Insecticidal soaps, which are also called insect-killing soaps, are a common natural way to get rid of different plant pests.
Because they are made from potassium salts of fatty acids that come from plant oils, these soaps are generally safe and good for the environment.
But do they work? Yes, but there are a few things you should know first.
Soaps that kill insects work on soft-bodied bugs like mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
When the soap is put on these pests directly, it damages their protective shell, which makes them lose water and finally die.
However, these products don't work as well on insects with hard bodies or thicker shells, like beetles and caterpillars.
Keep in mind that insecticidal soaps only work when they come into touch with insects.
This is why it's important to cover all of the affected plant areas completely. Also, their effects last only a short time, so they might need to be used more often than synthetic poisons.
Also, these soaps can hurt plants, especially ones with hairy or sticky leaves, so it's important to test a small area first and carefully follow the directions on the label.
If applied properly and alongside other integrated pest control methods, insect-killing soaps can eliminate some plant pests in an environmentally responsible manner.
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