DE Diamutus earth sp?

[Guest]

I was wondering being we also own chickens and I use DE can it also be used in a martins nest? It keeps my chickens flea, mite and pest free by adding a certain amount to their food daily. It is food grade, humans can eat it.

If it gets wet, it stops working but once dry, works again. It kills every bug except it will not hurt earth worms. Has anyone else here heard of it? Even if the martins don't eat it like the chickens do, it will keep their nest free of motes and such just being on the floor of their nest

If everyone here thinks it is safe, I will clean out that pm house this weekend and let dry well, then....sprinkle DE on every nest floor

[Dave S (Texas)]

Hi

At one time using DE was the recommended thing to do, but the problem of birds injesting it into their lungs brought that recommendation to a halt. Such a small space and lots of activity within it gets the DE 'movin', so it's not a good thing to use.

[Guest]

thanks, I won't use it then. I am getting so excited and am looking into ordering a gourd system and rack!

[John & Linda - KY]

birdlady58 -- Another option to DE for mite control -- Sevin dust. I use about 1/2 teaspoon in each gourd when I put them up, and it controls the mites all season. You are going to quickly find that the use of Sevin is controversial and that many folks think use of any man made pesticide is terrible. There is even an article here on the PM website on the pros and cons. All I'm saying is I use it, it controls the mites, and I see no detrimental affect on my martins. -- John

[klcretired]

birdlady58,
I use a teaspoon of 7 dust just under the front of each nest , it kills mites and other pests....mites are a main concern with the martins, that's why nest checks are so important on a regular basis....don't be afraid to raise & Lower your houseing it won't bother the Martins.

[CUL Lou~Mich]

Birdlady. It's now recommended that landlord/ladies use nothing to control mites etc. It's now the recommendation that the only thing that is done, is to do complete nest replacements. If you'll look in the Archives above, there should be some articles on this. CUL Lou

[Guest]

Yep, it's controversial.


Have a good year birdlady58


Lanell