For the control of S. frugiperda, it is necessary to test methods, especially biological ones. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of diatomaceous earth under the control of S. frugiperda in the laboratory. Four treatments were performed with 5 repetitions: control (T1); zeta-cypermethrin (T2); bifenthrin and methomyl-novaluron (T3); diatomaceous earth (T4). Caterpillar mortality was evaluated at 3 times after the application of treatments: 24, 48 and 72 hours. Treatments T2 and T3 were higher in mortality rates. The insecticidal action of diatomaceous earth is notorious, but there is a need for more studies on this theme.