Plants are not immune to pest attacks. Certain pests can invade your garden and vegetable plants or even plants grown indoors. Aphids, red spiders, thrips and even mealybugs can leave significant damage on your plants. These parasitic insects suck plant sap and therefore weaken the plants. However, you can get rid of these harmful pests with soap. We tell you more in this article.
To protect your plants from unwanted insects that ravage them, there is no need to resort to chemical pesticides. The soap is renowned for its insecticidal and antibacterial properties.
Why is soap beneficial for plants?
Soap is an effective insecticide to fight against parasites that ravage your plants, provided you choose a natural and biodegradable soap, such as Marseille soap, black soap or even Castile soap.
- Marseille soap to fight parasites
Very effective in removing stubborn stains and maintaining the house as well as laundry, Marseille soap is also beneficial for your plants.
To prepare your natural insecticide, grate your bar of soap to obtain shavings which you will dilute. You will need approximately 150 g of soap shavings for one liter of water. In a saucepan, mix the shavings with water and bring your mixture to a boil. Stir to help dissolve the shavings, then transfer your insecticide into a spray bottle. Then spray on the infested foliage.
If you have liquid Marseille soap, dilute 3 tablespoons in a liter of water and transfer your solution to a spray.
For greater effectiveness, it is recommended to add 10 drops of neem oil to your insecticide. This oil from India is effective in getting rid of insects, but also their larvae and eggs. In addition to this, this natural fungicide is also effective in preventing fungal diseases.
- Black soap to fight insect pests
Black soap is a natural and biodegradable soap composed of natural fatty acids such as linseed oil or olive oil. Black soap has different uses. It is used to take care of the body, to maintain the house, but also to protect plants from parasitic insects. To prepare your natural insecticide, dilute 5 tablespoons of liquid black soap in a container filled with a liter of lukewarm water. Transfer your product to a spray, to make its application easier, wait for your insecticide to cool, then spray on the leaves of infested plants, without forgetting to also spray on the underside of the leaves.
Note that it is not recommended to spray your solution during the day, under the sun. Wait until the end of the day, when temperatures drop, or spray your solution early in the morning.
- Castile soap to eliminate insects
Castile soap is a natural biodegradable soap, very effective in fighting aphids, mites, thrips and cochineal. This antifungal soap is also effective in treating certain fungal diseases, such as downy mildew. To prepare an organic insecticide, dilute two teaspoons of baking soda, a large spoonful of Castile soap in two liters of water and add two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly and spray your insecticide onto the plant’s foliage.
Note that in addition to these natural soaps with insecticidal properties, you can also use nettle manure, coffee grounds, or a garlic decoction to drive away small predatory insects that affect the healthy growth of your plants.
