Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Thrips: Effectively Using it

Does diatomaceous earth kill thrips is the question that would be in your mind if you wish to a valuable answer to calm your consideration. This common pesticide has been used to eliminate thrips, spider mites, and other common house bugs for ages.

Read on to explore how this powder can be used at home. We will also discuss alternative yet effective means of eradicating a thrip infestation.

Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Thrips Effectively?

Yes, diatomaceous earth kills thrips effectively and quickly by dehydrating them. It is one of the swift, most effective, and most widely used pest control methods in gardening. It is a white powder used in dry and wet states to eradicate thrips.

On a chemical level, DE is algae that have been fossilized and then crushed to powder form. It looks like kaolin clay and is made of 80 to 90 percent silica which is toxic for most common household pests. Although it is quite effective at killing thrips, it is not a permenant solution and requires multiple reapplications.

How Does Wet Diatomaceous Earth Kill Thrips?

A wet diatomaceous earth kills thrips as you would dilute it with water, and then pour it into a spray bottle, after so, you must spray it on the plant properly. Make sure to reapply and when needed to tackle the pests with this toxic liquid solution.

Making a solution of DE and using a wet application on the affected plants, trees, and grass is very convenient. It allows the chemical to reach all nooks and corners where thrips might be hiding. It also dilutes the chemical, making it safer for use than the pure powdered form.

DE in liquid spray form is also the application of choice in windy areas where powdered form cannot be used. There is a risk of the powder getting into people’s eyes and being flown away from the thrips-infested plant. Read below for a step-by-step guide on applying DE in wet form for killing thrips.

– Dilute it With Water

The reasonably potent mixture is made by mixing four tablespoons of powdered DE in one gallon of water. You will require a large container and a bucket to mix these two well enough. A container with a tight lid will make it easier to ass DE to water and mix it thoroughly.

When DE is mixed with water, it gets diluted, and its ability to kill thrips decreases. That is why it better be smooth beyond this point, and ensure that you do not put too much water when you are diluting it. You can also use less water to make a thick paste instead of a liquid solution. This paste will then have to be applied over the leaves and plants using an inconvenient and time-consuming brush.

– Pour It Into A Spray Bottle

Once your mixture is well combined, take a clean spray bottle and fill it with it. If thrips infest the whole lawn, select a larger bottle with a wide nozzle. A smaller bottle and nozzle will be enough if the pest infestation is limited to a few potted indoor plants.

A garden sprayer would cover more area quickly for large lawns and gardens. No need to spend money on buying fancy bottles and sprayers. Just get simple plastic ones from your local department stores as per convenience.

– Spray It Properly

Because the spray form is diluted, more must be applied for effective pest control. Spray generously on both sides of the leaves, especially the undersides. Thrips are present in large quantities under the leaves, although we cannot always see them.

The water in the spray solution will evaporate within two to three hours, leaving the powder behind. This powder will then work its magic and kill not only thrips but all other pests that come in contact with it, and this way, you will be free from the ones that have been around it.

– Reapply The Spray When Needed

Once it rains or the plant is watered, the powder will be washed away. The plant will have to be resprayed in such a case until the infestation clears up completely. Again, multiple DE-applications will be needed to clear a severe infestation.

How To Use Dry Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Thrips?

You can use diatomaceous earth to kill and prevent thrips simply by sprinkling it in powdered form over the affected plants. Use a garden duster, as it will help distribute this powder evenly over the lawn. You can also use gloved hands when powdering over potted plants.

When spraying powder, the rule is to sprinkle it in a uniform layer from which the green color of the leaves is still visible. The soil around the plant must be covered with powder to prevent more aphids from climbing.

– Take Precautions

If you are wondering, ‘Is diatomaceous earth safe?’ then know that experts recommend using food-grade DE as it is non-toxic to humans, but of course with limitations existing. The powder can still be inhaled and cause breathing problems, so wearing a mask is necessary. With the help of a garden duster, the DE powder can be easily spread over the plants and lawn of your choice.

– Choose a Suitable Time

Early morning is a good time to carry out this sprinkling because the plants are still slightly moist from dew drops. This slight moisture helps the powder settle on the surface instead of dispersing needlessly. Watch for the weather forecast and choose a non-rainy and non-windy day to increase your chances of success.

This powder will stay on the leaves and stems for at least two to three days before a reapplication is needed. Keep on sprinkling the powder until the infestation goes away, and this way if you also have any rain and strong winds will blow the powder away, making reapplication necessary. Which is why you must aim to tackle them at the right time using this solution.

What To Use in Addition to Diatomaceous Earth When Killing Thrips?

In addition to diatomaceous earth when killing thrips you can use neem oil, to help you, and you can also place some sticky traps around your plants. Also, together with it, you can also go for isopropyl alcohol, and lastly, introduce natural predators.

– Use Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that not only disrupts the life cycle of thrips but also prevents further infestations. Take care to purchase authentic and 100 percent organic oil to get the best results and if you use it in addition to DE, you will see results, but make sure that you have to dilute it properly. Simply put some drops of oil on a cotton pad and rub it on both sides of the diseased plants’ leaves.

An easier approach is to make an insecticidal soap by mixing a couple of oil drops in water and soap. Store this mixture in a plastic spray bottle and use it periodically once a week to get good results. As soon as signs of thrips damage start showing on the plant, it is time to take this oil out of the pantry.

– Use Sticky Traps

Sticky tapes and traps are a clever method of trapping aphids without using natural or commercial chemical products. It is as simple as being a colorful piece of cardboard with long-lasting glue spread on one side.

The bright color of the cardboard attracts aphids and then traps them once they land on it. These pest traps are widely available online, and you can also make ones for yourself at home that you can also use together with the solution, because it would be double the effect.

Just take one of these and either hang them next to the infested plant or over the potted soil. Over time, this trap will begin to fill with aphids and must be changed. Traps work well only with adult aphids that can land over the traps and will not get rid of eggs and larvae.

– Go For Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is another household item that kills and prevents thrips from infesting your houseplants. Mixing three parts of alcohol with one part of water makes a strong insecticidal solution against most house pests. You can also mix a teaspoon of dishwashing soap to enable the solution to stick to the plant for longer.

This alcohol solution has to be applied consistently every week for at least eight weeks. Remember the undersides of the leaves while spraying because this is where most of the bugs and their eggs will be hiding. Alcohol dries out their exoskeletons and kills them right then and there, and DE will help kill them as well.

– Introduce Natural Predators

Bugs like lacewings, beetles, and ladybirds eat thrips and are harmless to plants, if you have placed DE and the thripes are not being attacked as the solution has dried or washed, the predators will help you. Nurseries sell these at quite reasonable prices, and you can purchase them in case of an infestation. Place them in the pot or distribute them over the lawn per the nursery owner’s advice. In only a short period, you will realize that the thrip population has disappeared entirely.

Conclusion

DE is a must-have item in the house for those interested in gardening and lawn keeping. It is much safer than chemical insecticides and does the job well, so remember:

• Thrips bite and infest almost all common indoor and outdoor plants and can be killed using DE powder.
• One way is to mix four tablespoons of powder in one liter of and then spray it evenly on the infested plants.
• The second method is to sprinkle the dry powder in a uniform layer over the soil and the plant.
• Food grade DE commonly used is non-toxic for humans but might trigger an allergic reaction.

If you haven’t used DE yet, order a packet immediately and see how quickly your trip problems go away.