Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate, 16 oz. Questions & Answers
My vegetable plants in my garden are being devastated by whiteflies. What can I do to get rid of them?
Using Insecticidal Soap is an excellent method of controlling whiteflies. Be sure to spray both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Neem oil can also be used, but try it on just a few leaves to see if there is any wilting. Follow the directions on the label of the container.
Another method for controlling whiteflies is to use whitefly traps or sticky tape traps. The bright yellow color of the trap's tape attracts and traps whiteflies. Hang the traps over the plants. When the trap is full simply replace with another one as needed to keep whiteflies under control.
Is a spider mite an insect or is it actually a spider?
Spider mites belong to a class called arachnids, to which spiders also belong. They are not actually insects. They do cause plenty of problems for plants, however, unlike their larger relatives.
My cabbage and broccoli plants are being eaten by bugs that look like they have a colorful shield on their backs. What are they and how do I get rid of them?
These pests are known as harlequin bugs. Products containing Insecticidal Soap (potassium salts of fatty acids) and Pyrethrin are very effective on these nasty pests.
My neighbor told me I have scales on some of my ornamental plants. What are scale and how do I get rid of them?
Scale are tiny insects that attack many plants, sucking the sap or juices from the plants and plant leaves. Insecticidal sprays and Neem Oil products are effective in controlling these pests.
Isn't "insecticidal soap" just dishwashing liquid or soap added to water?
No. Commercially produced Insecticidal soaps sold at garden centers and similar retail stores are composed of potassium salts of fatty acids from plants and animals. They work by penetrating and destroying the outer shell or membrane of the insect causing it to dehydrate and die.