Gardening Q&A: Use kaolin spray to protect vegetation from bugs and warmth

A. The use of kaolin as a pesticide dates back more than 2,000 years. It and other mineral dusts were used by the ancient Chinese and Egyptians to protect vegetable and fruit crops from insects. It is mined and processed from kaolinite, a mineral. In addition to agriculture, kaolin clay has numerous, perhaps better-known uses, such as in the manufacture of fine china (china), paints, paper, and rubber. In agriculture, including your garden, it can be used to repel a wide variety of insect pests. When used correctly, this is achieved by creating a fine powdery barrier or film that irritates the insects. And there is some evidence that it may help deter some fungal pathogens.