Insecticidal soap is made with potassium salts of fatty acids, and it's commonly used by gardeners to curb infestations of insects and pests on their plants.
Soap sprays are effective for soft-bodied insects such as mealybugs and aphids. Insecticidal soap does not harm the plants.
Insecticidal soap works through several mechanisms. In other words, it dries them out. They also operate by suffocating insects such as scale insects. To varying degrees, soap sprays are also effective against chiggers, earwigs, fleas, mites, scales, and thrips.
They are not effective, however, on chewing insects such as caterpillars and beetles. Although soap sprays are less toxic to gardeners and non-pest animals, they can still be potentially damaging to some plants, especially if an oil has been added to the spray. Before the widespread use of any spray, test it on a small section of the plant first and wait at least 24 hours to see if there are any negative effects. Look for signs like spotting, wrinkling, and browning on leaves.
If you see any negative signs, discontinue use of the product. Plants that are susceptible to damage from soap sprays include beans, cucumbers , ferns, gardenias, and peas. Soap sprays can be purchased or made at home. Be careful, however, because there is a difference between detergents and soaps. If the mix remains uniform and milky, the water quality is fine for the spray. If there is scum on the surface, you should use distilled or bottled water.
The only disadvantages of insecticidal soaps are associated with the limitations of their nature. Insecticidal soaps can be found where garden supplies are sold. Some commonly available insecticidal soap brands are:.
Insecticidal soap is a great tool for any gardener. It provides a safe and effective way to grow plants naturally, control many soft-bodied pests safely and reduce the number of harsh chemicals needed to keep your garden lush, lovely, and healthy. There are brands of insecticidal soap that contain an additional active ingredient such as neem oil, pyrethrin, sulfur, or spinosad. These are all-natural insecticides and can aid in pest control. Joyce D. This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named.
All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies.
Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. More Information » Close message window. Original Author s Joyce D. Spray leaves until the soapy solution is just beginning to drip. Wait a couple of hours and check again. Apply insecticidal soap spray only when the plant has been watered and is well-hydrated. Wilted plants are more susceptible to damage.
Keep in mind that some plants, including palms, ivy and ferns, are more sensitive to insecticidal soap spray. They may be right to be worried, too. Studies have linked insecticide use with human health concerns, including an increased risk of some cancers. Another issue is effectiveness. A number of insects — including aphids — can develop resistance, making insecticides less effective.
In addition, use of insecticides can harm beneficial insects. Insecticides work by either poisoning insects or by disrupting transmissions between synapses, much like nerve gas does. Some types of insecticides can stay on plants for some time, affecting insects landing on plants long after application.
Insecticide soaps, on the other hand, work by breaking down the outer shell of the insect. It is a contact solution, meaning if an insect lands on the plant after the soap solution has dried, the insect will not be affected. Insecticide soaps have been shown to break down in nature and contain no synthetic chemicals.
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