or even weeks for their toxic properties to degrade bed bug populations), the desiccant powder dehydrates and kills the bed bugs before they are able to reproduce. These treatments are great because they are easy to apply, and are fatal to bed bugs but not harmful to humans (risks are extremely negligible if applied in accordance with the label). Both are considered efficacious at killing bed bugs if applied correctly.
Some customers choose to use both treatments together. It is common to use CimeXa for high risk/high bug traffic areas (for example, in joints in the bed frame, inside electrical outlets, and cracks/voids where the floor meets the wall) and Diatomaceous Earth in places that are likely to be frequently exposed to humans and pets.
How is CimeXa used?
CimeXa can be applied directly from the bottle or using a puffer applicator to more finely disperse it and cover more area. You want to pay particular attention to areas where bed bugs are known to hide, including the bed and headboard, wall sockets, cracks between the floor and the walls, etc. [Related: Do I need to treat my whole house for bedbugs?’ Remember, bed bugs are very small and can fit into incredibly tight hiding spaces, so it is best practice to apply the CimeXa to a wide coverage area.
CimeXa is one of the best commercially available products for safely treating bed bugs in the home. if you are following the proper application procedures recommended on the package, you should have an excellent experience using CimeXa to kill bed bugs. You can buy CimeXa here, or Diatomaceous Earth here. (affiliate links). You will also need to enclose your mattress in a bed bug mattress protector.
Conclusion
We believe that CimeXa is better than DE for killing bedbugs because:
- It kills a higher percentage of bedbugs in lab and field trials
- It works faster than DE
- It is safe
About this review
This page is dedicated to a thorough and unbiased CimeXa review. It is the consequence of many months of research and countless hours of examining peer-reviewed laboratory studies, and reviews from in-home and professional use for killing bed bugs. I hope you will find the information here valuable; if so, feel free to contact me here. This page is dedicated to a thorough and unbiased CimeXa review. It is the consequence of many months of research and countless hours of examining peer-reviewed laboratory studies, and reviews from in-home and professional use for killing bed bugs. I hope you will find the information here valuable; if so, feel free to contact me here.
A couple of months ago when I found bed bugs in my apartment, I was overwhelmed. Our landlord wouldn’t pay for treatment, and we had tried every spray, trap, and treatment we could find. We thought that we were going to have to spend hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars on a bed bug exterminator.
But finally, I came across CimeXa. I sat myself down and read through all of the available materials about CimeXa; laboratory studies, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), anecdotal evidence, everything…. so many sources that I lost count. This review is the result: the posts on this page represent my findings and my personal reviews on CimeXa and its benefits.
Did you know that exterminators can cost over $1,000? Read our guide to getting rid of bedbugs on your own and you can save hundreds of dollars and get rid of bed bugs for good.
Thank you for reading our CimeXa review! Please refer to all manufacturer instructions and warnings when using a bed bug control product. This website is an independent resource. This site receives compensation from the Amazon Affiliates program, which allows us to run this site at no cost to you. Your purchase price and this review are NOT affected. This website receives NO compensation directly from the manufacturers of CimeXa, Diatomaceous Earth, or any other product. We do not necessarily endorse any bed bug products that may appear on the 3rd party ads on this site, which will be clearly marked as such. We are not responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions, or any new information that has been released since the time of publication, or your actions taken as a result of any of these things. If you have any doubts about your ability to safely utilize any of these pest control methods, please consult a professional bed bug exterminator before attempting them. You can find a trusted local exterminator online. Read more about us here.