How To Use Diatomaceous Earth For Gnats

Overwatering indoor plants also contributes to gnat infestations.

How to use diatomaceous earth for 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. Insects typically pick up de particles on their cuticle as they move. 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. Diatomaceous earth is effective thanks to the presence of sharp shard like silica molecules which easily slice through the insects.

To properly use diatomaceous earth as an insecticide you want to use a thin powder layer. Dust your potted plants with diatomaceous earth to keep the topsoil dry and desiccate any larvae or gnats that land on the plant. On the day you water your plant add some more crawling insect control diatomaceous earth to the soil again. Purchase diatomaceous earth that s non toxic from a local garden or home improvement store. The diatomaceous earth is most effective against soft bodied insects.

Fungus gnats and crawling insects can make their way into your seed starts. 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. Diatomaceous earth works by removing the waxes on the insect s body and by absorbing oils and waxes on the outer cuticle. 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.

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. While diatomaceous earth does not kill the bugs immediately it can take 7 to 17 days it does have long lasting effective results. Blue light electric trap. Placing giant mounds of d e. How to use diatomaceous earth in potted plants.

In your garden will not work because the pests will just go around it. Mix some diatomaceous earth around the soil in those parts and prevent their larvae from becoming full grown adult gnats or fruit flies. 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. You want the insect to crawl across the dry dust and get the microscopic sharp silica into its joints.