anybody tried diamatocious earth for cutworms?
cutworms! Help needed
- Thread starter DrBob
- Start date
- Status
I've never been aware of diatomaceous earth (DE) killing cutworms in my plantings, but I don't see many regardless. The numerous "organic" websites that discuss "natural" control measures tend to swear by all sorts of marginally effective methods. I have seen DE cited as effective on a few university and extension service sites.
The problem with DE, as I see it, is the need to encircle each plant that is at risk. Also, in my experience, DE used against earwigs in particular tends to become ineffective once the DE has been doused with a good rain. I assume it just gets diluted by the surrounding soil, or perhaps experiences some chemical bonding with certain soil particles.
Bob
The problem with DE, as I see it, is the need to encircle each plant that is at risk. Also, in my experience, DE used against earwigs in particular tends to become ineffective once the DE has been doused with a good rain. I assume it just gets diluted by the surrounding soil, or perhaps experiences some chemical bonding with certain soil particles.
Bob
Hi Doc
DE won't work been there done that.I went has far has puttin one in a cup of straight DE can't remember how many days it was in there offhand.
I just start extras to replace the ones that get cut.Before setting the new seedling dig around and squish the one near the plant.
They should be pupating soon cause my damage has really calmed down.Wonder if soil temp tells em when to do their thing?
How many you losin?
DE won't work been there done that.I went has far has puttin one in a cup of straight DE can't remember how many days it was in there offhand.
I just start extras to replace the ones that get cut.Before setting the new seedling dig around and squish the one near the plant.
They should be pupating soon cause my damage has really calmed down.Wonder if soil temp tells em when to do their thing?
How many you losin?
I have never had cut worm damage and I use DE, so does that mean DE works against cutworms? I'm willing to bet it does. It can be a pain to apply. I have a 50# barrel of it. When I first plant my tobacco every single plant gets a coating. I may have to do this about a dozen times over the next 2 weeks or so but I never get slug damage, cutworms or other chewing insects. It takes me about 5 minutes to do 150 plants.
I just use a coffee can half filled and walk by and sprinkle each plant.
I just use a coffee can half filled and walk by and sprinkle each plant.
DonH
Well-Known Member
I do the same as Taxedenuf. This year I lost about 5% to cutworms but I replaced them with extras right away. Once the plants get bigger they can't cut them off anymore.
so far I have lost 24 out of 196. I usually lose a few and plan for it. I had 36 replacement plants. now I am down to 12. I got some DE and I am going to sprinkle it on right now. I guess it can't hurt
j did sprinkle some on, cant hurt I guess.
I try to apply it in the early morning when the dew is still on the plants. Just a light dusting should suffice. The problem is (as already pointed out) is that every time it rains you have to reapply. I think this year I probably applied it about 6-8 times.
I used Ortho Bug-B-Gone granules around the outside perimeter of the plot. It's garden safe, but I still didn't want it too close to my plants. I spray BT between rains and put down slug pellets. I'm still getting hit a little bit, but I can live with what damage is being done now. It's not too bad.
workhorse_01
Well-Known Member
This year I put down that Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer Then cut it in with the disc harrow. I have yet to see any bugs or worms. I still spray with BT but no worms yet.
I haven't had anymore plant loss after I put down the DE Don't know if it helped or not, seems that after the 3rd week after transplanting the cutworm damage has quit in the past.
DonH
Well-Known Member
I think the stems just get too tough for them to eat after three weeks.
- Status
