I'd guess the Diatomaceous Earth would work by scratching the exoskeleton
and causing dehydration.  However, I'd have doubts of its effectiveness
after a rain of strong wind unless it was tilled into the soil.  As far as
the beetle's migration into the soil, I suspect that the soil must be within
a pretty narrow pH range.  Altering the pH of the soil under and around the
hive might break their life cycle.  Soda Ash is cheap.  A mix of Soda Ash
and Diatomaceous Earth tilled into the soil under and around the hive might
just do the trick.  Any thoughts?

West Texas Mark


> Denise wrote:
> I've often wondered if Diatomaceous Earth encircling the
> hive would solve the problem of SHB and ants in the hive.
> Any thoughts