How To Use Diatomaceous Earth For Gnats

How to use diatomaceous earth in potted plants.

How to use diatomaceous earth for gnats. Diatomaceous earth is effective thanks to the presence of sharp shard like silica molecules which easily slice through the insects. The whole key is to keep the dust dry. The best time to apply diatomaceous earth is in the morning after the dew has settled. Placing giant mounds of d e. To properly use diatomaceous earth as an insecticide you want to use a thin powder layer.

Diatomaceous earth works by removing the waxes on the insect s body and by absorbing oils and waxes on the outer cuticle. Overwatering indoor plants also contributes to gnat infestations. Purchase diatomaceous earth that s non toxic from a local garden or home improvement store. Dust your potted plants with diatomaceous earth to keep the topsoil dry and desiccate any larvae or gnats that land on the plant. While diatomaceous earth does not kill the bugs immediately it can take 7 to 17 days it does have long lasting effective results.

On the day you water your plant add some more crawling insect control diatomaceous earth to the soil again. Fill a new pot with fresh healthy soil mixed with a scoop of diatomaceous earth to prevent the development of gnat eggs. It s an all natural non toxic barrier to bed bugs that can both kill them and prevent them from moving freely throughout your house. Mix food grade diatomaceous earth into the soil to kill the gnats. In your garden will not work because the pests will just go around it.

Blue light electric trap. Diatomaceous earth is a great tool to use in your fight against bed bugs. It s possible to use the same pot the plant was purchased in but be sure to wash it out with warm soapy water during the repotting process. Or the time just after a light rain. Fungus gnats and crawling insects can make their way into your seed starts.

You want the insect to crawl across the dry dust and get the microscopic sharp silica into its joints. The diatomaceous earth is most effective against soft bodied insects. You can use diatomaceous earth in the potting plants when you find they are infested with pests. You want to spread a very thin layer of dust where you are having the issues and make it so that the insects can t go around or circumvent the dust. Mix some diatomaceous earth around the soil in those parts and prevent their larvae from becoming full grown adult gnats or fruit flies.