Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal Soap is simple soaps and vegetable ingredients. Some Insecticidal Soaps have oil in them as well. This will kill most bugs but is most effective on soft bodied insects like aphids, scale, mealy bugs and most sap sucking insects. This only works by spraying directly on the pests. It works by breaking down the exoskeleton body which will dehydrate and kill bugs. It may need to be reapplied every few days, but be careful as it can damage tender plants with repeated use. This soap can be bought under different labels and also in concentrated form. If you decide to use concentrate be sure to mix as directed on the label.
Plant Guardian™ Houseplant Insecticidal Soap from Gardens Alive can be used indoors or outside, is all-natural, environmentally friendly and safe for use around kids and pets. It works great on roses, vegetables, fruit and nut trees, strawberries, raspberries, and ornamental and shade trees as well as houseplants. You can apply it to fruit and vegetables up to the day of harvest.
Here is my homemade recipe that you can make at home:
1 or 2 tablespoons of any dish soap to one quart of water. Spray directly on the bugs.
July 27th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Is it OK to spray your homemade soap spray on my lawn for spittlebugs? Early morning, right? Thanks!!!
July 27th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
It sure is
Regards
Cahri
May 27th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Is this a broad spectrum insecticide, or will my good bugs be safe?