diatomaceous earth

[GreeCguy]

Hello to all in the land of the Great Bitog: Lately, I've been reading about diatomaceous earth. I've never used it before but am thinking of using it on my tomatoes and okra plants to keep the bugs off in an organic way. Has anyone ever used this stuff before? How did it work and how did you spread it?

 

[Ndx]

Good stuff I use for my dog in food too

 

[pandus13]

powdered shells. seem to be very sharp at a fine level. so they cut the bugs and they dehydrate.

 

[Blueskies123]

You know you a joking about poison right?

 

[LoneRanger]

Huh?

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: pandus13

powdered shells. seem to be very sharp at a fine level. so they cut the bugs and they dehydrate.

Seems to work well for my wifes gardening.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: GreeCguy

Hello to all in the land of the Great Bitog: Lately, I've been reading about diatomaceous earth. I've never used it before but am thinking of using it on my tomatoes and okra plants to keep the bugs off in an organic way. Has anyone ever used this stuff before? How did it work and how did you spread it?

Works well against many kinds of insects. Also magically removes oil stains from pavers and such. Used in pool filters, so generally available at pool stores...

 

[HardbodyLoyalist]

It's not a poison. It's used as a wormer in animal feed, and it does function as an insecticide: http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/benefits-diatomaceous-earth/ But be absolutely certain that you buy the horticultural or veterinary diatomaceous earth, NOT the stuff used to coat swimming-pool filters, which is chemically treated.

 

[tinmanSC]

I have used diatomaceous earth for flea and parasite control. Worked!

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: GreeCguy

Hello to all in the land of the Great Bitog: Lately, I've been reading about diatomaceous earth. I've never used it before but am thinking of using it on my tomatoes and okra plants to keep the bugs off in an organic way. Has anyone ever used this stuff before? How did it work and how did you spread it?

I used to manage pools for a living many moons ago and we used a lot of it for filtration. Although it is not a poison, do NOT breathe in the dust as it will cause lung damage. If you use it a lot, get a mask.

 

[Ndx]

Human grade is important not pool stuff

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: Ndx

Human grade is important not pool stuff

There ARE different varieties, none of them are good (or safe) to inhale.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Kuato

Originally Posted By: Ndx

Human grade is important not pool stuff

There ARE different varieties, none of them are good (or safe) to inhale.

it should be noted that my garage has a 50 pound box of the stuff and it was purchased at a pool supply store chain. It is pure, and was not treated with anything nor was anything added...

 

[Cujet]

I purchased a small bag of it. I tried it on fire-ant mounds. No luck. They walked right over it without any issue. In my case, it was a 100% failure. Might work for other bugs, but does not work for fire-ants.