If you are an avid gardener, you understand the joy and satisfaction that comes with cultivating your own fruits and vegetables. However, one of the major challenges faced by gardeners is pest infestation. Pests can ruin your entire garden, leaving you with nothing to show for all your hard work. But fear not! There is a natural solution that has gained popularity in recent years – diatomaceous earth. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about diatomaceous earth for garden pest control.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth is a soft siliceous sedimentary rock made up of the remains of diatoms, small aquatic organisms. It is chemically pure silicon dioxide (SiO2) is rich in silica. It is available in different particle sizes. There are different types of diatomaceous earth available on the market. It is important to use the “food grade” version for gardening purposes, as it is safe for plants, pets, and humans.
How Diatomaceous Earth Kills Insects
Diatomaceous earth kills insects by dehydrating them and damaging their exoskeletons. Its abrasive particles absorb the oils in their bodies, causing them to die. It is an effective and natural solution for pest control. Aphids, caterpillars, slugs, snails, and beetles can be controlled with DE.
1. Safety and Precaution
Always avoid direct contact with eyes, use adequate ventilation, and avoid breathing in any dust. It’s important to wear protective gear and to follow the recommended application guidelines as it can cause skin irritation, dryness, eye irritation and respiratory issues, including lung cancer and silicosis. DE is proven to be safe for humans, mammals, and wildlife.
2. How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Start by ensuring you have food-grade DE, which is safe for use in gardens. Wear a dust mask and protective goggles when handling the powder. When applying Diatomaceous Earth to soil, it is recommended to sprinkle it directly on the ground where slugs are likely to reproduce. When applying on plants, it is important to spread the powder around the base of plants that are prone to attack or on the leaves of plants that are already under attack.
3. How Often to Apply Diatomaceous Earth
To keep your plants protected, it is recommended to reapply diatomaceous earth after every rain or high humidity period. This will ensure its effectiveness in killing pests and controlling their population in your garden.
Diatomaceous Earth Powder and Duster
DiatomaceousEarth’s 10lbs Food Grade DE
The DiatomaceousEarth 10lbs Food Grade DE is a must-have for anyone seeking natural remedies and solutions for their home, yard, garden, or homestead. It is an ideal addition to your gardening routine. It effectively controls slugs, snails, and other garden pests, ensuring the health and vitality of your plants. Additionally, when mixed with water, it creates a natural and organic insecticide spray that can be used to protect fruits and vegetables from harmful insects.
Rest assured, this product is carefully processed to maintain its purity and effectiveness. It is free from contaminants and additives, making it safe for use around children and pets. With its countless uses and natural properties, the DiatomaceousEarth 10lbs Food Grade DE is a reliable and eco-friendly solution for all your household, garden, and homestead needs.
HARRIS DE Food Grade
The HARRIS DE Food Grade is a natural product that is made up of 4lbs of 100% ground freshwater diatomaceous earth. It contains absolutely no additives or fillers, ensuring that you are getting a pure and high-quality product. To make application of the diatomaceous earth a breeze, a powder duster is included in the bag.
This diatomaceous earth is approved Organic Minerals Research Institute, a non-profit evaluating products against organic standards, so you can trust that this product meets strict criteria for organic certification. Not only is this product beneficial for your animals, but it also supports a great cause. Harris donates 10% of their profits to the local Etowah Valley Humane Society, helping to provide care and support to animals in need.
Dr. Killigan’s Insect Buster
Dr. Killigan’s The Insect Buster is a natural and safe solution for eliminating pesky insects from your home. Available in two sizes, the Large Insect Buster holds 14oz and is perfect for larger hands and spacious areas, while the smaller 8oz size is designed for smaller hands and tight spaces.
This insect buster is built to last with its sturdy construction, featuring no plastic parts. It is made with high-grade rubber, aluminum, and brass materials. The included funnel makes it easy to fill the bulb duster with dusty powder, allowing for effortless dispensing.
