Tag Archives: natural insecticide

What is Diatomaceous Earth Used for in the Garden?

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black-ant-on-leafWhat is Diatomaceous Earth Used for in the Garden?

The uses for diatomaceous earth are many but in the garden diatomaceous earth can be used as an insecticide.

Diatomaceous earth works to get rid of insects such as:

 

 

  •     Aphids
  •     Thrips
  •     Ants
  •     Mites
  •     Earwigs
  •     Bedbugs
  •     Adult Flea Beetles
  •     Cockroaches
  •     Snails
  •     Slugs

To the insects, the diatomaceous earth is a lethal dust with microscopic sharp edges that cut through the insect’s protective covering, causing them to dry out, thus killing them when they are either dusted with the diatomaceous earth or applied in a wet spray form.

One of the benefits of diatomaceous earth for insect control is that the insects it helps to control have no way to build up a resistance to the diatomaceous earth, like with many of the chemical control insecticides

How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth In The Garden: Most places where you can purchase diatomaceous earth will have complete directions on the proper application of the product. As with any pesticide, be sure to read the label thoroughly and follow the directions thereon! The directions will include how to properly apply the diatomaceous earth (DE) both in the garden and indoors for the control of many insects as well as forming a barrier of sorts against them.

In the garden diatomaceous earth may be applied as a dust with a dust applicator approved for such use; again it is of the utmost importance to wear a dust mask during application of the diatomaceous earth in this manner and leave the mask on until you have left the dusting area. Keep pets and children clear of the dusting area until the dust has settled.

In my opinion, it is better to apply the product in a wettable form to avoid the airborne dust particles problem, even then wearing a dust mask is a garden smart action to take. When using as a dust application, you will want to cover both the top and underside of all foliage with the dust. If it rains right after the dust application, it will need to be reapplied. A great time to do the dust application is right after a light rain or in the very early morning when the dew is upon the foliage as it helps the dust to stick well to the foliage.

Please make sure you do not apply where bees will be. It will kill them.

For doing the spray application of diatomaceous earth, the mix ratio is usually one (1) cup of diatomaceous earth per ½ gallon or two (2) cups per gallon of water. Keep the mix tank agitated or stir it often to keep the diatomaceous earth powder well mixed with the water. This mix may also be applied as a paint of sorts to trees and some shrubs.

This is truly an amazing product of nature for use in our gardens and around our homes. Don’t forget that it is the “Food Grade” of diatomaceous earth that we want for our gardens and home use.

Important Notice:  I recommend using  Organic Freshwater Food Grade DE in the garden just in case an animal consumes the DE. . * Any food grade diatomaceous earth uses other than those approved by the EPA, FDA, or USDA are strictly reports of what hundreds of users as well as Holistic Veterinarians have recommended.
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DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FOR YOUR PETS

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DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FOR YOUR PETS

de-2PETS: Our best friends come in all shapes and sizes. Protect them from fleas and other crawling insects with diatomaceous earth. Thoroughly treat floor and bedding in and around pets’ sleeping quarters. Treat surrounding cracks and crevices, baseboards, carpeting and wherever fleas and other crawling insects are suspected.

CRAWLING INSECT CONTROL diatomaceous earth kills by physical action, not chemical. The tiny diatoms scratch off the insect’s waxy coating, and they dehydrate and die.

“Our work is based on natural, preventive care for animals, so of course we are always on the lookout for good, quality NATURAL products to help our clients and our listening audience that won’t break the bank.” We have long been proponents of diatomaceous earth as a natural pest control for all animals.

Regular Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth for Pet and Animal Consumption:
The Following is Recommended Food daily doses for Dogs and Cats. The diatomaceous earth seems to create an environment in the digestive system that parasites cannot live in. Also reported are great results with sore and painful hips and joints, and even a fuller, healthier shiny coat when fed as a regular daily supplement.

Other suggestions for food grade diatomaceous earth for pets:
Cat Litter/Kitty Litter: Liberally add Diatomaceous Earth to litter box to effectively control dampness and odors.

Animal Suggested Rate
Large Cats 1 teaspoon
Kittens 1/4 teaspoon
Dogs 100 lbs + 1-2 tablespoons
Dogs 50-100 lbs 1 tablespoon
Mini dogs 1/2 teaspoon

In clinical observations of feeding dogs over 35 lbs. 1 tablespoon/day, and dogs under 35 lbs. 1 teaspoon/day, of diatomaceous earth, within seven days all ova disappeared from stools. Diatomaceous Earth controlled Ascarids (Toxocana), Hookworms (Anclyostoma caninum), and Whipworms (Trichuris vulipis).
As pets get older, they often get sore hips and painful joints. Diatomaceous Earth in your pet’s daily diet will reduce arthritic inflammation.

Other suggestions for food grade diatomaceous earth for pets:

Cat Litter/Kitty Litter: Liberally add Diatomaceous Earth to litter box to effectively control dampness and odors.

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FOR LIVESTOCK:

Goats, chickens, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits and others will benefit from the use of Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth. As well as being beneficial to animal health our Diatomaceous Earth also acts as an anti-caking additive to help the feed ingredients from sticking together.

More LIVESTOCK BENEFITS that have been observed:

  •     Stimulates basic metabolism
  •     Converts feed better
  •     Reduces the desire to lick soil
  •     Scouring or diarrhea: when fed it seems to act as a material that drives both virus and bacteria out of the body and solidifies the stool
  •      Reduces odor and moisture in barns and stalls
  •     Better coat and hoof condition
  •     Reduces annual vet bills–decreased mortality
  •     Dairy cattle: Increased milk production
  •     Better egg production, stronger eggs, and reduces overall animal stress
  •    Suggested LIVESTOCK FEEDING and Application Rates:
  •    % of total weight of dry ration 5% in grain or 1 oz. per day
  •    Animal   Suggested Rate
  •    Beef Cattle
  •   Dairy Cattle         1% of total weight of dry ration or 1 oz. per day
  •   Calves   4 grams in morning milk per calf or 2 oz. per day in feed
  •   Chickens              5% in feed, use at full strength in dusting boxes
  •   Hogs      2% of total feed ration, dust or spray on bedding and animals
  •   Horses   5 oz. (1 cup) in daily feed ration
  •   Sheep    1% in ground grains 1 part Diatomaceous Earth to 2 parts T-M salt
  •   Goats    1% in grain, 1/2 oz per day, up to 50% in T-M salt

FOR LARGE ANIMALS, Diatomaceous Earth may be offered as “FREE CHOICE” as long as the dispenser is well protected from the wind. Your livestock will also gain benefits from the many trace MINERALS naturally provided by Freshwater Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, and DE helps reduce animal excrement odors that draw flies.

Important Notice: Feed ONLY Organic Freshwater Food Grade DE To animals. Any food grade diatomaceous earth uses other than those approved by the EPA, FDA, or USDA are strictly reports of what hundreds of users as well as Holistic Veterinarians have recommended.

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Home Remedy to Kill Ants

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Home Remedy to Kill Ants

You can make natural ant repellent and get rid of sugar ants and black ants without toxic chemicals that can hurt your pets or kids. There are many different kinds of ants, but most of them can be exterminated using the same methods. Ant mounds often crop up underneath your house with little bugs pouring through the cracks when they realize the potential for shelter and food in your home is there.

Using chemicals and harsh pesticides probably isn’t at the top of your list for getting rid of the ant problem. An ant infestation in any part of your home can be taken care of naturally with this home remedy to kill ants.

How to Make Homemade Ant Killer

  • The first step of the ant control process is to get them off of your counters and away from your food.
  • It may take a couple of days before they are completely eradicated, so protecting your food is a good place to start.
  •  To keep them out of your house, you can also find the cracks and holes they enter through, and use plaster to seal them. Sealing off their entryways will eventually move them to a location other than your home. It will also help prevent new colonies from entering from outside.
  • Another way of naturally exterminating carpenter ants, black ants, and sugar ants is to feed them corn meal. They aren’t able to digest this fibrous product, so it soon expands and kills them.
  • Garlic juice is another good natural ant repellent. They don’t like the smell or acidity of it, and will stay away. This method will work well for areas such as corners and on the floors.
  • You may not want to use garlic juice on your counters to ward off the insects from your food, so consider using ground chili powder for this. Sprinkling a bit around your bread, fruit, and other counter food items will deter them.

 

 

How to Take Down An Ant Colony with this Simple Home Remedy to Kill Ants

  • Are you tired of trying to shoo hundreds of ants out of your kitchen every day? Maybe you are worried that your kids and pets are going to get bit by the invaders in the back yard?
  • Ants are a very common occurrence in the spring and summer months after they hatch. They typically invade houses, spare buildings, yards, gardens, and even sheds.
  • As if that wasn’t enough, many species of ants steal aphid larvae from beneath leaves and move them to their plant of choice for raising- often one of your favorite garden plants!
  • What can you do? Calling an exterminator can be expensive, and all of the harsh chemicals they use can affect your family and your pets.
  • Did you know that you can get rid of an entire ant colony, without using toxic chemicals, in less than a week? Or that there are several home remedies to get rid of ants that are 100% safe for animals and small children?
  • These natural remedies for ants can quickly eliminate them whether they are residing in your house, spread throughout your lawn, or scurrying throughout your home in search of food only to scurry back outdoors.
  • Aside from the fact that these home remedies for killing ants are safe, I prefer them because they are quick and effective.

 

A mixture of borax, sugar and flour kills both roaches and ants. The flour and sugar attract the insects, and the borax kills them. Cocoa powder is an effective substitute for the sugar.

Borax mixtures are also effective against silverfish. The boric acid content in borax damages the insects’ outer skeletons, causing them to dehydrate. More expensive commercial insecticides also use boric acid. Water lowers borax’s effectiveness, making it only suitable for dry locations.

While borax is less toxic than other insecticides, it is still mildly toxic. Users must ensure that children and pets do not have access to borax-based insect bait.

 What are home remedies for fire ant bites?

  • Washing the area, applying a cold compress, and using medications, such as topical corticosteroids or antihistamines, are all home remedies for fire ant bites, according to HowStuffWorks. Individuals should also refrain from scratching the bites as scratching can make the bites worse. Getting the ants off of the skin is the first step in treating fire ant bites, claims HowStuffWorks. In this case, a person needs to brush the ants off, as they cling to the skin. Do this with a cloth or rag, not a hand, if possible, as the ants may begin biting the hand, too.
  • Fire Ants in Hawaii are mean. I have found using Diatomaceous Earth paste on the bite works awesome. Sting goes away in a few minutes.
  • It is important to clean the bite area with soap and water, explains HowStuffWorks. Cold compresses, oral antihistamines and topical medications used for bug bites may also be used to treat pain and itching. Individuals should avoid itching the pustules, if possible, as it can lead to infection.
  • Only about 1 percent of all people who are bitten by fire ants experience an allergic reaction, but it is important that those who are bitten know the signs, warns HowStuffWorks. Typical signs of fire ant allergy include chest pain, nausea, excessive sweating, swelling of the tongue or bite site, and slurred speech. Some people also experience difficulties breathing. A fire ant allergy may require emergency medical treatment.

NATURAL ENIMIES OF FIRE ANTS

  • Classical or self-sustaining biological control is the use of imported natural enemies to suppress pests.
  • Self-sustaining biological control can be an effective and environmentally safe method to permanently control pests over wide areas.

 

  • Diatomaceous Earth (DE), Pyrethrum and Piperonyl
    Butoxide (from sassafras) that are proven to kill ants. These safe ingredient
  • Pyrethrum has been used for centuries as an insecticide,[1] and as a lice remedy in the Middle East (Persian powder, also known as “Persian pellitory”). It was sold worldwide under the brand Zacherlin by Austrian industrialist J. Zacherl.[2] It is one of the most commonly used allowed non-synthetic insecticides in certified organic agriculture.[3] The flowers should be dried and then crushed and mixed with water.
  • Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides based on natural pyrethrum (pyrethrins); one common example is permethrin. A common formulation of pyrethrin is in preparations containing the synthetic chemical piperonyl butoxide: this has the effect of enhancing the toxicity to insects and speeding the effects when compared with pyrethrins used alone. These formulations are known as synergized pyrethrins.
  •  Rat and rabbit LD50 levels for pyrethrum are high (safe), with doses in some cases of about 1% of the animal’s body weight required to cause significant mortality similar to levels in synthetic pyrethroids.[4] Nevertheless, pyrethrum should be handled with the same caution as synthetic insecticides.[5]
  • People can be exposed to pyrethrum as a mixture of cinerin, jasmolin, and pyrethrin in the workplace by breathing it in, getting it in the eyes or on the skin, or swallowing it. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the legal limit (Permissible_exposure_limit) for pyrethrum exposure in the workplace as 5 mg/m3 over an 8-hour workday. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a Recommended_exposure_limit (REL) of 5 mg/m3 over an 8-hour workday. At levels of 5000 mg/m3, pyrethrum is immediately dangerous to life and health. People exposed to pyrethrum may experience symptoms including pruritus (itching), dermatitis, papules, erythema (red skin), rhinorrhea (runny nose), sneezing, and asthma.[6]

Companion planting

Because chrysanthemums contain pyrethrums, they are used as companion plants to repel pest insects from nearby crops and ornamental plants.[7] They are thought to repel aphids, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), leafhoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs, ticks, pickleworms, and imported cabbage worms, among others, in gardens and farms. For example, they are planted among broccoli plants for protection from several common insect pests.

Ear Mite Treatments: Natural Remedies for Ear Mites

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Ear Mite Treatment: Natural Remedies for Ear Mites

How to Treat Ear Mites In 10 Easy Steps

Ear mites pose an itchy aggravation for puppies and their people. This parasite also can travel outside of the pup’s body, making it very contagious to other pets in the home. If one pet has ear mites, all of the other dogs, cats, rabbits and ferret friends also need treatment. Your veterinarian can provide this service after diagnosing the mite, but that can get pricey. It’s also helpful for you to learn how to medicate your puppy.

Here’s how to cut the cost and treat puppy ear mites at home.

Ear Mite Medications

The ears are treated by flushing away the debris and mites using an insecticide similar to that used in flea treatments. The medication is often suspended in a bland medium, like mineral oil, which when squirted into the ear helps suffocate the bugs not killed outright by the insecticide.

The solution also floats debris out of the ear canal as the ear base is gently massaged. A number of commercial products are available for treating ear mites; ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

Home Made Medications

Holistic veterinarians agree that commercial products work well. But puppies sick with ear mites may have other common health challenges that need treatment. It may be less stressful to shoo away the bugs with more natural treatments. Cleaning the ears with soothing solutions is the first step.

  • Antiseptic Tea Rinse. Green tea is a natural antiseptic. It can be used to flush out all the ear might debris—that crumbly brown/black stuff that clogs the puppy’s ear canal. Steep a tablespoon of green tea leaves in a cup of hot water for three or four minutes, and then strain it. Let it cool to room temperature before using once a day for a month.
  • Oil Treatment. Oil helps sooth sore ears, and also can float debris out. Oil also can suffocate the mites. Holistic vets say it doesn’t really matter what kind of oil you use, although some recommend almond or olive oil. Avoid tea tree oil, though, because it can be toxic for cats and smaller pets like young puppies. For the best benefit, crush a couple garlic cloves in a cup of the oil and let it marinate overnight. Garlic naturally kills bacteria that might develop secondary to the mite infection. Remember to remove the garlic before using the oil to treat your puppy’s ears though. You’ll need to treat the ears with the oil/garlic solution daily for at least a month.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon to a 8 ounces, put in spray bottle and spray twice a day for 10 days.

 

A Natural Way to Target Gnat Flies In Your Hydroponic System

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Hydroponic System

A Natural Way to Target Gnat Flies

A useful tool for controlling gnats and shore flies, that transmit Pythium and other pathogens into hydroponics systems is Diatomaceous Earth. It is a chalky white to cream powder obtained from the natural fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of small hard-shelled fresh water or ocean organism. These diatom particles are very small and sharp but only harmful to the small exoskeletons of insects. Insects cannot become immune to their action since it is a mechanical killer. Because it is a light dust, it clings to the bodies of all stages of the insects. Maggots may also ingest the powder. The tiny diatom particles then cut through the waxy coating or lining of the insects gut and they eventually dry out and die.

Outside Planting

Seed beds, especially those that use capillary matting, composted bark, rock wool or vermiculite, can be liberally dusted with diatomaceous earth. Use a “pepper pot” technique to liberally coat the media as seedlings are about to emerge. If washed into media during irrigation it will eliminate maggots as they hatch from eggs and will maintain its activity when plants are transferred into hydroponics systems. Also spread about any areas near the houses where gnat adults, larvae (maggots) or pupae may be present.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is available from Orgnat Life Products supplier..

Diatomaceous earth contains a variety of elements and usefully contribute to the supply of silica, that is used in plant roots and leaves. Supplies of this element can be low in hydroponic systems.

#1 – Diatomaceous Earth

  • Diatoms are microscopic green algae with a glass-like (silica based) shell.
  • Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of these glassy creatures. If you sprinkle a circle of this special “dirt” around your plants being attacked, this will deter the snails and slugs.
  • For them to crawl over diatomaceous earth, it would be like people walking barefoot over broken glass on the beach… ouch!
  • For diatomaceous earth to be effective, however, you will need to reapply it often as it doesn’t work as well after it gets wet.

#2 – Crushed Egg Shell

  • Like diatomaceous earth, crushed egg shell will deter snails and slugs due to its abrasiveness to their soft bodies.
  • While egg shells aren’t quite as effective as diatomaceous earth, they have the added benefit of providing calcium and other nutrients to your soil as they break down! Plus, water doesn’t affect them as much.
  • Also used coffee grounds are recommended as a way to keep slugs and snails out of the garden.

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#3 – Beer Traps

  • If you don’t mind killing your snails and slugs, beer traps are a good option.
  • Dig a hole near the plants that are being attacked. Bury a recycled can, plastic container, or glass jar into this hole so the top of the container is flush with the top of the soil.
  • Pour cheap beer into this container. Snails and slugs are naturally attracted to the scent of beer because it contains yeast but they get disoriented when they drink it.
  • When this happens, they fall inside the container and drown. Be sure to use a container deep enough so they can’t just crawl back out again.

#4 – Get Some Chickens Or Ducks

  • If you live in the country, this is a solution to your slug problem that will also produce some nice farm fresh eggs.
  • Free ranging chickens and ducks don’t just eat grass! They also love highly nutritious and delicious slugs #5 – Put Some Chopped Mint In Your Soil
  • Mint grows like gangbusters and can even take over a yard if it isn’t cut back.
  • If you have a flowerbed that is being attacked, consider adding your mint trimmings to the soil to deter snails and slugs. They are repelled by the smell.
  • However, to the human nose, the sweet smelling mint and the fragrance of the flowers blend well together. In fact, you may find your neighbors coming over for natural aromatherapy!

#6 – Plant Rosemary Or Thyme Bushes Nearby  Indoor Hydroponic Mini Garden. Grow your own Herbs all year. AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit, Black

  • Rosemary and thyme are in the mint family, so like mint (such as peppermint and spearmint), these plants deter slugs and snails with their aroma!
  • This is a simple but effective natural slug and snail deterrent and you’ll have some nice perennial herbs for cooking.
  • Controlling Slugs and Snails Tips and snails and will happily help you with your problem!

#7 – Put Seaweed In the Soil

  • If you live near an ocean beach, collect seaweed and chop it up to create mulch. Mix the seaweed into the top layer of soil around your plants.
  • The iodine smell will deter slugs and snails and it will add nutrients to the soil as it decays! This includes many trace nutrients that would be difficult to get into your garden soil any other way!
  • In fact, if you have any seaweed left over after you create your mulch, don’t throw it away! Put it in your compost pile!

#8 – Don’t Water Your Garden In the Evening

  • Snails and slugs are more active at night because it’s more moist then and they need a moist environment to survive.
  • If you water your garden in the evening, this just creates a haven for these slimy creatures and they’ll be even more attracted to your plants!
  • If you water your plants in the morning, the daytime sunlight will dry the plants out before nightfall and make them less attractive to slugs and snails.

#9 – Pick Them Off By Hand

  • While this method may seem time consuming, you may be able to solicit the help of your kids!
  • They will find this a fun activity and you won’t have to apply any pesticides to your yard where they play.
  • If it is safe to do so, you can have them take a flashlight out at night and pick off the snails and slugs when they are more active.

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