In this guide, we will be looking at mixing and using neem oil for pest control on plants.

If you’ve had a garden for a considerable period of time, you’d be familiar with common pest problems. Fungal growth issues are also quite common.

Now, a variety of treatment methods are applied to resolve these common pest issues.

Neem Oil Insecticide Recipe For Outdoor & Indoor Plants

With neem oil, you have both pesticide and fungicide properties.

This is why neem oil treatments for garden pests have become quite popular.

Whether you’re dealing with aphids, ants, mildews, tomato hornworms, spider mites, whiteflies, or earworms; neem oil helps with their extermination.

One of the most important aspects of neem oil application has to do with knowing how to both mix and use this essential oil.

Popular Neem Oil Uses

Neem oil has a wide range of uses.

It’s considered a versatile product that’s applicable for acne treatments, pest control, treatment of wrinkles & dry skin as well as for minimizing moles & wards.

Its other uses include scar reduction, healing of wounds, and the stimulation of collagen production, etc.

From the topic, it’s clear that our interest lies in the pest control functions of this essential oil. Here, we’ll seek to understand the neem oil mixture as well as its use.

You should have no problems at all putting this product to good use after reading through every section of this article.

How To Mix Neem Oil For Spray Treatment on Plants

For all mixtures, ensure you only use pure and cold-pressed neem oil. Such mixtures give the best results.

Let’s discuss mixtures for different pesticide strengths starting with mild mixtures.

  • Mixing Mild Neem Oil Insecticide

Making your neem oil insecticide isn’t a complicated process at all.

While there are different types of solutions or mixtures, the most basic type requires the use of ingredients such as liquid dish soap, neem oil, and warm water.

Let’s further discuss the mixture proportions of this natural insecticide.

To make a liter of neem oil insecticide, you’ll need 1 liter of water, a teaspoon of neem oil as well as 1/3 teaspoon of your preferred liquid soap.

If this measurement looks complicated to you, just know that 1/3 teaspoon simply translates to 1 to 2 ml.

The water and soap should be emptied into a bottle and shaken until the soap is dissolved. With the desired result obtained, your neem oil should go in last. Cover the bottle and shake until it’s properly mixed.

Now, your pesticide is ready.

This pesticide is only for mild use in the garden. It should be sprayed on affected areas of the garden to achieve desired results. However, there are times when you need a stronger neem oil solution for plant treatment.

If this is your situation, the following mixture should serve;

  • Mixing Concentrated Neem Oil Insecticide

If you wish to make a stronger or concentrated neem oil insecticide for your plants, the volume of insecticide will depend on what you need.

For a 20 liter pesticide, you’ll need about 4 gallons of water, about 6.5 ounces of neem oil, and 5 teaspoonfuls of insecticidal soap.

Remember we said only use organic cold-pressed neem oil. For a large quantity like 4 liters, consider premixing a small amount before diluting with the remaining water.

Warm water will be preferable for this mixing process.

Like what is obtained for the mild pesticide, start by mixing your water with the soap. With the solution well mixed, slowly pour in your neem oil to the mixture. You’ll need to vigorously stir this mixture.

The rest of the water can be added if you’re preparing a premix.

With this concluded, your neem oil insecticide is ready for use. When using in a spray bottle, ensure it’s constantly agitated to ensure the solution is homogenous when being applied.

This insecticide can be applied regularly on plants until the pest issue is resolved.

How To Use Neem Oil On Houseplants & Gardens

Our discussion so far has been focused on the mixing process of neem oil insecticide.

With your treatment ready, what remains is the application process. Neem oil application should be done systematically to achieve the best results.

The systematic application includes spraying the solution to a limited area of affected plants.

This is done to look out for any adverse effects on the plant. Allow sufficient time to pass (about 24 hours) before spraying your neem oil solution on other affected parts of the plant.

Regular application of this pesticide on plants is necessary to eliminate these pests.

Apart from the active treatment of an existing infestation, neem oil insecticide can be used for preventive treatments. This curtails an impending pest problem. All leaves should be targeted for treatment.

These are the most vulnerable areas of plants and should be focused on.

More attention should be given to areas beneath the leaves. Pests usually hide in the undersides of such leaves to carry out significant damage to plants.

  • More Precautions During Neem Oil Pest Control

Part of the basic procedures to follow during neem oil application is applied when there’s no direct sunlight.

Spraying in direct sunlight isn’t good for the plant, plus, it doesn’t achieve the desired results. Also, extreme temperatures are bad for this treatment process.

All extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) aren’t recommended for pest treatment on plants using neem oil. It’s important to also note that a plant must be in good condition to be sprayed with this insecticide.

Sickly plants or those which show clear signs of stress should be avoided until their conditions improve before spraying them for pests.

If there’s an existing pest problem, you’ll need to seek alternative treatments as your neem oil treatments could cause more harm than good.

Neem Oil Safety For Children and Pets

Children tend to be very inquisitive.

The same can also be said for pets. You want to avoid exposing your kids to your neem oil insecticide. Consider keeping any remaining insecticide as far off as possible.

In a nutshell, these should be out of reach to kids as ingestion is a possibility.

With these mixture and application procedures adhered to, you should have no problem eliminating all pest issues plaguing your plants.

Plus, neem oil use is a natural treatment that has no side effects on the environment as well as your surroundings.

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