D.E./pyrethrin and beneficials

I got 2 lbs of a diatomaceous earth and pyrethrin powder mix because of the damage the cucumber beetles are doing to all the curcubits. I have tons of pollinators in my garden, and I do not want to hurt them in any way. Should I return this mix and just go with the D.E. dust, or should I just do the dusting late in the day? I'm going to use something like the "dust mizer" to apply.

And I'm not thrilled about the D.E. killing ladybugs, either...


This message was edited Jul 6, 2005 7:39 AM

pyrethrin kills ladybugs too. beneficials are more harmed than pests. tough choice... have seen other suggestions in other forums that seemed to work...

here is one of many threads, with other links and suggestions. whatever you decide, good luck to you :-)

http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/523056/

This message was edited Jul 7, 2005 11:36 PM

Thanks. I'm trying a garlic/alcohol mixture from another thread, too. I haven't got tons of ladybugs this year (loads of parasitic wasps, though) even though I planted sweet annie and yarrow. Not sure what's up...