Hydroponics - at Home and for Beginners

Step 10 Pests

This is a whole other instructable which will come shortly. But to give you an idea -- there are plenty of non toxic methods (even non chemical) of dealing with pests that may arrive.

Comments

[HoboWhisperer]

I've heard that most insects do not like Diatomaceous Earth (DE). It is basically inert, Silicon Dioxide. From what I gather, it does not chemically kill them. For an insect, being exposed to DE is like being coated in razorblades - it works its way into their chitin and delivers death by a thousand paper-cuts. As far as its effects on humans - it is in Bisquick (it has no effect on our physiology). Anyhow, I wonder if this might be an effect pest control?

[downgrade]

carnivorous plants aren't as easy (as they need pampering sometimes) but work a bit more actively so that's where I lean on pest control...

[bwpatton1]

It is true Diatomaceous Earth is a pretty much natural pest (get rid of er) they say you can even feed a small dosage to your pets and it kills the pests that live in them.

[donbroro]

Diatomaceous Earth only tends to rid of soft bodied pests, like slugs. They crawl over it and it cuts them up initiating their death. I would never give this to a pet to rid them of worms or any other pest they may have. If it cuts up soft bodied insects it could cause damage to your pet too. If you care about your pet, seek out a Vet!

[gjones]

DE does not harm pets. I have been using it for 9 months in their food...I have friends that have used it for years.
I use 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds of feed for my horses, dogs and cats. I live in a heavy tick and flea area of the country and so far this year the only critters I've found on my animals are in the process of dying...much better in my book than a monthly topical super icky chemical application.
I've read 1 teaspoon added per gallon of water helps as well...thinking about starting that too and hopefully we will be totally critter free :)

[lrearick1452]

Peppermint Tea, Insecticidal soap, tobacco tea, and others all work in my outdoor garden. The difference here is that anything you add to your plants will end up in your nutrient solution until the day you change it out. That being said, be very careful to check pH levels after using ANY pest control solution. As for the insecticidal soap, I don't think I'd use that in any hydro/aero unit for fear of soap bubbles in the system.

[aaronjehall]

Aside from oversudzing, I see little difference between soap bubbles and air bubbles. And wouldn't soap be good as a water wetter and initial root cleaner? I use a few tbsp of antibacterial dish soap 2-3x a year on my tomatoes, peppers and peppermint. I also use tobacco tea. Keeps the bugs off the plants and outta the soil.

[lrearick1452]

Soap bubbles are definitely not wanted in a hydro system. Mosttly because it blocks oxgen penetration of the water because of the filming action of the soap itself. Remember, both the roots and the leaves need oxygen uptake for the plant to be healthy.

[LuAnna]

I have used the following two solutions on my garden plants: 1) peppermint tea (cooled) sprayed onto plants using a squirt bottle. 2) a very dilute solution of dish soap and water (about 1 tsp per gallon of water), also sprayed onto plants. I have heard criticisms about the dish soap method- that it may damage some plants, but I have not had this experience myself.

[thefreshlettuce]

I've heard that a "tea" made from a tobacco plant, then sprayed on your other plants, will prevent pests, but I've never tried it. Hope this helps!