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Non-Toxic Bug Spray

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Aurora blog photos
Joined: 4/24/2008
Location: Chesapeake VA
Posts: 1888
Posted: May/10/2008 11:34 AM PST

While at one of my local nurseries today I picked up this info sheet. The beekeepers that had a set-up were giving it out. Once I notice any pest problems I'll try this out and let everyone know how it works

It's from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture:

U.S. Dept. of Agr. researchers report that a low-cost, effective insecticide can be formulated at home using cooking oil and detergent. A gallon of the spray costs less than 50 cents.

It gives good control of many pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spidermites. In some cases, the home remedy is better than a pesticide spray because many garden pests have developed a resistance to certain chemicals.

Ingredients for the Stock Solution:
1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid (Dawn, Ivory)
1 cup cooking oil (peanut, safflower, soybean)

For Ready to Use spray, mix:
4 teaspoons of Stock sloution
1 pint of water

Using a pump sprayer or atomizer bottle, spray plants THOROUGHLY (thorough coverage is the key to good pest control)

It is best to spray when the day temperature is below 85 degrees

This mix can be used on vegetables and herbs, as well as ornamental plants.
sweetlebee blog photos
Joined: 5/09/2005
Location:
Posts: 19587
Posted: May/10/2008 6:10 PM PST

Yep. That's all you need. I was told once to shake it up because it's the foam that suffocates the insects. Be sure not to spray in direct sun because it can burn the foliage, so get out there in your robe at 6 am.
witt blog photos
Joined: 3/28/2008
Location: The Bucolic Bungalow Lancaster, SC
Posts: 2568
Moderator
Posted: May/11/2008 6:17 AM PST

Sounds easy enough! I'll have to try it!
stereoman blog photos
Joined: 3/17/2008
Location: beautiful southern appalachians
Posts: 1915
Posted: May/11/2008 2:26 PM PST

Sounds like a great "dark of night with flashlights" kind of family activity. Thanks for the info, Aurora!
Aurora blog photos
Joined: 4/24/2008
Location: Chesapeake VA
Posts: 1888
Posted: May/11/2008 3:10 PM PST

That's a great one Stereoman! Maybe I can combine it with a "Snipe" hunt!
DomesticLaura photos
Joined: 5/13/2008
Location: Suburban, Massachusetts
Posts: 77
Posted: May/14/2008 11:40 AM PST

Great idea...and so much cheaper than the bottled neem oil soap I bought last year!
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