• sandalbucket@lemmy.world
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    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@lemmy.ml
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      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.