Hello All,
Long time lurker and enthusiast here. I would like to contribute some of my findings to the community as I hope it will help others.
I have experienced several infestations of various degrees involving different insects and would like to share my findings.
FACT: Using Essential Oils are beneficial to combating pests. Unlike synthetic pesticides, insects do not build up tolerance/resistance to plant derived oils which make them ideal for repeated treatments. Essential Oils are less toxic to humans and animals -therefore offering the safest solution to those who are concerned with the ill effects of commercial poisons/pesticides.
Here are my home-made formulas for combating two of the most common pests we regularly encounter.
Fungus Gnats:
In a 12 fl.oz container combine the following:
100 mL Cedar Oil (From Virginia not Texas)
20 mL Neem Oil (Cold pressed)
10 mL Rosemary Oil
5 mL Clove Oil
5 mL Eucalyptus Oil
3 mL Peppermint Oil
2 mL Cinnamon Oil (Ceylon derived not Cassia)
60 mL Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Fill rest to 10 fl OZ of pure RO Water and shake vigorously. This is your concentrated solution
Dilute your concentrated solution per your application.
For Area Spray use 2.5 fl OZ per gallon (Drench works even better)
Apply every 4-6 days to break life cycle. Recommend minimum of 4 applications.
NOTE: Can be used throughout flower with no ill effects. From my experience plants do not absorb the smells or flavors of these oils. Apply at least once per week in VEG as a preventative.
Spider Mites:
Specifically the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch)
In a 12 fl.oz container combine the following:
20 mL Rosemary Oil
10 mL Clove Oil
5 mL Sesame Oil
3 mL Garlic Oil
1 mL Cinnamon Oil (Ceylon derived not Cassia)
10 mL Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Fill rest to 10 fl OZ of pure RO Water and shake vigorously. This is your concentrated solution
Dilute your concentrated solution per your application.
For Plant Spray use 1.0 fl OZ per gallon
Spray the underside of leaves thoroughly. Apply every 3-4 days to break life cycle. Recommend minimum of 7 applications.
NOTE: The Cinnamon has a high potential to burn your plants if you're not careful. These ratios were developed over the course of 1.5 yrs. Apply spray at least once per week in VEG as a preventative. Can be used up to the 2nd week of FLOWER with no ill effects on harvested product.
These treatments are significantly less cost prohibitive than many commercial products available. In my opinion they work much better.
Regards,
-DZ
Long time lurker and enthusiast here. I would like to contribute some of my findings to the community as I hope it will help others.
I have experienced several infestations of various degrees involving different insects and would like to share my findings.
FACT: Using Essential Oils are beneficial to combating pests. Unlike synthetic pesticides, insects do not build up tolerance/resistance to plant derived oils which make them ideal for repeated treatments. Essential Oils are less toxic to humans and animals -therefore offering the safest solution to those who are concerned with the ill effects of commercial poisons/pesticides.
Here are my home-made formulas for combating two of the most common pests we regularly encounter.
Fungus Gnats:
In a 12 fl.oz container combine the following:
100 mL Cedar Oil (From Virginia not Texas)
20 mL Neem Oil (Cold pressed)
10 mL Rosemary Oil
5 mL Clove Oil
5 mL Eucalyptus Oil
3 mL Peppermint Oil
2 mL Cinnamon Oil (Ceylon derived not Cassia)
60 mL Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Fill rest to 10 fl OZ of pure RO Water and shake vigorously. This is your concentrated solution
Dilute your concentrated solution per your application.
For Area Spray use 2.5 fl OZ per gallon (Drench works even better)
Apply every 4-6 days to break life cycle. Recommend minimum of 4 applications.
NOTE: Can be used throughout flower with no ill effects. From my experience plants do not absorb the smells or flavors of these oils. Apply at least once per week in VEG as a preventative.
Spider Mites:
Specifically the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch)
In a 12 fl.oz container combine the following:
20 mL Rosemary Oil
10 mL Clove Oil
5 mL Sesame Oil
3 mL Garlic Oil
1 mL Cinnamon Oil (Ceylon derived not Cassia)
10 mL Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Fill rest to 10 fl OZ of pure RO Water and shake vigorously. This is your concentrated solution
Dilute your concentrated solution per your application.
For Plant Spray use 1.0 fl OZ per gallon
Spray the underside of leaves thoroughly. Apply every 3-4 days to break life cycle. Recommend minimum of 7 applications.
NOTE: The Cinnamon has a high potential to burn your plants if you're not careful. These ratios were developed over the course of 1.5 yrs. Apply spray at least once per week in VEG as a preventative. Can be used up to the 2nd week of FLOWER with no ill effects on harvested product.
These treatments are significantly less cost prohibitive than many commercial products available. In my opinion they work much better.
Regards,
-DZ
