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What is Diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica. This process has been going on for millions of years, so Silica is very common in nature and makes up 26% of the earth’s crust by weight. Over a long period of time, diatoms accumulated in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. Today, silica deposits are mined from these areas.

How does diatomaceous earth work?

Diatomaceous earth is not poisonous; it does not have to be eaten in order to be effective. Diatomaceous earth causes insects to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from the cuticle of the insect’s exoskeleton. Its sharp edges are abrasive, speeding up the process. It remains effective as long as it is kept dry and undisturbed.

Can diatomaceous earth affect other wildlife?

Diatomaceous earth is practically non-toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. It is commonly encountered by birds and other wildlife, and it’s not known to be harmful. However, no toxicity evaluations for wildlife were found. Agencies have stated that diatomaceous earth is unlikely to affect birds, fish, or other wildlife in a harmful way.

So how can it be used in my garden for protection?

Gardeners use diatomaceous earth on the ground around the plants and plant leaves in order to destroy larvae and feeding bugs. You can also use reflective mulches or ground covers to enhance the effects. But it will also directly deter garden pests with it’s physical properties.

One of the most popular vegetables to grow in America is the Marketmore 76 cucumber (Cucumis sativus). A well-maintained plant will often yield fruit for around 3 months. That’s a lot of time to incur damage from bugs, like Thrips. Thrips suck the contents of the cucumber’s cells, weakening the plant and leaving leaves and fruits damaged, malformed and sometimes covered in silver spots. Diatomaceous earth will deter Thrips and will also destroy their larvae by drying them out and slowly starving them.

Diatomaceous Earth also drives slugs crazy because the silicate ingredient has very tiny sharp edges that scratch the underside of slugs as they try to slither across it. It’s like if you or I attempted to crawl across a pile of broken glass. Slugs will go around it, rather than over it, so a perimeter of Diatomaceous Earth is an easy way to keep them focused on other areas of your yard.

Diatomaceous Earth is a fairly effective pesticide by limiting harm to plants that attract pollinators, ladybugs, some beetles and much more. It blends well as a total protective solution for your garden alongside plant-based pesticides, neem oil and beneficial nematodes.