How To Apply Diatomaceous Earth To Garden

We will talk about how to use diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous is a popular pesticide among the environmentally conscious and people who are uncomfortable about having chemicals in their homes. This substance is composed of the fossilized remains of ancient organisms called diatoms and is primarily made of silica. Silica forms almost a quarter of the earth's crust and can be mined in large quantities.

There are two primary methods that can be used to spread this substance: wet or dry. Neither one is really the 'best,' but they do have situations in which they work better than the other.

Diatomaceous Earth Uses

The main draw of diatomaceous earth for pest control is that it is not toxic or poisonous to humans or pets. Instead, it works as a desiccant that dries out insects and other pests. It kills them through dehydration and essential mummification.

The diatomaceous earth targets the exoskeleton in particular, without which bugs cannot survive. Because it is non-toxic, diatomaceous can be scattered throughout a home while posing no threat to residents.

Reasons to Use Diatomaceous Earth

Many people favor this product because it is significantly less toxic than other pesticides on the market. Tons of products used to eliminate termites, cockroaches, ants, spiders, and other pests. These products contain substances that are toxic to almost all living things.

Diatomaceous earth is seen as a natural solution to pest control problems. This is because it comes from nature, doesn't leave behind harmful toxic residue, and causes few issues for people. It also has limited effects on users who might worry about their health or that of children and pets.

The Effects of Exposure to Diatomaceous Earth

Touching or eating diatomaceous earth has been shown to have little to no practical effects on humans and animals. This is because the body and its organs naturally contain trace amounts of silica, and very little of the substance is absorbed during digestion.

The Effects of Exposure to Diatomaceous Earth

When inhaled, diatomaceous earth can be more of an irritant. It dries out mucous membranes like those inside the nose, leading to redness, itchiness, and occasional pain. It can also get in the lungs, causing further irritation and coughing. To avoid this problem, you can wear a filtered mask for the nose and mouth while applying.

Diatomaceous Earth and the Environment

Once it's out in the world, diatomaceous earth has little to no effect on the environment or larger wildlife. Unlike many other pesticides, diatomaceous earth is once again naturally occurring in lakes and streams and won't harm fish or large animals like dogs, cats, birds, and mammals or reptiles.

Its effects are primarily on insects with tough exoskeletons that can be dried out and eliminated. It should not damage flowers or herbs and won't kill any cute animals that make their way to your garden. It will only hurt insects and unwanted bugs.

How To Use Diatomaceous Earth

The Wet Method

Sometimes you want to put a pesticide in a location where a dry powder will not work well. This is common in the nooks and crannies of homes and unusual places that need protection, like the underside of leaves that are exposed to pests like aphids.

The easiest way to apply diatomaceous earth wet is to mix the powder with water. The best ratio is mixing four tablespoons of diatomaceous earth with an entire gallon of water until the powder completely disintegrates. The water will then have a somewhat sticky texture but will continue to be a liquid.

Diatomaceous Earth and the Environment

There are two ways the wet diatomaceous earth can now be placed. The first is by putting the mixture into a spray bottle and liberally spraying the substance in hard to reach areas like the nooks and crannies of ceilings and similar locations. The second is by using a disposable applicator like a popsicle stick to spread the liquid in locations like underneath leaves and similar spots.

Wet application is used often in gardens and for homes that are suffering from pests that can be difficult to manage. It does not reduce the effectiveness of diatomaceous earth.

The Dry Method

It's easy to use the dry method as well. In this case, diatomaceous earth is left as a powder and is sifted in areas where pests are common and control is needed. In sifting, the powder is poured into a strainer and then carefully spread across carpets, stairs, in gardens, and around entire rooms.

The substance will not hurt humans or pets, although it can sometimes dry out the skin due to its properties.

How To Use Diatomaceous Earth

The dry method can also be used to target nooks and crannies in homes. All you have to do is get a utensil like a turkey baster and fill it with diatomaceous earth. You then squeeze the powder along the baseboards of walls, into corners, and even underneath furniture.

The only downside to the dry method is that the loose dust can move around with the breeze or gusts of wind, meaning it can blowback in your face and potentially cause irritation to the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs. To avoid this problem, experts recommend wearing a mask while applying and using the dry method in enclosed spaces with controlled air.

Conclusion

Diatomaceous earth is a wonderful, multi-purpose pesticide that can be applied with fewer hazards than topical substances and spray pesticides. It can be used indoors and outdoors, works great against hard to kill pests like cockroaches, and can be found in almost any hardware or garden store.

It's definitely one of the least threatening options for humans and their pets since the substance is actually found in common everyday items enjoyed by the average individual. For example, diatomaceous earth can be found in makeup, skincare products, toothpaste, medicine, paint, and even rubber.

When it comes to application, there are two ways it can be done: wet and dry. While they are both great, wet is perhaps the best for people who are wary about having the potentially irritating powder loose in their homes. Just remember to get the ratio right and apply liberally to create a barrier against pests.