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Using Diatomaceous Earth for Non-Toxic, Natural Pest Control
When we had a booth at the local farmer's market, I offered a
workshop for 10 Ways to Avoid Chemicals in Your Garden. One option for
non-toxic pest control is Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
*VERY IMPORTANT* We ONLY recommend using *FOOD GRADE DE*
There
is a huge difference between food grade DE and the stuff used for
pools. Any form of DE that list "other" as an ingredient is suspect.
Diatomaceous Earth is
a natural, organic garden pest control and household insect killer.
Diatomaceous Earth kills by physical action, not chemical. If used
properly, It is safe for pets and people. The tiny diatoms scratch off
the insect's waxy coating, and dehydrate it. DE kills
spiders, roaches, silverfish, ants, fire ants, carpenter ants, bedbugs,
lice, mites, earwigs, flies, fleas, box elder bugs, pubic and hair lice,
scorpions, crickets and harmful insects. Diatomaceous
Earth is used in the home, yard, animal housing, etc. Sprinkle a 2 inch
wide border around the foundation of your house to stop insects from
entering.
Diatomaceous Earth
kills aphids, white flies, beetles, loopers, mites, snails, slugs, leaf hoppers, and harmful pests.
Use Diatomaceous Earth inside your home, greenhouse or outdoors on
fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains and grass. Apply Food Grade
Diatomaceous Earth up to and including day of harvest.
BEFORE you
decide to use ANY form of pest control, it is important to read all of
the information provided. We went one step further and created a video
Tell those garden pests to EAT DIRT!
What is Diatomaceous Earth (DE)? Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae.
How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth to your Veggie Garden:
-Fill a container (or applicator
bottle) with diatomaceous earth. Avoid creating dust by using a spoon
to transfer the powder to the container. Although diatomaceous earth is
non-toxic, you should not breathe the fine dust. Consider wearing a
disposable face mask if you will be working with large quantities of
the powder or if you have respiratory issues.
-Sprinkle the powder onto the
vegetable plants using a spoon OR use an applicator bottle to reduce
dust. The best time to do this is in early morning or late evening,
when the plants are wet with dew. The moisture helps the dust to adhere
to the plant. Diatomaceous earth won't harm insects when it is wet,
but it will be effective once it dries. Shake the powder on the
vegetables as well as the leaves; the powder can be easily washed off
the vegetables prior to consumption.
-Apply the powder to the garden bed
and to the area surrounding the garden. This will keep many crawling
insects from even reaching the vegetable plants.
-Pour a thick ring of diatomaceous earth around the base of plants to deter snails, slugs and squash bugs.
**It
is not recommended to use on flowers or flowering plants. Example,
Once your tomato plants begin to flower, use only on the stem and soil
surrounding the plant. Never use DE on Milkweed or flower gardens.
And there you have it! Non-Toxic and Natural Pest Control with
***Now Available with Applicator Bottle***
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1 comment
Dear Mary,
What do you recommend to get rid of small bug resembling ants that are eating my potatoes in the ground?
Also, please recommend the best variety of garlic for northern New Jersey. Let me know if there are any other items that would be good for Fall planting.
Thank you very much. I appreciate your advice.
Kind regards,
Diane.