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Q+A: Insecticidal Soap

DAVID WROTE:

I have a problem. They are either aphids or mites (I don't know for sure). I have heard about soaking garlic buds in water to use for watering. I don't know if that is just an old wives tale. I tried the mixture of oil, vinegar, and environmentally friendly soap, but I have not had much luck with that.


Response:

Here is my response, which explains how to use insecticidal soap successfully:

Insecticidal soap works great. But...you must contact the pests--which means thoroughly spraying both sides of leaves. Also, it doesn't kill eggs, so you must reapply every few days.

While dish soap and other soaps have the same effect on the insects, they can be also burn plant leaves, so this is one of the few cases where I recommend a commercial product.

In short: Spray thoroughly with soap; spray soap repeatedly to catch eggs; and monitor regularly for bugs.

Steve Biggs







Steven Biggs
Gardener, Garden Writer, Garden Coach, Horticulturist


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The-Locavores-Garden.com Practical, no-nonsense advice for the edible garden.

Horticulturist Steve Biggs will show you that growing vegetables isn’t rocket science. Steven Biggs
 Gardener, Garden Writer,
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