As a gardener, dealing with pests can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. Many people turn to commercial pesticides as a quick fix, but these often come with unintended health and environmental consequences.
Fortunately, there are safer and more effective alternatives available. Two popular options are neem oil and diatomaceous earth. But can you use them together?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of both neem oil and diatomaceous earth, and whether or not they can be used in combination to create a safe and effective pest control solution for your plants.
So let’s dive in!
Can You Use Diatomaceous Earth With Neem Oil?
The short answer is yes, you can use diatomaceous earth with neem oil. In fact, using these two natural pest control methods together can create a powerful and safe solution for your garden.
Neem oil is a natural byproduct of the Azadirachta indica tree and has been used for decades as an organic insecticide. It is effective against a wide range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and more. Neem oil is also safe to use around pets and wildlife and does not harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
Diatomaceous earth, on the other hand, is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It works by dehydrating and killing insects that come into contact with it. Diatomaceous earth is effective against crawling insects like roaches, slugs, and snails.
When used together, neem oil and diatomaceous earth can provide a comprehensive solution for both sucking and crawling insects in your garden. The neem oil targets the sucking insects while the diatomaceous earth takes care of the crawling ones.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
Neem oil is a natural, organic pest control solution that has been used for decades. It is derived from the seeds of the Azadirachta indica tree and is effective against a wide range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and more. Neem oil works by disrupting the hormones that control breeding, growth, and feeding in pests.
When neem oil is applied as a foliar spray or ‘leaf shine,’ it can prevent fungus and other leaf diseases. It’s particularly effective against spider mites, both indoors and outdoors. Most neem oil comes from the tree’s crushed seeds mixed with a solvent such as alcohol or with water. Cold-pressed neem oil is best for organic gardening purposes.
The active ingredient in neem oil is azadirachtin, which is the most common compound extracted from neem seed and other parts of the tree. Azadirachtin is combined with soaps or other organic-listed compounds in all-around insect sprays. It works by disrupting the pest’s hormones that control breeding, growth, and feeding.
Neem oil is safe to use around pets and wildlife and does not harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. It is organic, biodegradable, non-toxic, and does not pollute water or soil surfaces.
What Is Diatomaceous Earth And How Does It Work?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural and non-toxic pest control method that works by physically damaging the exoskeleton of insects. It is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are tiny aquatic organisms with hard shells made of silica. When diatomaceous earth is applied to insects, it absorbs the oils and waxes on their exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and die.
Diatomaceous earth is effective against a wide range of crawling insects, including fleas, mites, lice, ants, millipedes, earwigs, cockroaches, silverfish, bed bugs, crickets, centipedes, pill bugs, most beetles, and some grubs. It can also be used as a protective barrier or deterrent against snails and slugs.
One of the benefits of diatomaceous earth is that it is safe to use around pets and wildlife. It does not harm earthworms or beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. However, it is important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and not the type used for pool filtration, as the latter can be harmful if ingested.
To use diatomaceous earth for pest control, simply apply a light dusting to areas where insects are present or likely to appear. It is important to reapply after rain or watering as the powder can become ineffective when wet.
Pros And Cons Of Neem Oil And Diatomaceous Earth
While neem oil and diatomaceous earth are both natural and effective pest control methods, there are pros and cons to using each one.
Pros of Neem Oil:
– Organic, biodegradable, and non-toxic
– Safe to use around pets and wildlife
– Controls a wide range of pests, including adult, larvae, and eggs
– Does not harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs
– Can be used on indoor plants or in the greenhouse
Cons of Neem Oil:
– Takes time to work (a few days to weeks)
– May not be effective against crawling insects like roaches, slugs, and snails
– Can leave an oily residue on plants
Pros of Diatomaceous Earth:
– Effective against crawling insects like roaches, slugs, and snails
– Safe for humans and pets to touch
– Long-lasting (can remain effective for months)
Cons of Diatomaceous Earth:
– Can be messy and difficult to apply evenly
– May not be effective against sucking insects like aphids and spider mites
– Can harm beneficial insects if applied directly to them
Can Neem Oil And Diatomaceous Earth Be Used Together?
Yes, neem oil and diatomaceous earth can be used together. However, it is recommended to use them separately and in a specific order for best results.
First, apply the neem oil to your plants and let it dry. Neem oil is effective against a wide range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and more. It is safe to use around pets and wildlife and does not harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
Next, apply the diatomaceous earth powder to your plants. Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating and killing crawling insects like roaches, slugs, and snails. You can either dust the powder onto the plants or create a wet spray by diluting it in water.
It is important to note that while both neem oil and diatomaceous earth are safe and organic pest control methods, they should be used with caution. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product labels and wear protective gear when applying them to your plants.
How To Use Neem Oil And Diatomaceous Earth Together For Pest Control
To use neem oil and diatomaceous earth together, you will need a 1-gallon pump sprayer, warm water, and a quart jar. Follow these steps:
1. Emulsify the neem oil: In a quart jar, mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 1 teaspoon of diatomaceous earth solution or liquid soap until it becomes almost creamy. You may want to do this outside as neem oil has a strong smell.
2. Add warm water: Fill the jar 3/4 full with warm (not hot) water and stir until combined. Put the lid on and shake until you no longer see oil droplets forming on the surface when the jar settles.
3. Pour into sprayer: Pour the neem oil mixture into your 1-gallon pump sprayer, leaving room for an extra quart at the top. Cap it and shake to combine.
4. Apply to plants: Spray your plants thoroughly with the neem oil and diatomaceous earth solution, making sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of leaves. The neem oil will repel sucking insects while the diatomaceous earth will dehydrate crawling insects.
It’s important to note that the solution will dry out on the plant after a short time, leaving a white chalky residue from the diatomaceous earth. This is normal and will provide longer-lasting protection for your plants. Additionally, make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for human and animal consumption.
Precautions And Safety Measures To Take When Using Neem Oil And Diatomaceous Earth
While neem oil and diatomaceous earth are natural and safe pest control methods, it is important to take precautions when using them in your garden.
Firstly, it is essential to follow the instructions on the product labels carefully. Both neem oil and diatomaceous earth can be harmful if not used correctly. Wear gloves and a mask when handling these products to avoid skin and respiratory irritation.
Secondly, it is important to apply these products at the right time of day. Neem oil should be applied early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler, as it can burn plants in direct sunlight. Diatomaceous earth should be applied when there is no wind to avoid inhaling the dust.
Thirdly, it is important to use these products sparingly. Overuse of neem oil can harm beneficial insects, and overuse of diatomaceous earth can harm earthworms and other soil organisms.
Lastly, it is important to store these products safely. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
By following these precautions and safety measures when using neem oil and diatomaceous earth, you can effectively control pests in your garden without harming your plants or the environment.
