Abstract: A crawling insect abatement matrix, system and method includes a cellular, nonwoven, wet laid or fibrous substrate with a shaped surface to which diatomaceous earth (diatomite, kieselgur, amorphous silica) particles are bound, either in situ or with a binder/coating applied to the substrate. A representative cellular substrate is polyurethane foam with a convoluted or otherwise shaped surface to which a coating that includes diatomaceous earth particles has been applied. The substrate is formed as a sheet, mat or pad that may be installed between a mattress and bedding structure or bedding textiles or below furniture articles, or in clothing compartments, or formed as a tape that may be applied to a surface of a mattress, a bedding structure, a headboard, bedding textiles, or to a clothing compartment.