Safer's Insecticidal Soap How to Use
If you are worried about insects present in your garden, then one of the things that you might want to try using is insecticidal soap. Also called horticultural soap, insecticidal soaps are made up of potassium salts of fatty acids that help in controlling soft-bodied insect pests and arthropods.
Among the trusted names when it comes to insecticidal soaps is the Safer Brand. The ones from the Safer Brand are available in concentrates and RTU or ready-to-use variants.
Learning how to use insecticidal soaps will give you the advantage of controlling the pests in your garden effectively.
How to Use Safer's Insecticidal Soap
Safer’s insecticidal soap is available in 500ml concentrate, 1L RTU, and 550ml RTU. There are diverse ways how to use each variant and below are instructions on how to use each.
Instructions on Using Safer’s Insecticidal Soap 500ml
For this Safer Insecticidal Soap concentrate variant, mix one part of the insect killing soap concentrate with 50 parts of water. This means that if you are going to use 10ml of the insect killing soap concentrate, you will have to mix it with 500ml of water.
For pests like spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, and mealybugs, you have to apply the mixture weekly for about 2 to 3 weeks and repeat when needed. For other insect or soft-bodied pests, apply whenever they occur and re-apply when needed.
Make sure to apply every 7-10 days when insects are present or when deemed needed. This will control the pests and prevent further damage.
Instructions on Using Safer’s Insecticidal Soap 1L RTU
This Safer Insecticidal Soap variant can be used immediately. There is no need for you to dilute this in water as it is already mixed and ready to be used.
To use this, you have to spray it directly on any insect such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and will kill the insect immediately. The formulation of this insecticidal soap disturbs the cellular membrane of the insects and removes the protective outer shell of the insects at the same time. This dehydrates the insects and kills them slowly.
Make sure that you read the information on the label when using it. But for quick details, just apply the product on vegetables, fruits, and other plants weekly for around 2 to 3 weeks. You can extend this period if you see it needed.
Give it a few days before reapplying. You can apply this on vegetables and fruits even on the day of harvest. Just wash them properly before consuming.
Instructions on Using Safer’s Insecticidal Soap 550ml RTU
This is another variant that you can use immediately and can be used immediately. Same with the instructions for the 1-litre variant, you have to spray this directly to control the insects properly.
The same formulation guarantees to kill mealybugs, soft brown scale, spider mites, aphids, whitefly, pear or rose slugs, and earwigs on your houseplants. All you have to do is to spray it thoroughly on the stems and leaf surfaces. When dealing with mealybugs and aphids, it is recommended that you repeat the application. Whiteflies should be treated at 2 weeks intervals and spider mites must be treated once every week. For other pests, spray upon sighting.
Maximizing the Use of Safer’s Insect Killing Soap Concentrate and Ready to Use Variants
If the insect pest problem is starting to get worse in your garden, you can always maximize the use of the Safer’s insect killing soap variants in taking control of the infestation in your garden. Some of the things that you can do to improve the effects of using these products.
So, when using the insect killing soap concentrate for fruits, flowers, shrubs, trees, ornamentals, and indoor and outdoor plants, you have to mix it appropriately. This means you have to read the label in using it and keep using it until the day of harvest.
This will gently control the pests until your crops are ready to harvest or just keep your plants free of harmful insects. The solution will also not persist in the environment right every application.
Always remember that you have to drench plant surfaces thoroughly even the bottom of the leaves. Spray the solution continuously to the point that the solution is starting to drip off the plants you treated.
Just like watering, it is recommended that you do not use the solution when the sin it at the highest point of the day or when the temperature is more than 90° F. If you apply it on these hours or under this temperature, it can cause the plant to brown or wilt of the leaves. Since the solution is a contact killer, you have to apply it multiple times to achieve full control.
As a general rule, much like watering, do not use this product when the sun is at its highest point in the sky or when temperatures exceed 90 ° F. Application during these times could cause wilting or browning of the leaves. Since Safer® Brand Insect Killing Soap is a contact killer, multiple applications may be needed for full control.
How Insecticidal Soap Helps in Protecting All Plants in Your Garden
Insecticidal soap helps in controlling populations of various insects that include:
Earwigs
Mealybugs
Adelwigs
Aphids
Grasshoppers
Leafhoppers
Harlequin Bugs
Jumping Plant Lice
Squash Bugs
Scale Insects
Spider Mites
Whiteflies
Psyllids
Thrips
Sawfly Larvae
Plant Bugs
Insecticidal soaps work on the different developmental stages of insects. Say, for example, the products may work on the nymphs of azalea lace bugs, but it will not affect the eggs. Take time to read the label to know which insect stage will be more vulnerable to the soap.
Insecticidal Soap vs. Insecticides: Which One Is Better to Be Used for Your Plants?
Different gardeners have different opinions when it comes to using insecticides and insecticidal soaps.
Insecticides
Most people are concerned about the use of pesticides since these are linked to some human health concerns.
Another issue about insecticides is their effectiveness. Some insects may develop resistance to the chemicals, which can make the insecticides less effective. Also, the use of these products may harm beneficial insects.
With insecticides, they kill insects by poisoning them and disrupting the transmissions between synapses that gas does not do. Other types of insecticides stay on the surface of plants longer, which affects other insects that land on them after application.
Insecticide Soaps
With these products, they break down the outer shell of the insects. These are contact solutions and will not be effective when the insect lands on the surface where the soap solution has dried. These products break down naturally and do not contain synthetic chemicals. It is also safe to be used around pets and children.
More Information About Safer Brand Insecticidal Soap
The special formulation in Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap includes potassium salts of fatty acids that can kill soft-bodied insects upon contact. This works nu breaking down and weakening the protective outer shell of the pests and triggering dehydration that will eventually lead to death. It does not have any unpleasant odour, which means you can still enjoy natural scents or aromas around your garden.