diatomaceous earth

[3 Golden Girls]

I'm sure this question has been answered before, but I can't find a thread for it. So... how often do I dust my coop with DE and sprinkle the yard. My hens are free range so I sprinkled it in the areas where they take their dust bath. We have had so much rain here, not complaining, but do I need to sprinkle DE after every rain? or is it still potent after it's gotten wet?

 

[gar06]

Actually Diatomaceous Earth is still potent after it gets wet although it may have some diminished effect. You shouldn't have to reapply after every rain but if it does rain a lot you might want to just keep an eye on the weather and apply it on a day where it looks like it will be clear for a while. DE will continue to be effective once it dries again from the rain, the problem is that sometimes it will be washed away. There really are no set guidelines to how often you should apply it, its really just an as needed product. If you feel like you need more for it to be more effective then try adding some more, otherwise you should be ok if your insect problems are under control

 

[3 Golden Girls]

Thank you gar06 for your help. I'm glad to know that it's still effective after a rain.

 

[propagata]

I've heard you should mix some in with the feed as well, to prevent them from getting worms. Anyone else do this? I'm thinking about trying it but would love to hear if it has worked for others.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: That's actually not quite true.
It kills insects by cutting them and ABSORBING their bodily fluids, and does NOT work when it's wet.

It's effective "after a rain", but only AFTER it completely dries again

Mixing it with food is a total waste, since chenically, it's really the same thing as sand

DE is highly overrated

 

[dawg53]

I've heard you should mix some in with the feed as well, to prevent them from getting worms. Anyone else do this? I'm thinking about trying it but would love to hear if it has worked for others.

DE doesnt prevent a bird from getting worms.

 

[Suzierd]

http://www.deq.state.or.us/er/docs/LowerBridge/DiatomaceousEarthFactSheet.pdf

 

[propagata]

Aw shucks. Good to know though. Thanks Suzierd