Making horticultural oil at home is a safe and effective way to control insects. Horticultural oil works by suffocating the eggs of the insects before they become a problem. Making your own oil at home is an alternative to other pesticides you can purchase that can be harmful to children, pets and other animals. In order to make the oil into an easy-to-apply spray, you will need to mix the oil with water by adding an emulsifying agent.
Making Homemade Horticultural Oil
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Step 1
Mix one tablespoon of liquid soap with one cup of cottonseed oil. You can also use safflower oil, soybean oil or vegetable oil as an alternative to cottonseed oil.
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Step 2
Mix 1½ tablespoons of your oil mixture for every one cup of water. Using a spray bottle for your horticultural oil will make the application process simple.
Step 3
Shake mixture well and apply to infected plants. Apply your horticultural oil in dormant months to the branches, leaves and roots of the plant. This will help control the insects before the warm summer season. You can also apply the oil during the spring and summer months to reduce insects by controlling other stages in the insects' lives.