I worked very well while I was using it, but I gave up because of the dogs. Everything new gets the sniff test and I didn't want them sniffing the DE. If I didn't have a dog it would already be around the plants. I saw that you can spray it on. I might do that when it gets warm and the earwigs come out. Right now we are still having frosty nights. You probably are too.
Let me know what are you trying to kill, slugs, sow bugs? It's too soon for earwigs. I would apply the DE, then apply it again in 7-10 days. It's only effective if the bugs crawl over it when dry, so it might take time. You could more all mulch away from the base of the plants allowing the surface of the soil to dry out, then sprinkle the DE. Might help.
I pulled all the wood mulch away from the clematis and topped the soil with crushed gravel. I did this about a week ago, but I haven't check if there are less bugs now. I always have millipedes sow bugs at the base of the clematis, as well as earwigs when it warms up. I'm hoping the stone helps. I will also be adding crushed oyster shell to the stone. I should put DE on it too for a double wammy.
