diatomaceous earth on buds

[chronosync]

plants are 4 weeks in bloom.
im dealing with a mite problem.
i understand that a two or three fold approach is best/ if the NPS doesnt get them then pyrethrum will/ thats the idea. one two punch. why not make it three with DE?

i plan on using no pest strips to gas my tents at night with minimal ventilation, i will be applying something like safers or azamax all over my vegging plants and tent. i also want to dust the tents with DE but what happens when it sticks to my buds? will it ever come off? or will i be bound to smoke some? i wouldnt mind a little as i am already dusting the general area and i dont always wear a mask, ive used it before and i can tell its bad for my lungs but it doesnt seem to hurt much, i'm not using it daily.

would smoking bud that was dusted with DE once be a problem? i can just imagine tiny bits sticking to buds and getting stuck in the center as buds grow..... then when lit and burned they would go directy into ones lungs and throat... not unlike breathing the dust, however, i dont dust this stuff around all day. i do plan on smoking alot of this weed when its don though.

anyone have any experience with this? ive read alot but im not finding anyone who has anything to say about it, other than people whove never used it, because they are scared, or people that are gung ho about it and use it all the time. they dont worry.

looking for real experience here. i am aware of the general risks that DE poses.

 

[Terpz]

I have a lot of experience using DE and in a few different applications. However I do not suggest dusting buds with DE at any time. As well, it seems by your post that you know the dangers associated and what could potentially happen. Stay safe. Good luck!

 

[chronosync]

do you ever use it in a enclosure with fans? of course some must stick to flowers, its microscopic.

 

[Terpz]

If ever I have a mite or pm issue, I will mix with water and foliar spray for complete coverage. I never spray after day 1 of flower, ever. I highly recommend the foliar mixture at 1/2-1cup DE per gallon of water. Be sure to use a wetting agent (sm90) and shake often as DE will settle and clog the sprayer. Wear proper PPE. I wouldn't recommend this now as you're in week 4, but for future reference.

 

[chronosync]

thanks a lot Terpz. I appreciate it. happy growing and good luck

 

[MJPassion]

I ridded myself of a mite problem by sprayingy plants with Azadiractin (Neems active compound [Azatrol, Azamax]) mixed with an emulsifier (Aloe extract). I sprayed my plants at 3 day intervals 5 times. Instructions say to spray 3 times at 5 day intervals but that didnt work for me as my room was hot and the mites reproduce rapidly.
I also dusted my room, walls n floor, with DE at the same time. This dusting would ensure that any mites that fell to the floor would die.

Like terpz said, however, dont dust flowering plants.

You can spray the plants in flower but be aware that you will increase your chances of contracting some sort of mold/mildew.

 

[chronosync]

thank you for your help. my room is very cool and with low humidity 50F/%40 sometimes at night i know this is less than ideal but at least that slows them down. here lies another problem for me. 3 times every 5 days sounds good and average, you applied it more times and more often because of the temps. i have the opposite problem. since it only kills the animal and not the egg you have to get them when they hatch. 60/65F is an average lights on temp, should i spray them 3 times every 7 days? this is getting to be a catch. by the time i get rid of them my plants will either be finished or dead. both i guess.

temps are low, humidity low, how should i apply a spray?
would azamax leave a residue on buds? do you taste it? is it a bad taste?
any opinions on no pest strips?

my main concern right now is finishing my plants, they are so close, and to save my clones and mothers.