Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, sap-sucking insects that can infest a wide range of plants. Diatomaceous earth is an excellent solution for mealybug control.

Various pest control solutions don’t kill their targets but harm them or knock them off the plant. So, you may be asking, does diatomaceous earth kill mealybugs, or will this just be a temporary fix?

DE as it is known is effective in killing mealybugs. That has also been my experience with it. DE is safe for use on most plants and is effective against a wide range of other pests as well.

Diatomaceous Earth: What Is It And How Does It Work?

This powder-like substance is a natural material made up of diatoms. Diatoms are the fossilized remains of tiny algae.

It is very fine, with a particle size ranging from 2 to 300 microns. This makes it ideal for use as a dusting powder.

When dusted onto mealybugs, the sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth particles penetrate their waxy coating and cause them to dehydrate and die.

This process is completely natural and poses no threat to plants or animals.

Why Are Mealybugs Harmful To Plants?

Mealybugs harm plants by sucking sap from them. This can cause the following:

Stunt plant growth
Leaf yellowing
Premature leaf drop.

In addition, mealybugs secrete a waxy substance over their bodies, making plants appear fuzzy or powdery. This substance can also clog pores on leaves, leading to further damage.

Diatomaceous earth is an effective way to control mealybugs because it penetrates their waxy coating and dries them out, leading to death.

The Perfect Solution For Mealybug Control

Food Garde Diatomaceous earth is the perfect solution for mealybug control because of its safety, effectiveness, and the wide range of pests it can kill.

When used as directed, DE can help keep your plants healthy and free of mealybugs.

For best results, apply the powder around the base of the plant and on any leaves or stems infested with mealybugs.

As the insects walk through the powder, they will be completely dehydrated. Within a few days, the mealybugs will be dead.

Using diatomaceous earth to kill mealybugs instead of simply knocking them off of the plants is a more sustainable solution to mealybug infestation because it does not require the use of pesticides or other chemicals, and it is more likely your mealybug infestation will not return as quickly.

Additionally, it is safe for use around children and pets. If you have mealybugs on your plants, consider using DE to get rid of them for good.

Here are other advantages besides controlling mealybugs:

An Affordable Option

We recommend diatomaceous earth as a very affordable option for mealybug control.

A 1-pound bag of food-grade DE typically costs less than $10 and will last for several applications, which is an excellent deal for a pest control product.

Eco-Friendly

Diatomaceous earth is one of my favorite pest control products because it is a natural product mined from the Earth. It is then processed and packaged for sale.

Because it is a natural product, it is biodegradable and does not contribute to pollution or climate change.

So I can feel good about what I’m putting back into the Earth when I use it.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Using DE?

There are no known risks associated with using Food Grade diatomaceous earth for mealybug control, and I have personally never encountered any issues when using the material in my garden or on plants.

However, as with any substance, it is always best to use caution and consult a professional if you have any concerns.

Additionally, purchase food-grade DE, as this is the only type-safe for use around plants.