Dishwashing soap is harmless to the environment and is safe to use in the house. Outdoors it also makes an effective control for soft-bodied insects, such as caterpillars, thrips, aphids and mealybugs, because soap breaks down their protective coverings, causing the pests to dehydrate.
- 1 tablespoon liquid dishwashing soap (do not use laundry or dishwasher detergent)
- 1 gallon water
1. Pour soap into water and stir to dissolve. Fill a spray bottle and test-spray one or two leaves of an infested plant. Wait a day, and if the leaves are not damaged, spray the entire plant. Be sure to coat the stems as well as both sides of the leaves.
2. Repeat the treatment twice a week until the pests are no longer visible. Then repeat as often as needed.
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Regular dishwashing soap will dehydrate caterpillars and other problem-causing insects.
