Spider mites on your houseplant? Mealy bugs in your vegetable garden? If you are looking for a non-toxic, effective way to get rid of insects and pests on plants then your safest bet is to make your own pesticides at home.
Insecticidal Soap is one of the safest pesticides. It’s not harmful to humans and pets. It’s also safe to use on edible plants. Below you will find a step by step guide on how to make Insecticidal Soap at home.
What is Insecticidal Soap Used For?
Insecticidal Soap is a natural pesticide used to get rid of mealybugs, whiteflies, chiggers, earwigs, aphids, spider mites and mites. Insecticidal Soap is effective on soft bodies insects. It won’t kill insects with hard exoskeletons like lady bugs.
| List of Insects |
|---|
| Aphids |
| Chiggers |
| Mealybugs |
| Mites |
| Earwigs |
| Spider Mites |
| Whiteflies |
When sprayed directly on insects, Insecticidal Soap kills insects by penetrating into the cells of insects and killing the insects.
Where Can I use Insecticidal Soap?
Use Insecticidal Soap on any indoor or outdoor plants. Use Insecticidal Soap on houseplants especially if you have children and pets. Insecticidal Soap is safe to use around children and pets.
You can also use Insecticidal Soap on vegetable gardens since it’s safe to use on fruits and vegetables. Do wash off the soapy residue of Insecticidal Soap before consuming the fruits and vegetable.
How to Make Insecticidal Soap
Below is a recipe for homemade Insecticidal Soap.
Ingredients for Insecticidal Soap
- 2 Tbsp Baby Shampoo
- 1 Gallon Water
How to Make Insecticidal Soap
1. Mix baby shampoo with water
2. Pour Insecticidal Soap solution into a spray bottle
3. Spray Insecticidal Soap directly on insects
How to Apply Insecticidal Soap on Plants
Spray Insecticidal Soap under the leaves of plants. That’s usually where insects hide. Insecticidal Soap only works when it is sprayed directly on the insects. Insecticidal Soap needs to penetrate the insect’s body to work. It doesn’t work when it is dried up on the leaves.
When to Spray Insecticidal Soap on Plants
It’s best to spray Insecticidal Soap when it’s not too sunny- avoid intense sun. Wait until very late in the afternoon to spray Insecticidal Soap on plants.
Do You Need to Wash Off Insecticidal Soap Residue?
It’s best to wash off Insecticidal Soap residue on plants. Wait a few hours before washing off the residue.
How Frequently Can You Spray Insecticidal Soap on Plants?
Like any pesticide, use Insecticidal Soap sparingly. Don’t over spray just because it is a homemade pesticide. After all, it is still a pesticide! The run-off from Insecticidal Soap into the soil is harmful for plants. Use Insecticidal Soap sparingly.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Popular Houseplants that are Toxic to Pets and Humans (Pictures)
Best Houseplants for Low Light Conditions (Infographic)
Best Houseplants for Bathrooms ( Pictures)
Best Houseplants for Beginners (Easy to Grow, Impossible to Kill Houseplants)
11 Best Air Purifying Houseplants
Want More Suburbs 101?
Be sure to Follow Us on Instagram, Like Us on Facebook, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.