|
|
UC IPM Home > Home,
Gardens, Landscapes, and Turf > Pesticides > Insecticidal
Soap
How to Manage Pests
Pesticide Information
Insecticidal soap
TypeInsecticide with some fungicidal activity.
Plant usesOrnamentals, fruit trees, vegetables (can be phytotoxic to some plants such as nasturtiums, sweet peas, gardenias, some
zinnias, ferns, ivies, palms, chestnut, Japanese maple, and mountain ash). Do not apply to plants stressed for water.
Pests controlled Small soft-bodied insects and mites, especially aphids, whiteflies, thrips, psyllids, leafhopper nymphs, and scales in
crawler stage; has some fungicidal activity and can help control diseases such as powdery mildew and scab.
 Hazards to people
Very low toxicity; can cause eye and skin irritation.
|
Hazards to wildlife
Very low toxicity. May be toxic to aquatic invertebrates.
|
Hazards to beneficials
Low; may kill soft-bodied predators or parasites exposed at the time of application but no residual toxicity.
|
Potential period of activity after treatment Kills pests on contact, no activity after spray dries.
Precautions and safety equipment
A number of plants, including cucurbits, nasturtiums,
sweet peas, and zinnias, may be injured by soap sprays; check labels
and test prior to application if uncertain. Minimize your exposure to
pesticides. Wear eye protection,
long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
Active ingredient Potassium salts of fatty acids.
Application tipsAn insecticidal soap spray will kill only insects it comes in direct contact with at the time of application.
Thoroughly spray so that all insects are covered. Be aware that many insects prefer the undersides of leaves or
may be under sepals or within leaf buds. As there is no residual activity, two or more sprays 2 or 3 days apart
may be necessary. Try to avoid making applications when sun is on the plant. Complete kill of pests is unlikely,
but soap sprays can bring populations down to tolerable levels as part of an integrated control program that includes
reliance on natural enemies. Products that combine pyrethrins and soaps may increase control. For larger trees,
consider applications of horticultural oils instead.
Always check the label before purchasing or applying a pesticide product for a specific pest on a specific plant
to be sure it can be applied. Follow label directions precisely.
WARNING ON THE USE OF CHEMICALS
|
