Diatomaceous Earth

[DakotaSommers]

There was a HUGE ant problem in my veggie garden this year. I couldn't pick anything without getting bitten, and the ants killed some of the plants by sucking the life out around the roots (alright, I don't know how they killed them. But whenever ant hills were right by the plants, the plants died.)

I couldn't find anything that was actually organic that might work on ants. I tried the home remedies, like apple cider vinegar, grits, cream of wheat, and yeast with sugar but none of it worked.

I finally came across Diatomaceous Earth (food-grade variety) and gave it a shot. It's a fine powder made of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shell algae. Supposedly, it cuts into the exoskeleton of the ants, essentially killing them. It didn't get rid of the ants in the garden completely, but I can at least sprinkle it around the plants and on top of hills to keep the ants confined to certain areas.

Aside from the store I bought it at, I haven't spoken with anyone who's ever heard of Diatomaceous Earth. It recommends wearing a mask when applying so it doesn't scrape lungs by being inhaled, but that's the only main warning I've come across.

So here's a question: If I ever wanted to have a certified organic garden, could I use Diatomaceous Earth since it's a natural substance? I don't know of the specifics for a certified organic garden.
Or any other suggestions for getting rid of ants that's cheaper than DE (at $1/lb)?

[wyo-helpmeet]

I feel comfortable using this as an all natural substance in my garden & in my chicken coop. I consider my garden to be organic with the exception of not knowing the history of the soil. HTH!

[ocean_brez]

I have read that Diatomaceous Earth is also good for getting rid of fleas, slugs, snails, etc. The only thing to be careful of is to not put it directly onto the plant itself or sprinkle it around high traffic areas where your pets and or kids will get into it by accident.

[Foggy]

I use food grade diatomaceous earth in my 3 and 5 gallon buckets in my pantry to kill any bugs that may be in the bags of grains and such when I put them in the buckets or if one gets in there when a lid is opened. I only put about 1/2 to 1 cup in my buckets and then mix it into the stuff.

I also use it on the cat to keep fleas controlled and put it in her ears to kill ear mites.

You can sprinkle it on your plants (garden or household) to kill bugs as well as mix it into the soil.


couldn't tell you on the certified organic thing though. sorry.

[DakotaSommers]

Thanks for all of the help and advice!

[MamaBird06]

does this kill grubs and will it hurt earthworms?

[Emikat]

"Diatomaceous Earth is a natural, organic insect killer. Diatomaceous Earth kills by physical action and not by chemical so there is NO harm to pets or humans. The tiny hard and sharp diatoms scratch off the insects waxy coating, causing it to dehydrate."

"Diatomaceous Earth will not harm earthworms or beneficial soil microorganisms."

found on the following link:
Organic pest control