Nature makes available to us some pretty powerful and completely natural tools to use against insect pests. Some of these products are naturally safe to use, yet, in our infinite wisdom as masters of the universe, we taint some of these natural wonders, adding to them a cocktail component in an effort to improve upon nature, gain an edge in the marketplace, and/or to remove the thought process and understanding of the pest from the equation. To make the products work even when we forget the laws of nature — to make them idiot proof, so to speak.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an example. Diatomaceous earth is a powerful desiccant that first slices insects that are dumb enough to craw through it, then it dries them to death. Most won’t crawl though this stuff so it serves as a very effective physical barrier to crawling pests. In order for it to be effective, though, it must remain dry. This is the in accordance with the laws of nature. But many manufacturers incorporate pyrethrum into it. Doing this makes product effective in wet conditions for a short period. But in doing this we remove the requirement needed to make this natural product naturally effective. Instead of drying out pests and using the DE as it should be used, we’re poisoning them instead. Complete with all the associated risks: pesticide resistance, environmental concerns, and a greater need for applicator safety. Not to mention a much higher cost. Is it worth it?
Is it an advancement in agricultural and horticultural sciences, or is a somewhat questionable practice? We’re concerned, especially as it relates to marketing tactics. We know some people will buy “Natural” products like DE, thinking that they’re doing the right thing because they have focused their attention on the big and colorful “Natural” and “Diatomaceous Earth” text on the label. Unfortunately consumers don’t always focus on the caution label or ingredients list and sometimes don’t realize they’re not being as earth-friendly as they’d like to be. The “Natural” printed on the label may be technically accurate as pyrethrum is natural (but I didn’t say safe), but the label isn’t telling any story other than the one the label designer intended.
