Does anyone know the Application Rate of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) for pest control? Specifically to control Fire Ants, Sow/pillbugs and earwigs in the home garden. Also, is "pool filter grade" the same as any other grade? Thank you in advance.

-- Fernando Arellano (fa7777777@AOL.COM), February 24, 2002

Answers

I was NOT successful with the DE for control of my fire ants in the garden. Had much better success with Orange Oil and molasses.

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), February 24, 2002.

Might look at this link for Fire Ant Control, http://www.utexas.edu/cons/zoology/debbie/fireant.htm#4 state: Citrus Oils The oils in citrus peels are toxic to fire ants (Ellis et al., 470; Olkowski et al., 123). The active ingredients of citrus oils are linalool and d-limonene (Ellis et al., 470). These ingredients are very effective on ants that contact them immediately, but they quickly break down (Olkowski et al., 124).

Insecticidal Soaps Insecticidal soaps are made of sodium or potassium salts combined with fish or vegetable oils and are virtually nontoxic to humans (Olkowski et al., 114). They kill some insects on contact, but are not especially powerful on fire ants (Olkowski et al., 238). These can be used as a very safe first line of attack as a drench (Olkowski et al., 238). A second line of attack could include a combination of insecticidal soaps and pyrethrins: for example, add 1.5 ounce of pyrethrum powder and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil soap to each gallon of water, let it sit overnight, then use it as a drench (Olkowski et al., 238).

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), February 24, 2002.

NO!!! Pool grade DE should NEVER be used for anything but pool filters!!!!!

I can't give you the particulars, but there is a difference in the processing which makes it non-suitable for consumption. Though you do not intend to use it for/with livestock and such, you must keep in mind that if you applied pool grade DE to the soil wild birds, dogs or cats could very easily ingest some, which would prove fatal to them!

-- dottie in MD (mother-ducker@webtv.net), February 24, 2002.

Industrial grade DE that is used is swimming pool filters is heated/treated/and ground larger than food grade DE. It will not kill insects and could kill your critters.

I have a plastic colander with a handle that I use to sprinkle the DE around the pens and fire ant hills. Some of my chooks help by eating fire ants. The best way to apply the dust over a large area is with a light weight apparatus such as Dustin' Mizer, Spritzer or other similar blowers. Applying by hand can be done but wastes a lot of material. Only a light dusting is needed. Any insect that crawls thru the DE will be killed, except earthworms. The DE dehydrates the insect, so it dies.

To apply with water, mix 1/4 cup of DE in a gallon of water and apply to the lawn and/or shrubs where pest problems exist. It doesn't hurt insects until it dries out.

Some sprinkle dry DE in the early morning while the dew is still on the plants. The DE sticks and is effective when it dries.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), February 25, 2002.