Diatomaceous Earth for Slugs and Snails | Not a Good Idea!?

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Alexander Boeckmann

Gardening in harmony with nature.

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Diatomaceous earth is also known as DE, diatomite, kieselguhr or kieselgur.

When diatomaceous earth is dry, slugs and snails do not like to crawl over it.

But some do it anyway and when it gets wet, it loses its repelling effect completely.

Furthermore, it is an insecticide that affects bees and other beneficial insects.

Last but not least, it poses some health risks.

That is why there are much better alternatives to control slugs and snails naturally.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a sedimentary rock powder that consists of fossils.

Basically, it contains the shells of tiny diatoms, fossilized sea organisms that lived millions of years ago.

Chemically, DE is pure silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which is non-toxic to humans.

The powder is abrasive because the broken shells have a lot of sharp edges.

One teaspoon of diatomaceous earth contains more than a billion tiny pieces of shell.

These pieces cut insects’ skin and absorb their moisture. That is why DE has a biocidal and insecticidal effect.

It is used as a natural pest control against all types of insects; for example, mites, cockroaches, and ants.

Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill/Repel Slugs & Snails?

Some people believe that DE might kill slugs and snails in the same way as it works against insects.

This is incorrect.

Slugs and snails are protected against the sharp edges by their mucus.

However, they dislike crawling over DE, as the following experiment shows:

Video: Diatomaceous Earth and Slugs – Test

The beginning of the video demonstrates that some slugs crawl over DE without hesitation.

Most of the time, however, they prefer not to move over DE.

That is why many people recommend its use as a natural remedy against slugs.

Peaceful Slug Control & Plant Protection

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How to use DE Against Slugs?

Diatomaceous earth – food grade – is used to form protective circles around threatened plants and beds.

After rain, irrigation or other forms of moisture, the protective ring must be renewed.

During application, you should wear gloves, respiratory protection and goggles to prevent health risks.

This is because diatomite, inhaled as dust, can lead to respiratory diseases and can even be carcinogenic.

In case of eye contact, flush your eyes out thoroughly and consult a doctor.

Also, to protect children, it is important to store diatomaceous earth in places that are always inaccessible for them.

In most states, it is forbidden to dispose of diatomaceous earth in the sewer. Instead, you should take it to a recycling center.

Products & Price

Diatomaceous earth is available in different varieties.

The type also depends on the region where it is mined. Every area produces a different mixture of diatoms and shell forms. Some are sharper than others.

In addition, preparation and intended use differ.

Never use ‘pool filter grade’ DE, as it carries particularly harmful health risks if you inhale it! It might also harm plants.

Therefore, only use ‘food grade’ or ‘garden grade’ DE.

The costs of DE depend on the amount needed and on the manufacturer.

Normally, DE products are used in animal husbandry.

Diatomaceous Earth | Powder

Click on the image leads to an offer on Amazon.

Conclusion

Diatomaceous earth is a suitable agent against mites and other vermin in animal husbandry.

It is not recommended in the fight against slugs and snails.

Not only is it expensive and impractical, but its efficacy in repelling slugs is also questionable.

The significant disadvantage is that diatomite is no longer effective when moist because in wet conditions slugs are particularly active.

Unfortunately, the insecticidal effect of DE can also kill valuable natural enemies of slugs and snails.

For example, it kills ground beetles, soldier beetles, fireflies, and other insects that help in the fight against slugs and snails.

In addition, it is unsuitable for large areas.

The price is high, and the application labor-intensive, as protective walls made of DE must be renewed after rain.

Finally, there are health risks that make application more difficult and dangerous.

In a household with children or pets, the product is therefore not recommended.

There are safer, cheaper methods and ways to protect plants against slugs.

Slug & Snail Fence | Protective Barrier

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Offers on Etsy.

What Are Alternatives to DE?

There is a wide range of alternative methods.

To protect individual plants, special snail and slug collars are recommended.

They are weatherproof and harmless to animal and human health.

For larger beds, slug fences are an effective alternative. They are safe and provide long-term protection.

Slug and snail collars	Slug fence

Planters and pots can be protected, for example, by protective stripes of slug-repelling copper tape.

It is also possible to use the slug-repelling paint, Schnexagon.

Copper against slugs	Slug-repellent paint

In addition, it is possible to cultivate slug-resistant vegetables and herbs.

There is also a long list of flowers that slugs do not like to eat.

Flowers as protection against snails & slugs

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Slug-resistant flowers	Slug-resistant plants

Long-term slug control focuses on attracting natural enemies of slugs and snails.

Here, you will find an overview of measures to control slugs and snails.

Attracting natural enemies	Snail and slug control overview

Peaceful Slug Control & Plant Protection

Slug Repellent Copper Tape	Plant Protection Cover | Set
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Sheep Wool Pellets	Slug Collars | Set
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Mindful consumption: Please only buy what you or your garden really need.

Last update: February 12, 2023

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