Learn the most effective method for applying neem oil to your landscape or houseplants.
Unlike synthetic chemicals, they’ll usually be labeled safe fororganic gardening.
Using neem oil for plants can be anenvironmentally friendlyway to eliminate many garden pests on indoor and outdoor plants.
Credit:BHG / Adrienne Legault
However, like any pesticide, it can have harmful effects if used incorrectly.
Learn how to use neem oil on plants to get rid of pests in your garden safely and effectively.
BHG / Adrienne Legault
What Is Neem Oil for Plants?
Credit:BHG / Adrienne Legault
Derived from the neem tree, neem oil has been used for centuries to control pests.
It has also been used in medicinal and beauty products.
Neem oil is not harmful to use around pets and livestock, but it should not be ingested.
Credit:BHG / Adrienne Legault
Neem oil is also considered moderately harmful to bees, butterflies, and otherbeneficial bugs.
Whether it can be used as a pesticide depends on how it’s formulated for program.
Other neem oil products are labeled “concentrate” and require some prep before being used on your plants.
Credit:BHG / Adrienne Legault
Concentrated products must be mixed with water andordinary dish soapand poured into a spray bottle before system.
Ready-to-use formulations are quick and easy to use; concentrated products are generally less expensive than their grab-and-go counterparts.
Identifying the insect, mite, or fungal disease you’re battling is essential.
Pesticides are labeled with specific pests they control.
Neem oil works by suffocating insects or disrupting how they feed.
Toeffectively control pests, the pest must be present when the oil is sprayed on the plant.
Some neem oils for plantscontrol fungal diseasessuch aspowdery mildewand blackspot.
Neem oil combats fungi by preventing new spores from germinating.
You canuse neem oil any time of year, whenever pest problems appear.
It’s beneficial in winter for controllinghouseplant pestssuch as whiteflies.
In summer, you could use neem oil on veggie and herb crops up to the day of harvest.
It’s not necessary to use soap when washing vegetable plants or fruit.
Avoid harming beneficial insects andwater habitatsby applying the spray carefully and following all label directions for utility.
A light misting will take about 45 minutes to an hour to dry.
Yes, rain will wash away neem oil, which is why you should check the weather before app.
Avoid using neem oil before rain is expected in the area to ensure it is effective.
Neem oil typically lasts 2-5 years after purchasing the bottle.
It’s easiest to apply as a diluted spray.
Pesticide Product Label: Neem Oil.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
