How to "spray" DE?

[TheChicInnKeeper]

To HensDeliverTheGoods:

We live in Asheville and buy it at Lowe's. It wasn't a 50 lb. bag but we only have 7 chickens so we didn't need that much. It was by the bug control stuff in Lowes.

Hope that helps!

Cyndi

 

[Ellie]

A flour sifter is PERFECT. Thanks so much. this will be great.

Ellie

 

[VaM715]

If you want DE in bulk bags, 25,50,100 lbs, go to a swimming pool supply place. DE is used in swimming pool filters. They won't understand DE, but they will understand Diatomaceous Earth.

 

[ivan3]

DE for swimming pools (other filtering applications) IS NOT the DE for Chooks. This is a source of constant confusion (not unlike Apple Cider Vinegar - must use the unfiltered variety with the `mother').

The DE MUST BE labeled FOOD GRADE CODEX - this grade of DE is less `prickly' and will not cut up the tissues of human/bird respiratory tracts with the same efficiency as POOL DE.

Look for the ingredient: Fossil Shell Flour

Your bags should look something like this:

Just a heads up

Read about it and find a supplier in your area:

http://www.perma-guard.com/

 

[ozark hen]

yep, must be food grade or do not get it. and yes, you will look like the person in the pic after dipping into it.

 

[Dawn419]

For using food grade DE as a spray, Wolf Creek Ranch suggests using 1 to 2 cups of DE to 1 gallon of water in a sprayer. You need to make sure that you shake it up often, as the DE will settle to the bottom, if you don't. It's under the heading "Yard, Garden and Lanscape Applications", about half-way down the page.

I've never tried using it as a spray but use a flour sifter to spread it around and also use it as a white wash on roosts and as an ant deterrent. Check out the Food Grade DE page I put together for how and where I use it. There's also a section on where to buy it.

I wouldn't use the stuff from Lowe's as it's for insects, not chickens and it's not food grade.

Hope this helps!

Dawn

 

[ivan3]

Ozark hen, yep, a little bit goes a long way and I've ended up `vermin free' but downright spooky looking...

3M millipore filters are relatively inexpensive (wear one)...

 

[gd4sumthnmom]

My sister uses a turkey baster to blow it into small cracks and holes around her deck.

 

[so lucky]

For those of you who can't find it, you might get some place like TSC to order some for you. Our local Orchelins got two 25 lb bags in. My son bought one and I bought the other. I think it was 11.99 for 25 lbs. The name of ours is Red Lake Earth DE. Again, make sure it is Food Grade. If you throw it around by hand, use a disposable rubber glove, or it will really dry your hand out. A dust mask would be a good idea, too, especially if you have asthma or breathing issues.

 

[southerndesert]

Quote:
Be very very careful if doing this as you need to have food grade DE and not pool grade.....