DIY Pest Control?

I also use food grade Diatomaceous Earth.
I've used it in my chicken coop, in their food and even in my dog's food over the summer as our fly problem got totally out of hand. Within about a month there wasn't a fly to be found on my yard.

I swear by this stuff and will start up again once fly season rolls around.

It's a desiccant which means that it works by scratching the outer coating of the insect (or bug's) shell causing it dry up. Be careful when applying it. It can cause lung damage. Also watch your dog carefully to make sure he doesn't develop dry patches on his skin.

It's definitely an effective insecticide. But once it gets wet it's mostly useless. Good old boric acid is another very safe and practically non toxic alternative. Just remember that anything that kills bugs can be harmful if misused.