Pests such as aphids, white flies, spider mites and mealybugs that commonly affect houseplants can cause damage or even death to the plant if the infestation isn't treated. Homemade insecticidal soap made from Fels-Naptha soap kills soft-bodied insects on contact without harsh chemicals or toxins that most store-bought insecticides have. It's safe to use on most types of plants, and weekly applications are enough to eradicate most infestations.
Shave off 1 inch from a bar of Fels-Naptha soap with a grater and set it aside.
Heat a pan filled with 1 quart of water until boiling, and then turn off the heat.
Add the soap to the water immediately and stir it with a spoon until it's completely dissolved.
Pour the soap solution into a jar and label it. You can store this concentrate for several uses.
Mix 1 teaspoon of soap concentrate per quart of water in a spray bottle.
Spray all parts of the plants, including the underside of leaves, thoroughly with the soap solution once a week until the pests are gone.
Things You Will Need
- Fels-Naptha soap
- Spray bottle
- Add 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol to the spray bottle for each quart of water to increase effectiveness.
- Test the spray on a small section of the plant several days before applying it to the entire plant. Do not apply when temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
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