Soap and oil sprays.

 

I learned something new...

By Gene McAvoy

Soap and oil work differently.  

"Soap disrupts the integrity of an insects cuticle causing desiccation.  Soaps are best on small soft bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies.  

 

Oils suffocate insects by interfering with breathing. Oil is also effective on small soft bodied insects such as whiteflies and aphids as well as scale insects.  Oil may help discourage oviposition by leafminer and pepper weevil.

 

Neither are very effective on large active insects like later instar caterpillars and stinkbugs 

 

Soaps actually break up oils so may actually make them less effective or result in phytotoxicity if combined.  Commercially available oils are formulated with emulsification 

agents that help them combine with water.

There is no need to combine the two and they are best used separately. 

 

Since neither are toxic, good coverage is important and frequent applications necessary."

THANKS Gene!

Read your oil label for amounts and use 1-2 Tablespoons of cheap, liquid, dish soap per gallon of water.