+- Woodnet Forums (https://forums.woodnet.net)
+-- Thread: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? (/showthread.php?tid=7330072)
Pages:
1
2
Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - bennybmn - 05-08-2017
So I got some diatomaceous for ant control in my yard. The bag says to apply to areas you see critters with a puffer of some sort. Can I just grab a handful and toss it around the lawn? Is the puffer thing just to be dainty in areas you might want to keep relatively clean like a deck or something? I'm trying to make my lawn nicer for my almost 3 year old to play in, and not spread too many chemicals for him, or the dog, so walk around in. And some of the areas are sandy and really attract ants!
Thanks!
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - arthropod98 - 05-08-2017
basically, this stuff is like talcum powder, so it's REALLY light. sorry, can't really offer much for some kinda puffer, but i just know what this stuff is like, cause it's what we use for our pool filter.
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - Mr_Mike - 05-08-2017
At my house, it does no good. I prefer better living through chemistry.
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - Herb G - 05-08-2017
Here ya go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bykxmQIBJ0
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - Cooler - 05-08-2017
The commercial units are only about $9.00, so I don't think I'd make my own.
We used to use Flit Guns, and they are still available under different names.
Amazon.com has a variety available for sale: https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=powder+sprayer&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=173097129760&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4136582179159961246&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004257&hvtargid=kwd-46396733&ref=pd_sl_9ita6c39d8_b
The most expensive seems to be $77.00; and the cheapest seems to be $9.00.
The really expensive units are for metal finishing (powder coating), and that is not what you want.
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - bennybmn - 05-08-2017
It's like a fancy turkey baster... Thanks guys.
And I've used plenty of chemicals in the past... just looking at alternative options. With ticks being as bad as they are this year in the Northeast, I just may have the whole yard sprayed.
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - bennybmn - 05-08-2017
(05-08-2017, 11:27 AM)Herb G Wrote: Here ya go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bykxmQIBJ0
That there's a good excuse to go get a soda
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - daddo - 05-08-2017
Wear a mask. They say you can eat it- just don't breathe it into your lungs.
I use this stuff from tractor supply. It has clay in it so it doesn't drift in the wind as much and is safe for animals.
I use a coffee can with a screen over it.
I should add, I can shake it into the small leaf blower and dust the yard in a few seconds.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/red-lake-earth-diatomaceous-earth-with-calcium-bentonite-40-lb?cm_vc=-10005
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - JosephP - 05-08-2017
Wonder if breathing diatomaceous earth is better or worse than rolling in grass sprayed with permethrin?
(well...honestly, no, I don't wonder all that much - I'd go with properly applied permethrin and keep everybody out until it is dried).
RE: Spreading diatomaceous earth, how? - bennybmn - 05-09-2017
That leaf blower idea sounds interesting! I'll definitely keep an eye on the wind direction as I use it.