Pests: Recipe for insecticidal soap

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SMSpear1 Saint Louis, MO(Zone 5b) Jun 09, 2001

Does anyone have a "recipe" for making an effective insect soap? I always see it referred to in articles I read but I don't know how to make it. How harmful is it to the "good bugs"? I don't like using chemicals but some pests are really hard to get rid of.

Thanks,
Sharon

Post #6198
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ohiorganic New Paris, OH Jun 09, 2001

This kills soft bodied insects including the larva of beneficials such as ladybugs.

1tbl soap to 1 quart of softened water. Spray on plant and make sure the solution makes contact with the insect.

This is a pesticide and any pesticide must be used with good judgement.

Post #81738
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SMSpear1 Saint Louis, MO(Zone 5b) Jun 09, 2001

Thanks, Ohiorganic, for the recipe. I will use it wil caution indeed. Don't want to harm the good bugs just to get rid of the pesky ones. But sometimes hand picking and a sharp blast of water aren't enough to send the pesky ones packing.

Thanks,
Sharon

Post #81747
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dave719 Humansville, MO(Zone 6a) Jun 09, 2001

i have a question what plants could be raised like a weed patch or wild flower bed could be planted near the gardens that would atract the good insects so you would have a breeding ground and you wouldn't be spraying

Post #81788
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ohiorganic New Paris, OH Jun 10, 2001

Anything in the carrot family-wild carrot, cilantro, queen Anne's Lace, fennel.

Post #81950
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lemonbalm Cape May Court House, NJ(Zone 7a) Jun 10, 2001

Anise hyssop pulls in many beneficials for me.
Cosmos, too- and they are both so beautiful.

Post #81963
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Terry Murfreesboro, TN(Zone 7a) Jun 13, 2001

That's great to know, since I planted cilantro, anise hyssop, and cosmos all in my herb bed, smack dab in the middle of my garden. I've got to get a handle on the aphids, they're all over my tomato plants.

Post #82865
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dave719 Humansville, MO(Zone 6a) Jun 15, 2001

thanks for the imformation
dave719

Post #83523
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eyesoftexas Toadsuck, TX(Zone 7a) Feb 09, 2002

I'm bring this back to the top....I need it soon!

"eyes"

Post #208192
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paulgrow Allen Park, MI(Zone 6a) Feb 09, 2002

Hers another one:
6 cloves garlic
1 onion
1 T red pepper
1 t liquid dish soap
1 gallon hot water
Crush garlic, chop onion very fine,mix red pepper with soap
add to other ingredients. Let stand overnight. Strain through cheese cloth add to spray bottle.

Post #208198
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MaryE Baker City, OR(Zone 5b) Mar 22, 2002

Thanks Paulgrow, I'm going to try this hot, garlic mix on grasshoppers this summer and on aphids on brussel sprouts next fall. I hope they don't like it. I think I will mix the onion, garlic, hot sauce in a little water and whiz it in the blender, then add it to a gallon of hot water and soap. It sounds truly yucky!

Post #230412
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Terry Murfreesboro, TN(Zone 7a) Mar 22, 2002

Check Gardenology for more homemade baits and soaps

Post #230515
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