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.
Penny says
I just did this today. We’ve been saving our egg shells. Only thing I didn’t rinse mine. Any time anyone used eggs I would just have one of those reusable plastic containers sitting on the counter & we’d just throw them in there (without the lid on it) So I never rinsed them. Does that matter? I just took them all & put them in a gallon ziplock bag after they were dried & then I crushed them & put them in the blender. I took it outside before taking the lid off because of the powdery dust. I kept an empty Parmesan container & filled it with the powder to sprinkle in my garden. I also heard that the lids from Parmesan containers fit on some glass mason jars
Amy Andrychowicz says
You don’t have to rinse your eggshells, as long as you dry them right away. Once they’re dry, the egg residue will harden and blend up just fine.
Robyn Westerman says
I put ground egg shells in my compost bin and all the beneficial wood lice disappeared. Would it have killed them?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, it could kill them. But if you put the eggshells into your compost bin, then that’s probably not the issue. They would have to be directly exposed to it, and it’s not going to hurt them once it’s turned into the soil/compost.
Marie says
Can you used the crushed egg shell for indoor plants as well, since I have gnats?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You could certainly try putting finely crushed eggshells in the soil. I never have, so I’m not sure it would work on the gnats. Here are other methods to try that I use to get rid of fungus gnats.
Ash says
Nematodes are highly recommended for controlling indoor gnats. You can purchase a powder and mix with water to apply. It’s easy, organic and very effective.
Mandi says
I have had good success with these ground shells. I have a mint plant in a large strawberry pot. The snails and slugs love it. Now, I sprinkle egg shell dust around the base of the pot and the pesky creature leave the mint alone and it is thriving. Thank you for this organic idea!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, glad to hear the crushed eggshells are working to keep those nasty pests away!
Isobelle says
I rinse with running water and toss them in an open tin for several days then put them in an open plastic bag in my broom cupboard ( smallish bag) hanging on a hook
When the bag is full I crush them in the bag using a rolling pin ( fun & good exercise for my arms)as small as I can get them
I sprinkle them on my garden at the roots of the plants , sometimes it looks like snow
I enjoy the whole process
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, thanks for sharing your tips for how you dry and crush your eggshells for your garden.
Anita says
I use eggshells all over my garden. I keep in an empty carton in the frigererator. When I have enough I spend then out on a large pizza pan. Cool them and place in ziplock bag until time for spring garden prep. I usually have about three large ziploc bags by spring.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, thanks for sharing how you dry and save your eggshells for your garden.
Rox Ann says
I dry my egg shells in toaster oven, then put thru a ninja, smoothie maker. Store in mason jar til needed. No egg shells get thrown out at my house.
Carolyn in Texas says
The easiest method to dry eggs is by placing them on a paper plate and using the microwave on high for a couple of minutes. Saves money by not using the oven and also does not heat up the house on warm days. I then throw the dry egg shells into a Ziploc bag until I have enough to grind.
Wear a mask!!! I love that the coffee grinder makes such a fine powder, but when you take the lid off some powder may fly into the air. Do not breath this stuff!
Ell says
Will crushed egg shells kill squash bugs?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, crushed eggshells can work for squash bugs. Sprinkle it directly on them.
Mimi says
I save my eggshells for several months before gardening season. Then I put them in my Vita Mix. Yes, it made the container a bit “cloudy” due to the sharp edges of the shells, but it’s worth it to me to add these to a mix that I make to put in each hole before planting a plant and then sprinkling a bit over the plant roots before covering with soil.
Jo Ann Jennings Schmits says
I slide dried eggshells into the plastic sleeve from our newspaper. Gently hand crush once they are inside. No mess. Then before I store or use them I use a rolling pin over the plastic sleeve.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great idea, thanks for sharing your method of crushing the eggshells. Always fun to hear how others do it. 🙂 Putting them into the grinder definitely makes a finer powder than crushing them as you mentioned.
dan says
I use good ol fashioned MORTIS AN PISTLE it gets the shells to any fineness you want even to powder,,hope I spelt it right haha
Lynn says
Does this work on houseplants?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You could try sprinkling crushed eggshells on top of the soil to help control fungus gnats. But, I think it would be way too messy to use it on the leaves indoors. I prefer using these methods indoors… How To Get Rid Of Bugs On Houseplants.
dan says
I use good ol mortar an pestle for the grinding bit more work but thats all in the fun cheers
Tom says
That’s ingenious; I use my mortar and pestle to grind up pills my dog won’t swallow and sprinkle it on wet food.
For egg shells I gave a dedicated thrift store blender that does a great job.
I also like to freeze vegetable scraps before putting them in the compost pile. As the that out they are well in the way to breaking down.
EVON Halladay says
How do you deter cats from your stuff? They are all over my yard and I can’t keep them out?
Amy Andrychowicz says
There are deterrent sprays that you can purchase. Also, a heavy layer of hardwood mulch will help to keep them from digging in the soil. Here’s a post about keeping cats out of potted plants that might help you too.
Melissa Watkins says
USED COFFEE GROUNDS.
THEY HATE THE SMELL OF COFFEE.
Abby says
So this is my first year gardimg and I would like to know if this is beneficial for the soil and if it helps the plands grow. And dose it kill ladybugs or butterflys.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, eggshells also add calcium to the soil, and are good for worms too. And yes to your second question too. Eggshell powder could also harm beneficial bugs, so definitely be careful with it, and treat it like you would any other pesticide.
Peg says
I also often air dry me egg shells but 45 seconds to a 1 minute in the microwave also does a wonderful job. Let them cool before crushing.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great, thanks for adding your tip for drying the eggshells in the microwave.
Deb says
Do they have to be crushed finely. I have just been crushing them in my hands and placing them around my sugar snaps in small pieces.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, it’s best to crush the eggshells into a powder for best results.
Cheri says
I too dry mine in the microwave. Works like a charm, pop the dry egg shells in a bag until you have enough to grind. I do it every day and it takes one minute!