DEALING WITH THE SPIDERMITES

3rd Monkey

Well-Known Member
Meanwhile, you post false information. DE does not cut up spider mites. It has a desiccant mode of action, meaning it drys out there outer waxy layer, making it impossible for the mite to control its fluid level.

Let’s make sure what we are posting is truely factual.
https://richsoil.com/diatomaceous-earth.jsp

"One is that on a microscopic level, the diatomaceous earth particles are very sharp looking. These particles stick to an insect and get stuck between its exoskeleton joints. As the insect moves, it gets physically cut up."


What do I know anyway?
 

Carolina Dream'n

Well-Known Member
https://richsoil.com/diatomaceous-earth.jsp

"One is that on a microscopic level, the diatomaceous earth particles are very sharp looking. These particles stick to an insect and get stuck between its exoskeleton joints. As the insect moves, it gets physically cut up."


What do I know anyway?
First, spider mites are not technically insects. They are part of the arachnid family.
0DFEFB17-8DEC-4FB8-86F1-DE49C668F5F3.png 028B495B-BB3B-4813-8B7B-BF047D9F33BD.png

Currently trying to find the study Clemson University did on DEs effectiveness on aphids, spider mites, and thrips. It’s accredited study that proved how DE actually worked to kill each bug. Each one being different.
 

3rd Monkey

Well-Known Member
First, spider mites are not technically insects. They are part of the arachnid family.
View attachment 4293162 View attachment 4293161

Currently trying to find the study Clemson University did on DEs effectiveness on aphids, spider mites, and thrips. It’s accredited study that proved how DE actually worked to kill each bug. Each one being different.
Whatever. I'm not going to argue semantics. Both articles say it removes the outer layer, how's that happen I wonder. It KILLS... The end.
 

Carolina Dream'n

Well-Known Member
Whatever. I'm not going to argue semantics. Both articles say it removes the outer layer, how's that happen I wonder. It KILLS... The end.
The way it kills and the duration it takes to kill them is very important on actually getting rid of spider mites.

It happens just how I explained it, the DE drys out the outer waxy layer. Not once does it say is cut it away, or stabbed them to death. The DE takes 6-8 days to actually be effective on mites. And it only will effect adults and nymphs.

You actually have to understand how your pesticides work for them to work properly for you...
 

3rd Monkey

Well-Known Member
The way it kills and the duration it takes to kill them is very important on actually getting rid of spider mites.

It happens just how I explained it, the DE drys out the outer waxy layer. Not once does it say is cut it away, or stabbed them to death. The DE takes 6-8 days to actually be effective on mites. And it only will effect adults and nymphs.

You actually have to understand how your pesticides work for them to work properly for you...
Ugh... We grow weed in optimal conditions, yes? In those conditions, it takes roughly 3-5 days for eggs to hatch.

So, 5 days is my benchmark. I've used DE since the early 90s, never had to go past a week of treatment.

The articles you posted say it removes the outer layer, then they dehydrate. The article I posted says it cuts them and dehydrates them. Much like slitting a small hole in a pool.

Say what you will, but it's the same thing to me. Whether drawing moisture out on contact or puncturing the outer layer and drawing moisture out... Dehydration is dehydration. Contact kills.

I understand how it works and it's safe to eat. Beats the hell out of chemicals in my opinion.

That's the best I can do and I'm growing bored discussing something that there are thousands of articles on that all say the same thing.
 

Carolina Dream'n

Well-Known Member
Ugh... We grow weed in optimal conditions, yes? In those conditions, it takes roughly 3-5 days for eggs to hatch.

So, 5 days is my benchmark. I've used DE since the early 90s, never had to go past a week of treatment.

The articles you posted say it removes the outer layer, then they dehydrate. The article I posted says it cuts them and dehydrates them. Much like slitting a small hole in a pool.

Say what you will, but it's the same thing to me. Whether drawing moisture out on contact or puncturing the outer layer and drawing moisture out... Dehydration is dehydration. Contact kills.

I understand how it works and it's safe to eat. Beats the hell out of chemicals in my opinion.

That's the best I can do and I'm growing bored discussing something that there are thousands of articles on that all say the same thing.
Have a nice day.
 

Bernie420

Well-Known Member
Whatever. I'm not going to argue semantics. Both articles say it removes the outer layer, how's that happen I wonder. It KILLS... The end.
Thats exactly why I like to dumb shit down. Give a little guidance and let them figure it out.

FWIW and imo de isnt the right product for spidermites. Who wants to wash their buds or vacuum up powder or smoke that shit when you can kill spidermites with just water if need be.

I don't want that shit anywhere near my buds.
 

3rd Monkey

Well-Known Member
Thats exactly why I like to dumb shit down. Give a little guidance and let them figure it out.

FWIW and imo de isnt the right product for spidermites. Who wants to wash their buds or vacuum up powder or smoke that shit when you can kill spidermites with just water if need be.

I don't want that shit anywhere near my buds.
That was exactly what I did. I simply suggested DE and responded with a vague but fulfilling answer when asked about it. Enough to warrant researching it.

It's fine if your opinion is not to use it, mine is the opposite. Doesn't make a right or wrong, simply provides an option. The OP can observe what was put out here, do some research and now make an informed decision about the approach they wish to pursue. That was all I wanted to do.
 
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