Diatomaceous Earth For Plants
Our diatomaceous earth is the ultimate organic alternative to using chemical pesticides in your garden. Diatomaceous earth in the garden is for plants! This stuff kills crawling insects by dehydrating them to death on a microscopic level. Now this action does not interfere with any growth cycle of the plant and does not adjust the PH of soil if it gets washed into it. You simply apply a visible application to the plants and/or ground. Try to find a few days of dry weather at least and leave it without disturbing it. I tend to do this 2-3 times a month during the growing cycle. This seems to control squash beetles and other crawling insects well for me here in Nebraska, while limiting harmful effects to beneficial insects!
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Diatomaceous earth, also called diatomite, diatomaceous earth de, or food grade de, is a naturally occurring, single celled organism called diatoms. It will kill insects by getting the sharp edges of the product stuck on the soft body of a crawling insect. For added pest control for insect pests like spider mites, mix 1 cup of diatomaceous earth to one gallon water and spray onto plants. Be sure to get the tops and bottoms of leaves just to the point of run off. Once it dries, it will leave a powder stick of film of diatomaceous earth, which is deadly to spider mites and other smaller crawling insect pests.
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How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Garden Insects
Firstly, all you need is Crawling Insect Control Diatomaceous Earth, and either an inexpensive Pest Pistol Powder Duster or the more heavy duty Dustin-Mizer Powder Duster. For very large agricultural applications, most customers go for our diatomaceous earth bundle deals to get maximum savings to kill those pesky insects.
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For applying diatomaceous earth to kill garden insects, use a duster and cover entire plant, applying to both the top and bottoms of leaves. Crawling Insect Control Diatomaceous Earth will need reapplication after a heavy rain. Applies best when there is dew or after a light rain. It is a long lasting, effective powder as long as it is visible and dry.
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You may also side dress plants or form a circle, as a barrier, around the base of the plant.
Insects cannot build up resistance or immunity to diatomaceous earth as they do with chemicals. Wear a dust mask when applying large amounts. Otherwise, just avoid direct inhalation as when using baby powder or any fine powder.