Need Safe and Effective Pest Control? Protect Your Plants Naturally with Neem Oil 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on using neem oil for your plants.

Step 1: Assess Suitability

Not all plants are suitable for neem oil treatment. It works best on plants with smooth surfaces, so plants like ferns or cacti may not be the ideal candidates. Neem oil acts by suffocating existing insects on the plant and poisoning potential invaders. Without smooth surfaces for the oil to adhere to, its effectiveness decreases.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

You can purchase concentrated neem oil from garden supply or hardware stores. Ensure it is 100% pure and cold-pressed since you’ll be preparing the solution yourself. Mix half a teaspoon of organic neem oil extract with a full spray bottle of warm water. Add a few drops of liquid soap and vigorously shake the spray bottle. As neem oil doesn’t mix well with warm water, the addition of liquid soap helps achieve the desired consistency. Continue shaking the bottle while applying the mixture.

Step 3: Mist the Plants

After preparing the solution, generously mist your plants with it. Neem oil is non-toxic to animals and children, so you can use it liberally. Ensure that every part of the plant, including the base and top, is covered to provide comprehensive protection.

Step 4: Spot Treatment with Cotton Balls

For areas that the mister cannot reach, perform spot treatment using a cotton ball. Unscrew the sprayer from the bottle and place it upside down on top of a cotton ball. Shake the bottle before each application to prevent the oil from settling in the water, ensuring an even ratio of water and oil. Dab the solution onto hard-to-reach areas of the plants and leaves, ensuring full coverage.

Step 5: Repeat as Needed

A single application of the neem oil mixture might not fully eliminate pests. You may need to continue treating your plants until the desired results are achieved. For active pest infestations, apply the mixture daily until the infestation is eradicated. If you are aiming to prevent infestations, a weekly treatment should suffice in keeping unwanted pests away.

Neem oil is safe for these outdoor plants: