On 24 Dec 2006 13:19:09 -0800, "Father Haskell"
wrote:


Oren wrote:
On 24 Dec 2006 12:21:01 -0800, "Father Haskell"
wrote:

Oren wrote:


Recently I read about using "agricultural grade diatomaceous earth"
(AGDE). This is not the same as that used in swimming pools. AGDE is
not harmful to humans or animals. It is sometimes added to animal food
and has shown to reduce parasites in animals.

"Sprinkle in areas where ants and roaches are present or areas in
which they run, such as baseboards, under sinks, etc. "

Use DE after cleanup, before pesticides. DE is not a toxin.
It's an abrasive. It perforates insects' exoskeletons, dehydrating
them.

A serious abrasive for insects .. (even slugs - the reason I read
about it. ) microscopic fossils. They are harvested and DE for
pools which is heated, more like crystals does not have the same
affect (do not use other then pool filters). The un-heated fossil
(microscopic) maintains the fossil edges to better damage the insect.
The agricultural DE is even mixed in storage grain to reduce insects.

All things even I bet it works on crickets also.

I wonder if baited sheets of sandpaper wouldn't also work? Drywall
mesh might work even better. There's no way they couldn't try to
squeeze through without shredding themselves.

I would not be sure sandpaper is best, never tried what you propose.
Roaches have a way getting in when you don't expect. Products from the
local Landscape Nursery gave me a massive amount of crickets one year.
I try to take the pre-emptive action. Stomp the roach and have one
less.



--
Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."