Here’s how to make the most effective insect repellent! Marseille soap is a widely used product for both laundry and household cleaning. But perhaps what you don’t know is that you can also use it as a natural insecticide. There is also a decree that certifies its effectiveness for organic agriculture (annex 2 of the new Ministerial Decree 6793 of 07/18/2018) and this allows us to be certain that its use does not cause any harm, in fact the benefits are greater.
Here’s how to make the most effective insecticide for our plants!
Its insecticidal function is lethal for insects because it blocks their respiratory system and they die of suffocation. But unfortunately their action is linked to their permanence in the plant. In fact, when it evaporates it is no longer effective and therefore you have to be careful and vaporize again as soon as its action ends. But Marseille soap is also an excellent thickener that allows for greater efficacy even if used in other insecticides. If you happen to want to use neem oil, for example, Marseille soap is really essential to dilute it in water because without it it is really very complicated.
What insects does it neutralize?
The use of Marseille soap is useful for some types of insects that have a soft integument, such as aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, tingis, thrips, and pear tree psyllid. This compound is also used to rid plants of honeydew, that substance produced through insect droppings that is deposited not only on the stems, but also on the leaves.
How to use?
If large cultures have to be treated, the dose to be prepared from solid soap or paste is 1-2 kg/hl. However, if you have to treat your vegetable garden accordingly, the ratio is 10 to 20 grams/litre if you use a spray bottle, otherwise 150 to 300 grams for a 15-litre backpack bomb. 10-20 cc/l is the recommended dose of Marseille soap in liquid formula. However, if you want to use it as a sticky or moisturizer, the dose becomes 1-2 grams/liter and in prolonged treatments 100-200 grams/hectoliters (g/hl). To use Marseille soap or rather mild soap for agricultural use, you cannot use the classic one on the market (unless you are sure that it does not contain additives or perfume), but you must go to specialized stores that sell agricultural products. You can use it on any vegetable, fruit tree or ornamental plant. However, always try the latter to be sure.
Could this product be harmful in any way?
The use of this soap is allowed because it has a low environmental impact, but unfortunately it is harmful to all insects, including bees, ladybugs, etc. It is also sensitive to plants such as horse chestnut and pear tree, so it is always recommended. It is best to use it at night.
