Insecticidal Soap

By lindaauman

Some soaps, when applied to insects, break down their natural outer coatings. Without this protection, the insects die from rapid dehydration. Insecticidal soaps help control insects without the use of potent chemical insecticides. This is especially important to eco-conscious gardeners and organic gardeners. Dr. Bronner's soaps are made from organic ingredients, according to DrBronner.com, and have many uses aside from insecticide soaps. They're also used at higher concentrations to kill insects in and around the garden that do not currently live on plants.

Ingredients

• For one gallon (128 oz):
• 4 T Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 gallon water
• For reference:
• 3 tsp = 1 T
• 16 T = 1 cup

Preparation

Step 1

Mix ingredients together in spray canister. Invert it gently several times to mix, but do not shake the bottle.

Apply the insecticidal soap spray to your plants in a heavy coating, as the spray only works if it saturates the insects you're trying to kill.


Repeat once per week until you don't notice any insects on your plant. Spray plants in the early morning, recommends Lafayette University's Organic Garden program, because plants and blossoms are most open.