Diatomaceous earth

[ralphrmartin]

I was reading an old Essex Succulent Review, and in it an article mentioned using diatomaceous earth as a control method for insects and mites. It apparently works mechanically, as it has sharp silica needles in it. It is a powder which you can apply to plants, or mix in the compost.

Has anyone on the forum tried it? Given that allowed chemical pesticides seem to get ever less potent, maybe this could be a useful alternative. On the other hand, if it were that effective, I suspect we would all know about it and be using it by now.

Comments?

[Chez2]

I haven't used it on plants but I use it in my chicken coop on the perches and nest box for red mite. It does keep red mite numbers down.

[el48tel]

I was reading an old Essex Succulent Review, and in it an article mentioned using diatomaceous earth as a control method for insects and mites. It apparently works mechanically, as it has sharp silica needles in it. It is a powder which you can apply to plants, or mix in the compost.

Has anyone on the forum tried it? Given that allowed chemical pesticides seem to get ever less potent, maybe this could be a useful alternative. On the other hand, if it were that effective, I suspect we would all know about it and be using it by now.

Comments?

Ralph
Chris L (Manchester branch) and I (Leeds branch) are trying it currently as part of a multi-pronged-bug attack method.
My daughter uses it professionally to kill bugs in places where conventional (and toxic / corrosive / dangerous ---- delete as appropriate) bug control is not possible, as in museums and libraries.
The current results look promising. The only downsides, are that the material is silicate - this is toxic to humans if inhaled - and that it doesn't look "pretty" on plants destined for the show bench.
As for the "dosage" - we are not at the stage for detailed info - but it certainly has slowed down the infestation I've had recently in Echinopsis/Lobivia/Trichocereus.
PM me if you want daughter's contact details or to get more info

[Chris L]

Everytime I go into the GH at the moment I go EEEeeKkkkKKKK Mealy bug infestation. Then I remember that it is the Diatomaceous earth on the plants......

I've covered as many plants as the stuff will stick to and am leaving it on all winter until the first or second water of next year when it will be hosed off into the soil.

No idea if it will work or not, but there is no harm in trying it.

Easy enough to apply - wear a mask - sealed thin plastic food container with a hole in it and just squeeze the tub so the stuff puffs out like talcum powder.

[el48tel]

Everytime I go into the GH at the moment I go EEEeeKkkkKKKK Mealy bug infestation. Then I remember that it is the Diatomaceous earth on the plants......

I've covered as many plants as the stuff will stick to and am leaving it on all winter until the first or second water of next year when it will be hosed off into the soil.

No idea if it will work or not, but there is no harm in trying it.

Easy enough to apply - wear a mask - sealed thin plastic food container with a hole in it and just squeeze the tub so the stuff puffs out like talcum powder.

Thanks Chris for the update

[Tina]

Maybe I should try it on my astrophytum's, they are a nightmare with the flecking and I had a mealie outbreak recently , then found they were nesting under the capillary matting so I guess all my Astro's are buggy .

Can you do a photo what the stuff looks like on plants please, if/when you have time ?

[ralphrmartin]

OK, I'l get some and give it a go. I seem to have got most of them with Compo Bi58, but every now and then I find one lurking somewhere, and not all plants can be sprayed with meths.

One more question: if you dust a plant with it, how easy is it to wash it off, e.g. for Echeverias etc?

[el48tel]

OK, I'l get some and give it a go. I seem to have got most of them with Compo Bi58, but every now and then I find one lurking somewhere, and not all plants can be sprayed with meths.

One more question: if you dust a plant with it, how easy is it to wash it off, e.g. for Echeverias etc?

Will have a go with dusting tomorrow when it's daylight and report back - a before and after picture?

[Stoogle]

Am i right in thinking this is the basis for some cat litters?

[el48tel]

Am i right in thinking this is the basis for some cat litters?

Don't go there .... past discussions have been "interesting"