How To Use Diatomaceous Earth For Gnats

The whole key is to keep the dust dry.

How to use diatomaceous earth for gnats. Overwatering indoor plants also contributes to gnat infestations. 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. Follow the instructions that come with the diatomaceous earth and mix it into your houseplant s soil or just spread it on the top layer of soil so it s about 1 in 2 5 cm thick. The diatomaceous earth is most effective against soft bodied insects. Fungus gnats and crawling insects can make their way into your seed starts.

Mix some diatomaceous earth around the soil in those parts and prevent their larvae from becoming full grown adult gnats or fruit flies. You want the insect to crawl across the dry dust and get the microscopic sharp silica into its joints. 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. Another way in which de can kill insects is through desiccation or by rupturing or abrading the insect cuticle and causing extensive water loss. While diatomaceous earth does not kill the bugs immediately it can take 7 to 17 days it does have long lasting effective results.

Placing giant mounds of d e. Purchase diatomaceous earth that s non toxic from a local garden or home improvement store. 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. Diatomaceous earth works by removing the waxes on the insect s body and by absorbing oils and waxes on the outer cuticle.

To properly use diatomaceous earth as an insecticide you want to use a thin powder layer. Insects typically pick up de particles on their cuticle as they move. You can use diatomaceous earth in the potting plants when you find they are infested with pests. Blue light electric trap. Mix food grade diatomaceous earth into the soil to kill the gnats.

Diatomaceous earth is a great tool to use in your fight against bed bugs. The best time to apply diatomaceous earth is in the morning after the dew has settled. 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. Or the time just after a light rain. How to use diatomaceous earth in potted plants.