Proper use of DE

[ChopperLinc]

I bought a large bag of Diatomaceous Earth for various chicken uses, and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips about how to apply to the garden for pest control. I have something eating all the leaves on my pumpkin, squash and zuchinni. Possibly aphids? Somebody today told me snails or slugs?

Any help with the DE appreciated.

Thanks,



Lincoln

 

[i_am2bz]

I put it on my tater plants b/c I apparently had flea beetles...I just bought a "sugar shaker" (glass jar with metal top with large holes in it) at the dollar store & kind of shook it over the leaves. I'm sure there are better ways but that's what I did.

 

[Sunsaver]

It's probably baby squash bugs, in which case soapy water (1/4 cup of Dawn per gallon of water) is your best bet. Spray the plants leaves on all sides than wait 5 minutes. Come back with a garden hose and rinse the soap and dead bugs off.

DE works great for many garden pests. Use a nail or ice pick to make holes in the lid of a mason jar. Fill the jar with DE and sprinkle around areas were bugs are a problem. Be sure to were a N95 or better OSHA approved dust mask. DE inhalation can lead to lung cancer. Apply it during dry spells only, and reapply after rains.
To control lice and mites on chickens: Layer the coop floor with play sand a DE mixed. Cover this with a deep litter bed of dry chopped straw or leaves. The chickens will scratch their way down to the sand and DE and bath in it.

 

[momofdrew]

Food Grade DE should be used...any method of sprinkling will do... apply to dry leaves and reapply after rain... I usually wait for a still day so the wind wont blow it back at me...
I mix DE in the pine shavings that I use for bedding and a small amount in their feed storage... I read that it helps with internal pests that the birds may pick up poking around especially free range birds...I have also sprinkled it on the backs of my chickens when I notice they are scratching too much...

 

[Sunsaver]

Even food grade DE is dangerous to inhale and can result in siliconoses of the lungs or cancer. Read the warning label on the bag and wear a respirator.