Insecticidal soap recipe

Evie
by Evie
Need a recipe for insecticidal soap that I can use for outdoor potted plants. Something that will discourage (repulse) squirrels and chipmunks.
  7 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 01, 2015
    What kind of outdoor potted plants?
    • See 3 previous
    • Laura Laura on Oct 02, 2015
      I live in same grow zone & store plants overwinter in garage as ours doesn't get below about 50F. If you have same situation, you should be safe. I've not lost any plants yet & have been doing this for years! And purchase neem oil on Amazon, they have a good price for it
  • Julie Dever Julie Dever on Oct 01, 2015
    I like Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds...1 TBSP per gallon of water for my insecticidal soap, with a TBSP of Neem Oil if I have it. I would substitute Peppermint essential oil to repel the critters, not kill them.....My outdoor cat and two doggies pretty much run off any intruders, though.
    • Evie Evie on Oct 02, 2015
      @Julie Dever What is Neem oil and where do I find it?
  • Rivelle Rogue Rivelle Rogue on Oct 01, 2015
    I concur with Julie. I use liquid Castile Soap and Neem oil. You can prepare smaller batches in a 16 oz spray bottle. Use warm tap water with 1 tsp of each. Shake well. I use Lemon essential oil just to mask the smell. Odor does dissipate quickly. Also can use on indoor plants and any critters you find running around in your home. Will not harm birds or pets. Actually good for itchy skin!
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 01, 2015
    ladies until you know what type of plants Evie is referring to you cannot give advice.All plants reguardless of what they are and depending where you live need different attention.
  • Pepsigirl13 Pepsigirl13 on Oct 02, 2015
    I use a mixture of liquid dish soap mixed with water and "go nuts" with it before I bring some of my plants back inside for the winter. In the summer, I make a similar mix w/less soap but add granulated garlic & granulated red pepper for pest repellant. The hubs puts a thin coat of vaseline on the metal parts of the pest-free bird feeder as squirrels do not like getting sticky stuff on their paws.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 02, 2015
    Ok evie so for your potted daises sprinkle some red pepper in the pots to try to deter the rodents. Another method that I usually recommend is to put wire in the pot under the soil. They don't like that. Blood meal is another choice because of the odor.Hopefully one of these will work. Insecticidal soap will not help with this situation. As for over wintering your plants yes absolutely store them in the garage just make sure you have light . Keep them lightly watered as plants are going dormant and do not require as much water. Keep me posted.
  • Julie Dever Julie Dever on Oct 02, 2015
    I but Neem oil on Amazon.com...just go there and search for it. I usually just buy 8 oz at a time, no special brand really. 100% natural neem oil the only ingredient!