Using eggshells in your garden as organic pest control is inexpensive and easy. In this post, I’ll tell you how to do it.
I will also show you exactly how to prepare them – including tips for cleaning and drying them, grinding them into powder, and storing them for later use.
Using Eggshells As Organic Pest Control
There is a well-known organic pesticide called diatomaceous earth, which is basically the fossilized remains of creatures that are ground into a fine powder.
This works to kill bugs because it gets under the shells of beetles and acts like bits of glass to cut them up and kill them.
Soft-bodied insects will also die if they slink across it. Well guess what, ground eggshell powder can work the same way.
Related Post: How To Control Garden Pests Naturally
How To Make Eggshell Powder For Your Garden
Whether you want to try using eggshells as organic pest control in your garden, or you plan to use it in other ways, the steps for making them into powder are the same.
Below I’ll walk you through how to clean, dry, and grind them, give you tips for using the powder in your garden, and properly storing the leftovers for later.
How To Clean Eggshells
I get asked about the steps I use for cleaning eggshells before crushing them all the time. But the truth is, I don’t really fuss too much about this.
If there is yolk or a lot of egg whites left in the shells, I will give them a quick rinse with water before drying them.
But if they’re already fairly clean, I don’t bother taking the time to wash them. I’ve never had a problem with my eggshell powder getting stinky.
If yours are really dirty, then I recommend rinsing them before you dry and crush them. You can simply use your fingers to scrub them, or soak them for a little while to soften up the residue and make it easier to clean it off.
Related Post: How To Get Rid Of Slugs In Your Garden Naturally
Methods Of Drying Eggshells
You should definitely let the eggshells dry out completely before crushing them, so don’t skip this step. To do this, I simply lay them out on a paper towel and leave them sitting on the counter.
But if I don’t want to clutter up my counters, then I’ll toss them into a paper bag and put them in my pantry, where they dry out in a few days.
Either way, just make sure you don’t stack the eggshells, otherwise they won’t dry as fast, and they might even start to mold or stink.
How To Grind Eggshells Into Powder
Once the eggshells are completely dry they will be very brittle and break easily. To make them into a powder, you can use a mini food processor or a coffee grinder.
In my experience, a coffee grinder works best for making a fine powder. If you use a food chopper instead, the shell pieces will be slightly larger, but you can still use them in your garden.
You’ll probably need to crush them up a bit first, so you can fit more into the grinder at once. I simply smash mine by hand in the paper towel or bag. Don’t use your bare hands though, because they are sharp.
Related Post: How To Control Flea Beetles In Your Garden
How To Use Eggshells In The Garden
To use your DIY eggshell powder as organic pest control, you’ll need to sprinkle it directly onto the bugs.
They really don’t like it, and will start to squirm and move around. It won’t kill them right away, and sometimes they will fly away, but they’ll die in time.
I do not recommend sprinkling it all over your garden, or you could end up killing the good bugs by accident. It’s best to only sprinkle it directly on the specific insect you are trying to control.
Related Post: How To Control Japanese Beetles Organically
Just be careful if you’re wearing dark pants, and don’t wipe your hands on them as you’re spreading the eggshell powder. It can be a messy job.
Yes, I made a mess with it the first time I used it, and got the white powder all over my pants (oops!). But I learned that a mini powder duster works great to avoid the mess – awesome!
How To Store Eggshells For Garden Use
You can easily store your leftover eggshell powder for later, which means you can keep making it all winter to stock up for the busy gardening season. Simply put it into any container that you have, and keep it in a dry location.
I store mine on a shelf in my garage, it doesn’t matter if it freezes in the winter. But you could put yours in a pantry or even the fridge or freezer if you would rather.
Related Post: Grapevine Beetle Information & Organic Control Tips
Eggshells are great for the health of your garden, and they add calcium to the soil. Simply toss them into the compost bin, or add the powder directly to your garden beds. Be sure to try using eggshells as organic pest control in your garden too, and see if it works for you.
Have you tried using eggshells as organic pest control in your garden? Share your tips and experience in the comments below.
kathy says
I can’t wait and try this with the egg shells will start today have time live in nh
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, hope it works for you!
Rose Seemuth says
thanks for the tip. The Japanese beetles in north Georgia are getting more difficult to trap. Hopefully the egg shells will work this year.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Your welcome. Japanese beetles are getting worse every year here in MN too, ugh! Good luck with it!
Cookie Sandridge says
I use egg shell tea to water my plants.
Just plop them in water, let them sit a few days and water your plants inside or out. Works wonders.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Interesting, thanks for the tip. So, does the calcium from the eggshells leach into the water then? Is that how this is beneficial to the plants? I’ll have to try it sometime.
Mrs Armstrong says
Does it matter if the egg shells are white or brown?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Nope, you can use any color of eggshells.
Daisey Fish says
Can one use cooked egg shells as long as they are cleaned?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes.
Cyndy says
I didn’t know that you should grind them into a powder; I have been crushing them by hand for snails. I mostly pick off snails, but that is time consuming. Thanks for this post!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You don’t have to grid your eggshells into the powder, crushing them up the way you’ve been doing works for snails too. But the powder will get into their shells easier and stick to their soft bodies.
MsBlueRose says
I have been using eggshells for so much anyway, but I had no idea you can do this much stuff with them. I just read another post about how you can use the skin as a band aid, use the shells for planter (to keep as a decorative piece, or use a planter) cups you don’t have to remove before planting either – the whole thing gets planted. You can use them for decorative pieces, too. I my self mix them in to every potter I set up for healthy soil; it does so much for the soil and plant alike. You can even use them for Easter decorations and Christmas ornaments! Eggs are the by far the most repurpose-able item in our kitchens; yet so many get thrown out in to the garbage. I am glad more people are starting to use them for other things. They are little miracles! Enjoy your eggs everyone! <3
Amy Andrychowicz says
I know what you mean, there are so many wonderful uses for eggshells. I used to throw them away too, now I shutter at the thought.
Eugene says
My, I need to save the shells from cooking eggs. Thanks for this post!
It’s awesome how this mundane object could be effective in keeping unwanted insects at bay. I can’t imagine paying for pest control services when they’re in my kitchen all along!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, they are great!
Correen says
Not only do our gals bless us with their eggs, NOW the shells are going to help keep pests away in our garden! Super post, thanks for this valuable tip.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome Correen. I’m jealous of your chickens. I’ve been thinking about getting some myself. Maybe some day… we’ll see. 🙂
Mary Picklesimer, Ohio says
Using some eggshells, about a tablespoon, before you plant tomatoes, eggplants or peppers will keep them from getting “bottom end rot”. Been doing this for years with hugh success.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Good to know you’ve had great success with it Mary! I tried this last year, but still have some bottom end rot on a few peppers. Maybe I’ll have to try using more eggshells in the holes this year.
Teri Garden says
I have done this for several years, but this year raccoons must have smelled them, and dug up the plants looking for the eggs! I will rinse and sterilize the ones I put around the plants! I’ll compost the rest!
lntan Baharuddin says
Wow..great tips!!! Thanks. l’m using eggshells pieces to keep snails away but, l didn’t know abt beetle. l have beetle flies problems on my Passion fruits. Will it work on them?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, if you’re talking about flea beetles, eggshells should work on them too.
Christi Casciaro says
I have been using crushed egg shells for a couple of years now but I have been removing the inner film first. I was told to do that. Do you do that or even think it is nessessary? I also just crushed them using a mortor. Do you find grinding them better?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I don’t remove the inner film (I don’t even rinse them out). I don’t think it’s necessary, and it sounds like a lot of extra work. I’ve never tried crushing eggshells with a mortar, so I’m not sure how fine they get. I like the coffee grinder the best because it grinds the eggshells into a powder. Also, it seems like less work than manually crushing them.
Jeremiah says
I’ve used a mortar and pestle for grinding egg shells on the farm. Works well. As mentioned, more labor than a grinder. But it isn’t hard work and I find it is a relaxing moment, almost meditative. Worms in the garden benefit from the egg shells for reproduction, I find grinding them first speeds up the usability.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Good to know! Thanks for sharing your experience, and for that added benefit of using eggshells in the garden too!
Pam says
Put your ground egg shells in recycled spice jars and just sprinkle where you need it. Less mess on your hands and clothes.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Good idea Pam! Thanks for sharing!
Kay says
FYI…The green lid off of the top of Parmesean cheese fits on top of a mason jar. You can put your crushed shells in a mason jar fitted with one of those lids and it works great for a printing things. Then you can screw the outer lid back on for storage.
Kay says
Darn auto correct…sprinkling things.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome idea, thanks so much for sharing!!
Deb says
Just wondering if this will work on ants?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I have not tried eggshell powder on ants (I’m going to now though!). But I have read that diatomaceous earth will work on ants… so the eggshells should too. Doesn’t hurt to try.
Tess says
I sprinkled grits right from the container around my ant problems (tree, etc), and it took care of the ants!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, good to know. Thanks for sharing the tip!
Deebi27 says
Thank you amy for this article. I have read about using egg shells before planting tomatoes…so the egg shell collection has started. Thanks for the FYI about grinding them for pest control. I all loving all these FYI I find, as my birthday present this year are the raised beds that I have been asking for, for years!!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! Congrats on finally getting your raised beds, that’s SO exciting!! 🙂
Laura says
I used eggshells to enrich the soil of my raised bed gardens, but didn’t think of the pest control factor. I know what I’ll be adding to my organic pest control regimen this growing season. Awesome information and you cannot beat free organic pest control.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Woohoo! Free and organic, I love that!