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Post by lenynero on Feb 16, 2010 9:22:41 GMT -5
Just thought I would share my favourite control product. Diatomite rocks. I have been using them for 6 months with my orchids after I got a spider mite invasion on some dendrobiums from the states. Within a few weeks not one spidermite was seen anywhere.... also no fungus gnats or anything else for that matter. For general purpose you can use the rocks as a top dressing around your plants (make sure you use freshwater Diatomite). If you have a nasty outbreak just break a rock in half and rub the 2 halves together and they will release a fine powdery dust all over the plant you want to protect. You will have to repeat next time you spray the plant down. The advantages are... non-toxic, pests don't build resistance simple to use works on ALL pests regardless of the type. As long as the powder is there it ready to dry out and kill pests (does not become less effective over time) The disadvantages are... dries your hands out real fast (wear gloves or invest in lots of good hand cream) dust can't be applied to sundews or butterwarts (leave rocks at base of plants no dusting) you have to crush a new rock everytime you mist your plants takes on average 2 weeks before all your pests are gone, try not to breath it in (although they say it won't cause silicosis, after you see what it does to your hands you will not want it in your lungs) If you are still reading this far then you prolly want more info on this stuff (I have a 25lbs bag of it LOL) eap.mcgill.ca/publications/eap4.htmen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earthCheers Leny
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Post by lenynero on Feb 16, 2010 9:27:48 GMT -5
Forgot to mention it is a great item to mix in with you perlite and sphagnum as it holds up to 150 times it's weight in water.... it is now something I mix into all my grow medias.
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Post by garrison on Feb 16, 2010 10:49:55 GMT -5
Will it work on bedbugs?
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Post by lenynero on Feb 16, 2010 11:12:07 GMT -5
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Post by garrison on Feb 16, 2010 14:51:39 GMT -5
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Post by prmills on Feb 16, 2010 19:21:13 GMT -5
It almost seems too good to be true. I'll have to give it a try.
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Post by lenynero on Feb 19, 2010 8:46:26 GMT -5
You can get the rocks at any good hydroponics store or Orchid dealer. You can get the earth itself occasionally at good nurseries. DO NOT get the stuff from home depot or Canada fire they usually have the pool grade stuff which is full of silica and kinda toxic to breath in.
You can get good freshwater (food grade) stuff online on ebay. People actually eat this stuff!!
I just buy the rocks and crush my own powder from it cause I also use the rocks as a soil amendment.
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Post by sticky on Mar 9, 2010 14:03:27 GMT -5
hey guys, Diatomaceous earth is actually skeletons or shells of small water animals,Its used alot as a filter material ,you can find it at a brew your own store.I thought it contained some salts , For spider mites you can use neem oil I find its the best and its non toxic. Bed bugs on the other hand are hard to kill and they can live up to a year between feedings .There not just in your bed either they can be in your dresser,nightstand along your base boards any nook and crany.Pyrethrin works good and theres this stuff called perimeter at canadian tire but most of the pesticides are contact only so you have to spray directly on them,the orkin man is your best option or you may have to get new furniture.Dont worry there has never been a case of blood bourne diseases from them but they sure are nasty.
STICKY@
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Post by dvg on Mar 9, 2010 14:51:20 GMT -5
One of the best ways to get rid of bedbugs and fleas, without pesticides is to use heat.
I've heard of people vacating their premises for a few days in the middle of a summer heat wave. They stay in a hotel for a few days and leave the heat cranked up in their homes.
The excess heat melts off the protective waxy coating on those critter's exoskeletons and they consequently die due to dessication. In other words they just dry out without their waxy protection in place.
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Post by sticky on Mar 23, 2010 8:40:48 GMT -5
DVG, That is such a cool way,I bet theres alot of landlords out there that would like to know that.I saw this couple get 5000 dollars from a landlord for new furniture claiming they would never be able to get them out S
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Post by dvg on Mar 23, 2010 16:47:00 GMT -5
Sticky, I think more and more landlords are becoming aware of this method of eradication.
Because of the heat involved, candles and electronic equipment are advisedly removed from the premises first.
dvg
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