Diatomeceaus earth is pest control, like gnats, mites and etc.
(if you didn't know)
I finally ordered some and its finally here. heard its the best thing
under the sun to fight soil pest like gnats, and etc.
Well, its arrived and it doesn't have instructions on how much
and how to spread it around. So how much do you use and how
do you spread it?
thanks.
Hick
06-03-2008, 01:42 PM
Mr.... 1/2 inch-1 inch evenly across the surface of your medium is sufficient. Read the "Cautions".. wear a mask and glasses/goggles. It's all organic, but could be hazerdous to mucous membranes. It 'slices 'n dices' anything that crawls or walks through it.
DH is high in calcium content. "I" advise watering from the bottom, rather than leeching the excess C into your medium, which could cause an over abundance and lock out some crucial nutrients.
Mr.... 1/2 inch-1 inch evenly across the surface of your medium is sufficient. Read the "Cautions".. wear a mask and glasses/goggles. It's all organic, but could be hazerdous to mucous membranes. It 'slices 'n dices' anything that crawls or walks through it.
DH is high in calcium content. "I" advise watering from the bottom, rather than leeching the excess C into your medium, which could cause an over abundance and lock out some crucial nutrients.
Hick sounds like more hassle than anything the way you put it
bombbudpuffa
06-03-2008, 08:18 PM
I found out the hard way about the ph of DE. I use 2 tablespoons now and work it into the first 1 or 2 inches of soil then just water as regular. You could replace lime with it if you're making your own mix too. Great product, haven't had knats since using this stuff. Thanks Hick:D.
gettinggray1964
06-03-2008, 09:08 PM
i think that i just figured out my problem. didn't know that it would change the PH. thanks hick and bombbudpuffa
docfishwrinkle
06-03-2008, 10:51 PM
Diatomeceaus earth is pest control, like gnats, mites and etc.
(if you didn't know)
I finally ordered some and its finally here. heard its the best thing
under the sun to fight soil pest like gnats, and etc.
Well, its arrived and it doesn't have instructions on how much
and how to spread it around. So how much do you use and how
do you spread it?
thanks.did you know that d.e. is used in some pool filters, so my point is you can actually buy it @ most chain stores & def. pool stores. maybe save you ship & handle.
MrPuffAlot
06-03-2008, 10:56 PM
did you know that d.e. is used in some pool filters, so my point is you can actually buy it @ most chain stores & def. pool stores. maybe save you ship & handle.
Doc,
if you google diatomaceaus earth, you'll find out.. that pool stuff and
stuff we put in the plants is different.
the D-20 D.earth i bought contains pyrenthium, which is like insect
nuclear bomb. = )
my wife has a spice rack she never even uses, so i dumped/cleaned one
thing, and i shook some Diat. Earth stuff on the top of the soil.
docfishwrinkle
06-03-2008, 11:24 PM
Doc,
if you google diatomaceaus earth, you'll find out.. that pool stuff and
stuff we put in the plants is different.
the D-20 D.earth i bought contains pyrenthium, which is like insect
nuclear bomb. = )
my wife has a spice rack she never even uses, so i dumped/cleaned one
thing, and i shook some Diat. Earth stuff on the top of the soil.didn't realize good to know, tis the 1 thing i learned today.
Bella420
06-03-2008, 11:59 PM
I used D E on the advice of other people in this forum and it is fabulous stuff!! All natural so no nasty chemicals and it takes care of those horrible gnats. I even read where it is safe enough to rub into your dogs fur for fleas though I am apprehensive about that as I don't want my babies breathing anything that I cannot breathe. :)
Bella420
06-04-2008, 12:01 AM
And actually I have another question about it as well.
When mixing soil for a new plant can you mix it in at the beginning with the other things (worm castings perlite etc..) or is it better to just coat the top of the soil?
tcbud
06-04-2008, 01:04 AM
Way cool, i bought some of that stuff for getting rid of pesky knats, didnt see any instructions so it is still sitting where it was put a few months ago. the knat problem cleared up anyway. Good to know how to use it. Thanks everyone.
bombbudpuffa
06-04-2008, 02:49 AM
can you mix it in at the beginning with the other thingsYes. High in calcium and silica. Good for your plants.
megan23247
06-04-2008, 07:24 PM
I just bought some of this stuff last night at Plant Shed for my fungus gnats. I tried soap and water, also tried using sand, neither of which worked. So today im trying this stuff and hoping for the best!
KingKahuuna
06-04-2008, 07:58 PM
Yo Ho Friends,
On the advice of a very good grower, I tried out the stuff to see if I could get rid of a serious gnat problem that I had going.
Your right the stuff doesn't seem to have the worlds greatest instructions, but instead I got smart, and asked my friend here for advice on it's use.
The stuff is simple and a little goes a long ways. You want to go easy with it. I suggest a even dusting covering all the exposed soil, just a dusted layer is more than enough. More than that if you put it on too thick you will end up with watering problems, like having to water from the bottom, and the stuff can get blown around by a fan fairly easy so go light with it.
By the way it works in just a couple of minutes as it really does slice and dice, LOL good way to describe it's action against unwanted pests.
I did a light dusting, avoiding getting it on the plants for one , and went easy so that I would avoid getting lock-out. The stuff is a trip, as I am super sold on it, and grateful to those that offered me solid advice.
This is what a good site is all about, helping each other in Oh so many ways.
