i think i have found a new way of killing spidermites (organic)

First i would like to state that this is merely a hypothesis at this point but i will be doing trials soon. Also if anyone has any information on this subject feel free to post your experience with this.

Now for the hypothesis - I believe that Diatomaceous earth has the potential to kill spidermite infestations without harming your crop.

Why do i believe this? well a spidermite has an exoskeleton and Diatomaceous earth has been proven effecient in killing other bugs and mites with an exoskeleton in the past, this is why. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Ficks law of diffusion. This also works against Gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat slugs.

Now, the only problem i have yet to face with the testing and trials is the application process, i dont believe the Diatomaceous earth can be mixed and diluted in water because its going to be used to dry out and dehydrate the exoskeleton of the spidermite. It is a powdery substance and extremely fine so my main worry is that applying it to my plants directly would cause the actual leaf to dehydrate and/or the stomata to be clogged so any suggestion on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

For now this is only a hypothesis but i am looking for suggestions on the application process, all suggestions will be taken into account. Furthermore please do not post here about any other pesticides/insecticides as this is a thread about the research of Diatomaceous earth only.

i have read about using it as a dip for smaller plants...

were there good results?

SenorBrownWater said:

i have read about using it as a dip for smaller plants...

Click to expand...

The wet spray method does work but only after the liquid has dried. Mix from 1-4 tablespoons DE per gallon of water and spray on the lawn, shrubs, tree trunks and building foundations. When the mixture dries, it has the same dehydrating powers as the original dry dust. When sprayed wet the material covers the foliage and other surfaces better than dusting dry, thus giving better insect control. It seems to last longer when applied wet but the dry application is usually more effective at killing insects quickly. DE has no insect killing power while it is wet.

damnit, so i didnt acually discover something new. this sucks but im going to try it if and when i get an insect infestation *knocks on wood*