How to make Neem Oil Pest Spray
Neem oil is a natural and effective pest control solution that is derived from the neem tree. It is safe to use on most plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants, and can be used to control a wide range of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and more.
To mix neem oil as a pest spray, follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- 15 ml neem oil
- 1 liter warm water
- 5 ml liquid dish soap or insecticidal soap
Instructions:
- Add 15 ml of neem oil to 1 liter of warm water.
- Add 5 ml of liquid dish soap or insecticidal soap to the mixture.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the neem oil and soap are evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the plants, making sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of the leaves.
- Reapply the neem oil spray every 7-14 days or as needed to control pest infestations.
Note: The above measurements are approximate and may need to be adjusted depending on the size of your plants or the severity of the pest infestation.
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Neem oil can solidify at cooler temperatures, so if you’re having trouble mixing it with the water, try placing the bottle in warm water for a few minutes before shaking.
Neem oil has a strong odor that some people find unpleasant. If you are sensitive to the smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint, to the mixture to help mask the odor.
It’s important to note that while neem oil is generally safe for most beneficial insects, including bees, it can be harmful if applied directly to them or if they come into contact with plants that have been sprayed with neem oil. Therefore, it’s best to avoid spraying neem oil on plants when bees or other pollinators are present.
To minimize the risk to bees, it’s recommended to apply neem oil spray in the early morning or late evening when bees are less active. Additionally, you can apply neem oil to targeted areas rather than spraying the entire plant. This will help reduce the amount of neem oil that bees may come into contact with. Finally, consider planting bee-friendly plants nearby to help support their populations.
I prefer to use Castile Soap but a good organic or “Earth Friendly” dish soap will work as well.
Castile soap is a type of soap that is made from natural ingredients, such as vegetable oils like olive, coconut, or hemp oil, rather than synthetic chemicals. It is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional soaps and detergents and is often used in household cleaning, personal care products, and as a natural pesticide in gardening.
Castile soap is safe to use on plants and is effective in controlling pests when mixed with water and applied as a spray.
Note that while castile soap is safe for plants, it can be harmful to fish and aquatic life if it enters waterways. Therefore, it’s important to avoid spraying castile soap near water sources or to use it sparingly in areas where it may enter waterways.
