Diatomaceous Earth on Brassicas

[PyreneesPlot]

I have been using this on my brassicas to keep the flea beetles under control - they are a real menace and will take out a row of radish seedlings or newly planted cabbages in under a day. The flea beetles are better than last year, but that may be because its been much wetter.

However the big thing I've noticed is no cabbage white caterpilars despite eggs being laid and lots of butterflies around.

But I'm now a bit worried on two counts:

What good insects is it killing - hoverfly and ladybird larvae?

And it is damaging to my lungs? There was no warning on the box and I'm applying a fine sprinkle rather than a puff. Mostly because I have a spoon to do the job! I apply after watering.

Any thoughts on the pros and cons?

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have had no direct contact with this product but do know it contains high concentrates of silica. There are different types of silica all are dangerous to some degree. With particular reference to lung disease. You should always wear an appropriate mask when using the product to ensure your safety.

Colin

[snohare]

I seem to mind we discussed this on a previous thread, last year, in passing.
All I used last year was diatomaceous earth and it worked well, but I found that much of it was in largeish lumps that did not spread well so I simply crushed it into powder on a spade, and scattered it there and then !
No mask, but I was careful to not do it on a windy day - quite apart from the horrendous things it might do to your lungs (under the microscope it's full of razor sharp edges, and of course being silicon it would provoke an immune response anyway) you wouldn't want to get any dust in your eyes !