How to Control Bugs With Soap & Water
For gardeners and homeowners alike, an infestation of bugs can be one of the most frustrating issues to deal with. Many insecticides can work to control insect infestations, but they are also dangerous for many plants and for humans, which limits their use. If you are looking for a safer way to control an insect problem, turn to soap. Colorado State University advises that soap has been used to control bugs for more than 200 years. Create a simple soap solution to take care of your pesky problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Fill your spray bottle mostly full with water.
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Add soap of your choice to a dilution of about 2 to 3 percent. Insecticidal soaps will advise how much to use. Generally, soaps should be diluted to about 5 tbsp. of soap per 1 gallon of water to make them safer for plants.
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Spray directly onto insects to kill invading pests.
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Tips & Warnings
In order to be effective, soap sprays must be applied directly to the insect, as they have no residual effects if they are just in the area of the bug.
Soft-bodied insects such as aphids, mealybugs and spider mites will be most susceptible to soap treatments. Not all bugs will be affected by soap.
Some laundry soaps and dish soaps can be harmful to plants. If possible, use an insecticidal soap, available from many garden centers and nurseries, or consult with an expert at your local garden center regarding specific products.
