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Treating Insects with Insecticidal Soap
Insect Pest Treatments
Plain soap and insecticidal soaps with added smothering oils or approved-organic pesticides are effective controls on insect pests for bulbs.
Soaps have two insecticidal qualities. They kill pests by interfering with their breathing, by dissolving their cell walls, or both.
If your bulb plantings have visible insect pests, consider using soapy water or sprays with insecticidal soaps to control them.
To be effective, either plain soap or insecticidal soap must be applied directly to the pest.
Use them only when an insect infestation continues after trying hand control (picking or squashing), biological controls (lady bird beetles, lacewings, or praying mantises), and washing with plain water.
Step-by-Step Instructions
If you spot insect damage or an active insect infestation on the foliage and flowers of your bulbs they need help or treatment. Regular scouting of your garden and landscape to find early damage catches insects before they can do much harm.
First, identify which specific insect pest is damage your plants [see: Bulb Pest and Disease Solutions]. If you need help or are unsure, most garden stores and nurseries have staff to help, or contact your local university agricultural extension. They’ll also recommend treatment options.
Next, find an insecticidal soap labeled as a treatment for both the specific pests you found and for your plant species or type.
Last, gather a plastic spray applicator or pressure-tank sprayer, eye protection, rubber gloves, and waterproof clothing, and follow these simple steps:
How to Apply Insecticidal Soap
Identify the pest you wish to treat. If necessary, collect foliage with pests, seal it in a plastic bag, and consult experienced staff at your garden store or nursery. Choose a control treatment approved for the pest that also lists bulbs the same or similar to yours.
Put on and wear protective clothing and gloves while preparing, mixing, applying insecticidal soap to plants, and discarding unused soap mixtures. Read completely and follow exactly the package instructions for mixing and applying the mix.
On a calm day with moderate temperatures, use the spray applicator bottle or pressure-tank sprayer filled with diluted insecticidal-soap solution to spray plants with active insect pests. Wet the tops and undersides of all leaves, stems, foliage, and flowers. Avoid over-spraying the affected area or allowing spray to drift onto other plants or trees.
When spraying ends, empty any remaining insecticidal-soap solution into a disposable container. Wash the applicator and rubber gloves with warm, soapy water. Always safely dispose of unused solution, wash water, and empty package containers as their labels direct. Remove, wash and dry protective clothing separately from other laundry. Take a shower or bath immediately after any insecticidal soap application.