Using soap to kill insects isn't as simple as it seems. Today we go through the ins and outs of what makes soap an appropriate insecticide and what to avoid.

References:

Fundamentals of Using Soaps as Insecticides by Dr. Raymond Cloyd https://blogs.k-state.edu/kansasbugs/2020/06/12/fundamentals-of-using-soaps-as-insecticides/

Insecticidal Soap Written byPaul Pugliese. Growing & Mowing in Bartow County March 4, 2024 https://site.extension.uga.edu/bartow/insecticidal-soap/

The Use of Horticultural Oils and Insecticidal Soaps For Control of Insect Pests of Amenity Plants Fredric D. Miller Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF) November 1989, 15 (11) 257-262; DOI: https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1989.055 https://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/15/11/257

Horticultural oils and soaps play important roles in reducing pest pressure and lowering risks for a biological control program. https://www.nurserymag.com/article/compatible--tools/

Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control Factsheet | HGIC 2771 | Updated: Jul 30, 2021 https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/insecticidal-soaps-for-garden-pest-control/

Soap Sprays as Insecticides Published on: June 17, 2015 By Scott Oneto, Farm Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension

UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog News and updates from the statewide UC Master Gardener Program office. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=18009 Insect Control: Soaps and Detergents – 5.547

by W.S. Cranshaw 1 1Colorado State University Extension entomologist and professor, bioagricultural sciences and pest management. 12/96. Reviewed 3/08. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/insect-control-soaps-and-detergents-5-547/

Coming clean on soap in the garden September 22, 2023 Author: Marissa Schuh, Extension educator, integrated pest management Reviewed by Julie Weisenhorn Extension educator, horticulture https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/coming-clean-soap-garden#sources-2944060

Join us as we explore the impact of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on our forests, uncovering its origins, spread, and the ecological consequences of its control. Learn about hope for management and what you can do to protect your prize hemlock tree from this invasive pest.

Belive it or not, zombies really do exist. There are many examples in nature and cordiceps do play a role. However, for the most part, zombieism is restricted to insects.

We have a special guest this week as part of the WVU Extension Drought Series coordinated by Alex Straight. Dr. Lowell Midla, is a Doctor of Vetrinary Medicine and is joining us from Merk Animal Health. Learn the different stressors that impact animal health and what you can do about them. He also covers good herd management techniques for when feed stocks are low.

Nothing against pumpkin spice, but when we think fall we're all on board for apples. We have such a wide variety of apples we encourage you to reach out to a local orchard and try something new. Some varieties of apples will continue to ripen into November!

With such a long turn around, growing garlic can be incredibly rewarding, or incredibly dissapointing. Moisture can be the enimy for growing, curing, and storing. Start with clean bulblets (cloves) that are certified for planting and maybe not the ones from the grocery store. While those will work, they may bring disease into your soils. Listen for more tips for a successful crop!

Adult spotted lanternflies (SLF) are being seen in new areas right now. Check the map to see if they're near you, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf scroll down to current status and find your state. If your county isn't marked, be sure to report your sightings! This website will help you find your state's reporting requirements. If you are visiting an area with SLF or just passing through, take the time to check your things before going home for insects and egg masses. The same applies if you are going from an infested area to visit an area that doesn't have this insect. Our grape growers are depending on you!

This episode is a little different as we are boosting the signal to share information about assistance programs for farms to deal with the impacts of this extended drought period. Please note that the speakers here are from the Potomac Highlands and you will need to contact your local service providers to learn about the NRCS programs open to your area.