How To Use Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Fungus Gnats

Another way in which de can kill insects is through desiccation or by rupturing or abrading the insect cuticle and causing extensive water loss.

How to use diatomaceous earth to kill fungus gnats. Ideally add when the soil s surface is dry to the touch but before your plant is in dire need of watering soaking up water will make it ineffective. The whole key is to keep the dust dry. Purchase diatomaceous earth that s non toxic from a local garden or home improvement store. De is made from the fossilized skeletons of diatoms. Dust your potted plants with diatomaceous earth to keep the topsoil dry and desiccate any larvae or gnats that land on the plant.

Fill a new pot with fresh healthy soil mixed with a scoop of diatomaceous earth to prevent the development of gnat eggs. You will firstly want to use food grade diatomaceous earth. The most common reason to use diatomaceous earth is that it kills pests in your potted plants. Mix food grade diatomaceous earth into the soil to kill the gnats. Insects typically pick up de particles on their cuticle as they move.

Mix your food grade d e. An effective pest control solution for dealing with fungus gnats is food grade diatomaceous earth de. 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. Overwatering indoor plants also contributes to gnat infestations. When the fungus gnat larvae come into contact with the razor sharp powder it removes the waxes from the insect s body and absorbs the oils located on their outer cuticle.

You can get rid of several insects like aphids whiteflies beetles silverfish earwigs gnats and ants using it. One strategy to reduce their numbers is to use the de on the surfaces of your seed starts and on the leaves of the plants. Fungus gnats and crawling insects can make their way into your seed starts. On the day you water your plant add some more crawling insect control diatomaceous earth to the soil again. Feed your horses or cattle as you normally would and make sure they have access to plenty of drinking water.

You want the insect to crawl across the dry dust and get the microscopic sharp silica into its joints. Literally sprinkle a layer of the powder over the topsoil of your pot plant. With your cattle or horse feed at a 2 ratio by weight. Diatomaceous earth works by removing the waxes on the insect s body and by absorbing oils and waxes on the outer cuticle.