SaveComments Are tiny little insects chewing up your garden or houseplants? Are you looking for a way to destroy them without toxic pesticides? It’s time to get yourself some neem oil, STAT. For more content like this follow What Is Neem Oil?Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), a member of the mahogany family and a native of India and South Asia. The plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, especially as an antiseptic, but scientists have only been studying its potential as a pesticide since the 1960s.
How Neem Oil Kills InsectsNeem oil doesn’t actually kill bugs by poisoning them. Instead several active ingredients called limonoids repel insects while also disrupting their growth and reproduction. Azadirachtin is the most potent of these limonoids, so look for it on the ingredients list when purchasing a neem-based pesticide. How it works: Azadirachtin is chemically similar to insects’ hormones and ingesting it can mess with metamorphosis by either preventing larva and pupa from maturing or by preventing adults from reproducing. Additionally, neem oil kills soft-bodied insects when it is sprayed directly on them. The coating causes them to suffocate by preventing respiration the same way that insecticidal soap does. Neem works well for aphids, mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, scale, beetles, leafhoppers, leafminers, lacebugs, caterpillars, and other chewing insects. It’s also effective at getting rid of fungi and mildews like root rot, sooty mold, and powdery mildew, likely because of its antibacterial properties. Interesting Fact: The coolest thing about neem oil is that many plants absorb it through their roots when it’s applied to the soil. The roots deliver the neem to the stems and leaves, so when a hungry mealy bug takes a bite of leaf, it gets a mouthful of the deadly neem. This systemic effect varies from plant to plant and isn’t necessarily effective on all insects, but it’s one of the reasons neem is such a powerful tool for fighting garden pests and commercial crops. SafetyNeem is non-toxic to humans and wildlife, including most beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs that do not feed on leaves. (Be cautious about beneficial caterpillars.) It is safe to use indoors, outdoors, and on food (just be sure to wash everything well). You can use it safely around pets provided they do not ingest the oil directly. How to Use Neem Oil at HomeNeem oil is most often applied as a spray. Typically you will need to mix two to four tablespoons of the neem oil concentrate with one gallon of water, but check the directions on the bottle. Neem oil might kill some plants, especially if they are young and if the oil is applied too heavily. Test a small area of the plant and wait 24 hours before applying it all over. Apply neem in the evening for outdoor plants and out of direct sunlight for indoor plants to prevent leaf burning. Spray all surfaces of the leaves, including the undersides. Reapply every seven to 14 days as needed. Neem oil is an organic solution used as a pesticide against insects, mites, or fungi bothering your plants. It is used medicinally and in the cosmetics industry as an organic insecticide spray. Organic gardeners love that the oil is safe to use: It will not harm humans or animals, and it's safe even for most wildlife since its insecticidal properties are targeted to specific pests that damage garden plants. You can buy commercial neem oil solutions, but they may be less potent than homemade versions. Read on to learn how to make and use a neem oil mixture against certain insects so your plants can thrive. What Is Neem Oil?Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in seeds from the neem tree with a hundred-plus-year history of controling pests and diseases. The active ingredient in the oil is azadirachtin, which repels and kills pests. When and Where to Use Neem OilSpray neem oil on foliage in the morning or evening when beneficial bugs are dormant and not feeding or pollinating. Avoid using the spray in the middle of the day when the sun and heat could burn the sprayed foliage. You can only use many pesticides at certain times, but you can use neem oil throughout the planting season. Neem oil is effective at any time during a season because it affects insects during all phases of their development. Neem oil is safe for the environment. If you have a bad infestation, apply the neem oil solution to the stems, leaves (including the undersides), and soil. Microbes and light quickly break down the pesticide in soil, water, and
leaves. What does neem oil do to bugs? According to the EPA, neem oil interferes with the normal life cycle of insects, including feeding, molting, mating, and egg-laying. Neem oil controls hundreds of pests, including whitefly, aphids (pictured below), Japanese beetles, moth larvae, scale, and spider mites. Neem oil is also listed as a miticide because it kills mites, which are not insects but are related to spiders and ticks. Sprays containing clarified hydrophobic neem oil extract are also used as fungicides against rust, black spot, mildew, leaf spot, scab, anthracnose, blight, and botrytis. Neem oil does not harm birds or beneficial insects and soil-loving creatures, such as bees, butterflies, lady beetles, and earthworms. The Spruce / Candace Madonna Materials
Tips for Using Neem Oil
How often can I apply neem oil to plants?Using neem oil insecticide about once a week will help kill pests and keep fungal issues at bay. Apply as you would other oil-based sprays, making sure the leaves are completely coated, especially where the pest or fungal problem is the worst.
Can you use too much neem oil?You can put too much neem oil on plants if you apply it several times a week. You can also put too much if you have not diluted the neem oil before use. If you use too much neem oil, it will burn the leaves, may cause them to turn yellow, and even kill beneficial insects.
Is it safe to use neem oil everyday?How Often Can You Use Neem Oil On Plants? As a general rule, neem oil is just for eliminating infestations. Yet, you can use it as a preventative every 2 to 3 weeks.
Can I use neem oil 2 days in a row?As Neem Oil doesn't work right away, make sure to repeat cleaning and spraying your plants for a few days in a row. If your plants aren't dealing with any current pests and you're using Neem Oil for pest prevention, you can spray them once per week to keep protecting your plants against any pests and infestations.
|
How often can you use neem oil
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 pauex Inc.
