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diatomaceous earth: how to use?

 
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I FINALLY got my hands on some diatomaceous earth (it is a rarity here) and wonder if anyone can give me some ideas on how to use it.
I have some issues right now with stinkbugs and aphids on my long beans, but it's raining every day (sometimes all day....) and I wonder how long I need to be able to keep the plant dry before it has any affect. Or is this something that will only help with "soft" bugs like caterpillars?
Can I use it against ants (i'm thinking on my covered patio)?
Any other good suggestions for how to use it?
Thanks!!
 
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I think you are right that it will be difficult to use in all that rain :)

I have only ever used it in the context of chickens. I sprinkled it in the nest boxes when I got mites one time. I also use it in a mix with sand and ashes for a dustbath for the chickens.
 
Tereza Okava
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The package directions (it's marketed for succulents, which are a huge market here, I suppose like houseplants became popular during the pandemic) actually suggested mixing it with water and spraying on.
Miraculously, it looks like we have 5 days with a low chance of rain, so I did a test yesterday directly on known infestations: a pigeon pea bush that's got some scale bugs with ant farmers, some eggplant that got attacked by flea beetles, and the tomatillos, which I remember as being so resistant to everything but lately are attracting so many bugs that my daughter the insect biologist has been spending a lot of time picking "weirdos" off it to bring to the lab.
We'll see what happens over the next few days.
 
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So long as it's food grade, it should be okay to put on leaves and/or soil. I'd think it would be okay to sprinkle it, rain or not, since it can be used by mixing with water. Keep us updated on how it does for you! I've got some and considered using it this year since last year's garden turned into a feast for weirdos 😂
 
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