Food grade DE for control of Mites and Flies

[artbypaula]

Has anyone used DE on bedding and ground to help control flies and mites. I have read about it but can't find any one who has used it. Have you? Do you use something else?

 

[mrsgibber]

Lots of us use it. I just started to this past month and it's worked great in the coop. The run I can't say since it has been raining constantly and DE doesn't work wet. But the coop flies are gone and it's not stinky.

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I use it an do not have near the fly problem that alot of my friends have.

 

[cgmccary]

I used Food Grade DE religiously for two years, and it DID NOT control flies and DID NOT prevent an infestation of Northern Fowl Mite. I used it in their food, throughout the run & nest boxes & in their dust holes. I dusted the birds with it as well, using a dusting pistol. During this time is the ONLY time my birds ever got mites.

Since I've stopped using DE, I have not had mites. I finally used Ivermectin to rid my flock of the mites. I now use the non-toxic enzyme (Poultry Protector Concentrate http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=75&products_id=260 to keep the mites away (and have not had any mites since using it!).

For fly control, I have used for three years now, a gnat size wasp that eats fly larvae. It has reduced the flies significantly. I have ordered them from biocontrol network and now Arbico http://www.arbico-organics.com/ I also use a solar fly trap. No poisons, nothing toxic to the beneficial insects!