Sifting through the bubbles surrounding Insecticidal Soaps

Sifting through the bubbles surrounding Insecticidal Soaps

Author: Karen Cox and Dan Lima December 15, 2024 Duration: 28:24

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 


For anyone with dirt under their nails or a curiosity about where their food comes from, Extension Calling: advice for the farm, garden, and home is a practical companion. Hosts Karen Cox and Dan Lima channel the deep, research-backed knowledge of their Extension work into conversations that feel like getting trusted advice from a neighbor who really knows their stuff. This podcast translates university-level science into actionable steps for your backyard plot, small farm, or kitchen table. Each episode is a compact, under-thirty-minute session designed to fit into a busy day, offering clarity on everything from soil health and plant selection to food preservation and sustainable practices. You'll hear straightforward explanations and thoughtful discussions that cut through the noise of gardening trends and agricultural jargon. It’s for the lifelong learner, the new homesteader, or anyone wanting to make more informed choices about their food and land. Tune in for these digestible mini-trainings that empower you to cultivate not just plants, but a deeper understanding of the entire system that feeds us.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Extension Calling: advice for the farm, garden, and home
Podcast Episodes
Flooded feed and grain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:30
Following are Flood Recovery tips from the W.V.U. Extension Service. Until tested, flooded feeds should be considered harmful to animals. After a flood, wet feed and grain will begin to heat and mold very quickly, leadin…
Flooding in the Vegetable Garden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
If flood waters have covered your garden, consider the produce unsafe to eat for humans or animals. If flood waters have contacted the edible portion of a crop it is illegal to sell. If touched by flood waters discard: l…
Standing Forage affected by flood waters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:31
Remove livestock from flood damaged pastures. Provide clean water and clean forage. Flooded forages should not be fed. Cut flooded pasture and hay fields to a 2 to 4-inch stubble height. Don't breathe silt dust, wear a m…
Flooding in the Pantry part 2 – canned goods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01
Floodwaters can make foods unsafe. If you have a question about the safety of any food item, throw it out. Undented cans of food without rust can be saved if they are washed and sanitized before opening. To sanitize stee…
Flooding in the Pantry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
Food touched by floodwaters can make you very sick. Discard any and all food if it came in contact with flood water. The only exceptions are foods canned by a manufacturer. Flooded foods you must discard include anything…
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Duration: 0:31
Unroll or spread Flood damaged hay to allow it to decompose more quickly and prevent fires. Place hay in areas which need erosion control or nutrients. Protect your lungs, wear a mask the entire time you work with flood…
Flooding Scares Animals Too [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06
Humans aren't the only ones displaced by floods. Snakes and other animals are also moved and frightened. Watch out for poisonous snakes that may have come into buildings with flood waters. Use a stick to poke through deb…
After a flood: Dirty Waters and Thirst [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
Most counties experiencing a flood will be under a boil order until plant operations can be restored. Use bottled water, clear water that has been boiled for 5-10 minutes, or chemically disinfected water (5 drops of liqu…
After a flood: Inspect Buildings and Look for Fire Hazards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04
Once an area has been cleared for you to return, stay out of any buildings where flood waters remain. Avoid using candles or open flames. Instead use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to reduce fire hazards. Before…
Sanitize Private Water Supplies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01
This is WVU Extension reminding you to sanitize private water supplies before drinking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, washing and preparing food, or making ice. Floodwaters carry organisms that can lead to illness or d…