I've read one can use a very dilute soap solution of very simple soaps, maybe not dawn, but a simple, light soap. Last time I did this on a tomato, it killed it.... But I read this is good for bugs. Is this applicable for cannabis?
I think you used too much dynamite there Butch. I use master gardener Jerry Bakers plant wash: per gallon 1 tblsp liquid soap (dawn, baby shampoo etc), 1 oz unsweet mouthwash (listerine), 1 oz clear amonia & don't laugh 4 fingers of chewing tobacco (red man) steeped in 1 qt boiling water & strained use 4 oz/gal & spray it on anything/everything. safe for people n pets, bugs hate it, plants love it. NOT for use on buds imo.
A little bit of dawn and water should be fine, but if you're worried, just stick with Neem oil. Good luck!
when they say soap they mean potassium salts of fatty acids. Normal hard soap is sodium salts of fatty acids, but hand soap should be potassium salts. If you use the wrong soap, it isn't good for the plants. Also, some soap isnt' soap, but detergent, so using the proper product is important. I prefer to use Safer's soaps designed as an insecticide. If you get Safer's EndAll, it includes some pyrethrin (insecticide), and will not harm plants, but spray them before lights out, or it will burn them. Try not to spray anything on flowering plants.
I have never used anything other than Neem for hoppers and other pests, then I start treating for caterpillars with BT maybe 6 to 8 weeks into the grow. I might try using a dawn mixture for bud washing this year though as I've never done it.
Spinosad Soap is what you require. Organic contact killer. The brand I prefer is Natural Guard Spinosad Soap.
big guns.......... How to Make and Use Pyrethrin Pesticide By Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. " data-inline-tooltip="true" class="mntl-dynamic-tooltip--trigger" data-tooltip-position-x="center" data-tooltip-position-y="top" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; display: inline-block;">JON VANZILE Updated on 01/26/23 Reviewed by AMANDA ROSE NEWTON The Spruce / Jayme Burrows PROJECT OVERVIEW WORKING TIME: 1 - 2 hrs TOTAL TIME: 3 wks SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate ESTIMATED COST: $0 to $20 Pyrethrin-based insecticides are a class of organic insecticides derived from natural substances found in a single species of the Chyrsanthemum genus (C. cinerariifolium), also known as Dalmation daisy or pyrethrin daisy. Pyrethrin-based products are a very popular class of organic pesticides, since their nerve toxins are effective against many soft-bodied insects but have very low toxicity to humans and animals, including household pets such as cats and dogs. In fact, various shampoos that control head lice in humans and fleas in pets contain pyrethrins.1 Many manufacturers market pyrethrin pesticides, but in many cases, these are synthetic versions that have added chemicals. But it is also possible to make your own effective—and genuinely organic—pyrethrin insecticide if you happen to grow Dalmation daisies or have access to them. What Is Pyrethrin? The term "pyrethrin" refers to any of the six target plant molecules (esters) which are extracted from C. cinerariifolium to use as a natural organic pesticide. The combined extraction containing multiple pyrethrins is sometimes referred to as "pyrethrum."2 Similar pesticides made by synthetic chemical processes, often including additives aimed at making the pesticide more long-lasting, are known as "pyrethroid" pesticides. But while pyrethrins are considered organic pesticides, pyrethroids are not.3 When to Make and Use Pyrethrin Insecticide When genuine organic pyrethrin pesticides are commercially available, it may be best to opt for those products, since they have been refined under careful control and will produce predictable results. But in some cases, the pesticides available for sale may be pyrethroids, which are NOT organic. So if a true organic pesticide is your goal, then making your own pyrethrin pesticide may be the best option. As far as application goes, it's best to regard any pesticide as a last resort, reaching for the spray only when plant damage becomes intolerable. Left alone, populations of garden pests often find their own equilibrium, as predatory insects respond to the appearance of aphids or other damaging insects. But when a particular plant is suffering damage you can't tolerate, then an organic plant-based pesticide such as pyrethrin or neem oil is always a better choice than a synthetic chemical pesticide. Pyrethrin insecticides are effective against a wide variety of insects, including soft-bodied chewing and sucking insects such as aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, spider mites, stink bugs, scale, thrips, and whiteflies. WARNING Just because it is organic doesn't mean that a pyrethrin-based pesticide is utterly safe for all living creatures. In fact, pyrethrins are quite toxic to fish and various other forms of aquatic life, so you should never use them around ponds or bog gardens, especially where runoff might reach natural streams. Safety Considerations Pyrethrin insecticides are biodegradable and will break down within a few days in direct sunlight. The insecticide does not persist in the soil or on the crop, which is why it is relatively safe to use within a vegetable garden. Remember that pyrethrin is highly toxic to most insects.4 While it is an effective agent against pests, it can also be deadly to the beneficial insects that pollinate your garden and eat pests. It is not wise to broadcast-spray pyrethrum on all your plants. Use the insecticide as a spot treatment only when and where you have a pest outbreak. Pure pyrethrins have low toxicity to humans and pets, but they are not entirely harmless. Some people have skin sensitivity to these compounds, and oral consumption can lead to digestive distress. You should use proper caution when mixing and using pyrethrin pesticides, as just because they are organic does not mean they are utterly harmless. Before Getting Started Making your own pyrethrin-based insecticide can be done using ingredients you probably already have on hand around your home, as well as a few inexpensive extra items. You will also need a garden that has some actively growing Chyrsanthemum cinerariifolium plants. Not just any daisy will do, as only C. cinerariifolium contains the pyrethrins that make for an effective homemade pesticide. In the garden trade, this plant is usually marketed as Dalmation daisy or pyrethrin daisy, and it may be sold according to its previous botanical name, Tanacetum cinerariifolium. Dalmation daisy is a popular garden plant for cottage gardens or for naturalized wildflower gardens in locations with relatively dry soil. These perennial daisies are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10, so it's generally possible to find them at most garden centers, especially those that specialize in wildflower selections. If you don't have your own growing plants, it's also possible to buy cut flowers from a floral shop, as the Dalmatian daisy is a popular cut flower. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Airtight plastic container Protective mask Coffee grinder or mortar and pestle Spray bottle Materials Dalmation daisy flowers Liquid dish soap Cheesecloth Cooking oil Instructions The Spruce / Jayme Burrows Gather and Dry the Flower Heads During their active bloom season (early and mid-summer) harvests some fully opened flowers of your Dalmation daisies. You need not worry about over-harvesting, as vigorous cutting only prompts additional flowering on these plants. But an effective amount of pesticide can be created with as few as 12 flower heads. Place the harvested flower heads in a paper bag and hang them in a cool, dry, dark place to fully dry. This can take a few weeks. Store the Flower Heads Transfer the dried flower heads to a tightly sealed, airtight container and place in a freezer. They will retain their effectiveness for up to six months if frozen. Do not pulverize the flowers until you are ready to mix the pesticide. Make the Solution When you are ready to use the pyrethrin pesticide, wear a protective mask and use a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder to pulverize enough flower heads to make 1 cup of fine powder. It is crucial that the powder be quite fine in order to enhance the extraction of the pyrethrins. Add the finely ground powder to a quart of warm water and let the solution soak for three hours, stirring occasionally. Tip It is also possible to use the pulverized powder as pesticide dust without mixing it with water. This can be an effective method for certain plants that don't react well to wet leaves, such as roses. A powder is also effective for applying over the soil. Pyrethrin powder also has the advantage of being storable for a longer period. Strain the Solution The raw solution will often clog a sprayer, so the next step is to strain it through cheesecloth to separate the pyrethrin-enhanced liquid from the pulverized flower parts. Next, mix the strained liquid with a teaspoon of liquid soap and a teaspoon of cooking oil to enhance its ability to cling to plants. Mix thoroughly, then pour the solution into a clean spray bottle for application. Tip Homemade pyrethrin pesticide has a shelf life of only 12 to 24 hours, so any that is leftover after application will need to be discarded. Thus, it's best to grind and mix the pesticide in relatively small amounts as you need it. Apply the Pesticide Use the solution as you would any commercial spray insecticide. The strength of homegrown pyrethrin varies, so feel free to experiment with the proportions until you achieve effective insect control. Make sure to prevent pyrethrin sprays or powders from running off into ponds or water supplies, as pyrethrins are toxic to many forms of aquatic life.
A small bottle of Dr Bronner's costs about $6. I like the peppermint soap, but any liquid Castile soap should work. How to Use Dr. Bronners As Insecticidal Soap. (news - 2014) https://www.hunker.com/12257372/how-to-use-dr-bronners-as-insecticidal-soap
I've used it in early budding. (I only grow a couple plants at a time and simply haven't had any insect problems during the later stages.) The soap washes off with plain tepid water the next day, so no residues are left.
I have ran into issues with spider mites. I use several different cocktails to deal with insects, best is what i posted above that works..... but flowering cuts down on the options where the scent of Castiles or neem will get into the taste of the weed . Pyrethrin doesn't leaves a residue a its safe once it dries ..
Not having any specific problems, im more troubleshooting before hand. Looking into growing outdoors, and trying to get ahead of the buggers, while also producing cannabis that is as safe as possible to consume. I know many places say not to use need oil late in growth, or it seems like anything really once they start to flower. My point is, still learning about pesticides, safe options that won't carry over into the smoke or flower, if possible, and keeping plants healthy. I remember my soap tomato plant, rip, and decided to start there.
I wouldn't put anything on them unless you actually have a bug problem. Have you had bug problems in past or is this your first run? This an outdoor or indoor grow?
I started using these last year, Powdery mold treatment 1 Tbl Potassium Bicarbonate to 1 gal h20. I boiled citrus peels , 1 orange peel - 1 cup water, strain,cool and spray on plants for bugs. It worked great.
