Diameteous earth
This was our second year to have Martins and we did have mites and dusted with seven per the instructions we found on the forum. Since then, I have had a long-time martin landlord recommend that we use diameteous earth because it is safer than Seven. I understand that diameteous earth is the crushed shells of freshwater clams. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
Hi J and J.
The PMCA no longer recommends the use of diatomaceous earth because of the dust cloud created when the nestling martins exercise their wings inside their nest cavity. There is an article regarding this matter on the PMCA website.
Try this link...
http://www.purplemartin.org/forumarchiv ... ive/DE.htm
I think any powdery substance introduced into the nest could cause the same problem.
The PMCA no longer recommends the use of diatomaceous earth because of the dust cloud created when the nestling martins exercise their wings inside their nest cavity. There is an article regarding this matter on the PMCA website.
Try this link...
http://www.purplemartin.org/forumarchiv ... ive/DE.htm
I think any powdery substance introduced into the nest could cause the same problem.
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne