Share The Seeds
Gardening Area => Plant Pests & Infections => Topic started by: TBM on February 20, 2016, 08:50:10 PM
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Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock, it is most commonly sold pre-powdered. It is literally fossilized diatoms. Be sure to purchase "Food Grade" Diatomaceous Earth for use in the garden. It is considered a non-renewable resource.
Uses:
- Diatomaceous Earth is a mechanical pesticide; it works by physically attaching to the body of the insect and pulling the water out, from the insects perspective: it is a sharp dust that cuts into and latches onto exoskeletons, leaching water out. Death by dehydration. Insects that can be killed by DE will never build resistance to it. DE will kill: aphids, thrips, mites, snails, slugs, earwigs, fleas, bedbugs, cockroaches, etc.
- Can be applied as a dry dusting or as a wet spray.
To dust:
- Wear a dust mask! Goggles and gloves may also be used depending on how much you're applying!
- Have a proper device for dusting to avoid over application.
- Cover both the tops and the bottoms of the leaves, all foliage with dust, if it rains reapply.
- Best times to dust would be in mornings when leaves still have dew or right after rain stops.
For spray: Mix a ratio of 2 cups DE to 1 gallon water. Keep mix in an agitation tank or stir/shake often to keep blended.
Due to the mechanical nature of Diatomaceous Earth, it will kill all insects, including beneficial ones such as bees, ladybugs, and butterflies!!! It is recommended that if you are to treat a plant with DE that you know will be visited by bees, that you cover the plant with a sheet after applying DE to keep bees away while it kills the infestation, then later after the problem is gone remove the sheet and wash DE off.