Effective Methods to Eliminate Annoying Pests using Insecticidal Soap, supplemented by 3 Reliable Recipes to Prepare Your Own Spray
Insecticidal soap, a natural and environmentally-friendly pesticide, is a useful tool for gardeners looking to combat soft-bodied pests such as aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. This non-toxic solution can be safely used on edible plants, around children, and pets.
The best time to apply insecticidal soap is early in the morning, just as the dew is drying. This ensures the soap reaches the pests while minimising harm to beneficial insects or plants that might be sensitive to the product. It's important to note that some plants, such as Portulaca, cucumber, crown of thorn, plums, cherries, jade, impatiens, gardenia, lantana, nasturtium, river birch, schefflera, Easter lily, maidenhair fern, red bud, dieffenbachia, poinsettia, palms, azalea, begonia, geranium, fuchsia, horse chestnuts, sweet peas, bleeding hearts, mountain ashes, and Japanese maples, are more susceptible to insecticidal soap than others.
When using insecticidal soap, it's crucial to only spray healthy plants that are not under stress and to avoid temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C). Harsh soaps or detergents should be avoided, as they can exacerbate damage.
Store-bought insecticidal soap can be diluted with water before application. Combine 1 teaspoon of the soap mixture with 1 cup of water before spraying it on plants. DIY insecticidal soap can be made using vegetable oil, pure liquid soap, and warm water in specific ratios. Castile soap is a popular choice for making a traditional eco-friendly insect spray.
Insecticidal soap works by removing the protective membrane from the insect's body, causing them to dry out. It's important to note that this solution has no residual activity left behind, meaning it relies on contact to kill pests.
When applying insecticidal soap, it's not necessary to rinse off the soap after application. Soap residue breaks down quickly and can be used even on the day of harvest. EPA-approved insecticidal soap products contain just 1 to 2 percent soap by volume.
Symptoms of sensitivity to insecticidal soap often include yellow or brown spots on leaves, brown leaf tips, and sunscald. Seedlings, young transplants, plants with new growth, and cuttings may be especially vulnerable to damage from insecticidal soaps.
In conclusion, insecticidal soap is a valuable tool for gardeners looking to maintain a pest-free garden in a natural and safe way. By following the guidelines for application, gardeners can effectively control soft-bodied pests while minimising harm to their plants and the environment.
[1] Source: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Insecticidal Soaps. Retrieved from https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r447000711.html
- For a balanced lifestyle that includes gardening, consider using natural pesticides like insecticidal soap to combat soft-bodied pests in your home-and-garden.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that the same Castile soap used for skincare can also be used as a key ingredient in DIY insecticidal soap recipes for a sustainable food-and-drink garden.
- Don't forget to check your recipes for nightshade plants such as Portulaca, cucumber, and eggplant, as they are more susceptible to damage from insecticidal soap when compared to other edible plants.
