Insecticidal Soap - Control Pests with Organic Pesticide Soap
Insecticidal soaps are one of the organic gardeners first lines of defense against pests like aphids and spider mites. Here’s a look at the makeup and use of insecticidal soap, and where to find the best deals on it.
Insecticidal soap can be formulated a few different ways, but it is always a potassium fatty acid soap. The most common use for insecticidal soaps is as an organic pesticide, although it is used at times to control powdery mildew.
You use it by spraying it on the plants that have the pests on it, and work by direct contact with the insects. These fatty acids act on the insect cell membranes, and can cause them to rupture. Generally these soaps are not toxic to mammals, although it still needs to be handled with care as it can cause eye or skin irritation. Many larger beneficial insects like bumble bees and syrphid flies are unaffected as well. Because of its low toxicity is can be used indoors, especially for spider mites.
The pests best targeted with insecticidal soap include spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and whiteflies. Sometimes larger body pests like caterpillars can be controlled with insecticidal soap, but often it is best supplemented with some other control. Because they work by direct contact with the pests, total control is usually not accomplished with one application, and more than one spraying will need to be applied.
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Insecticidal soap comes in two general mixtures, one is a ready to use spray bottle, while the other is a concentrate that you dilute with water yourself. When comparing prices, make sure that you compare the same concentration. You will generally find that the more expensive containers are less expensive on a per use basis, but if you are using it for small applications like indoor houseplants that may be more than you need.
Follow the label instructions for the formulation that you purchase to get to the desired concentration, which is typically about a 2% concentration. Some plants can be burned by the application of these soaps, for example Mountain ash, Japanese maple, and jade plant are sensitive. In addition some types of azalea, poinsettia, begonia, impatiens, ferns, palms and succulents can be burned. Always try a small test leaf or two, and if there is a problem try diluting the soap more to avoid problems.
Filed under Organic Garden Pest Control by John
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