Neem oil?

[Milda]

Do any of you use neem-oil against bugs? I read something about it on a forum. Do you use it, and where do you buy it?

Here is a link about neem oil:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art44070.asp

Milda

[Mahon]

We used neem oil in order to get rid of Protozoa that was found in our new Cocker Spaniel... we did not like the dangers and damage the veterinarian's medicine would have done to the dog in order to get rid of the Protozoa... anyways, the stuff worked, and the dog doesn't have it anymore...

Neem oil comes from the Neem Tree (yay) and is quite safe. I would recommend trying it, but look for a cheap source of it, as Neem oil should not be comparable to the different types of Olive oil... I may fool around with the Neem oil we have left to see if it works too... it's a good idea, thanks for the idea!

-Pat

[Gin]

Hi , I have used Neem , but be sure the plants are not in the sun until they are dry .
I used it on a few plants that were outside last fall , not orchids and got burn on some of them .
I have used dormant oil , also canola in a pinch Wal Mart did have Neem . Gin

[Oscarman]

I use it anytime bugs are bugging me. It works pretty well and since I grow indoors, it does not contaminate my home with nasty toxic chemicals that I prefer not to even buy.

You could get it from many places........Ever Spring Orchids (Can), Charley's Greenhouse (US) among many other places.

Don't forget to use a sticker-spreader with it. I think I have been using 5 ml Ivory dish soap per 4 litres.

Works really well for whitefly on my Virginia Creeper outside too.

[Mahon]

Originally Posted by Oscarman

Works really well for whitefly on my Virginia Creeper outside too.

You actually grow Virginia Creeper? Eeks, this is a horrible, uncontrollable, and violent weed here in Florida... =)

-Pat

[sweetjblue]

Hi all!

Here is a link for Pure Neem Oil:

http://www.dyna-gro.com/

This has the best prices that I've seen for this product.
Site lists as a Leaf Polish but also has a link for the many uses of the product, ie: pesticide, fungicide, etc.

This is what I have been using for almost 2 years now and am very happy with the results. Haven't seen any bugs, except for ones brought in on new plants, and they quickly disappear! No rot to speak of, except 2 plants with crown rot due to incorrect watering. Not sure there if it was the Neem Oil or the cinnamon that stopped it as I used both on it. I was able to save both plants.
The Leaf Polish part is just an added benefit for me. My plants have never been healthier or looked better than they have using Neem Oil.

The only drawback to using it is the smell. Kind of a mixture of onion and garlic, but that disappears in about a day, less with good air circulation.

sweetjblue

[Oscarman]

Originally Posted by Mahon

You actually grow Virginia Creeper? Eeks, this is a horrible, uncontrollable, and violent weed here in Florida... =)

-Pat

All eeks aside, here it makes a great wall cover/screen. Yes, it does grow aggresively, but a fall frost will take down the leaves and our -35° C winters keep it very inactive.

In the spring, prune anyway you like and it leafs out and starts cruising again.

[Milda]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. Sorry I haven't been able to post my reply earlier. Have had some pc trouble! Sweetjblue, thanks for your link, just what I was looking for. Seems like there is a dealer in uk. It might be easier for me to get it from there since I live in Norway. Are there any members from uk on the forum who know anything about M.A.M. Horticulture in Oxfordshire?

Milda

[Wendy]

I tried Neem Oil once...the smell was so bad that i haven't used it since. It smelled (to me) like rotten peas. Yuck!

Now for everyday use i have horticultural oil mixed with water and a few drops of dishsoap added. It's great for keeping spider mite under control in my drier house conditions.

[Ray]

I like neem oil for its antifeedant properties - once it's on the plant, bugs prefer to look elsewhere for food. It also has some fungicidal properties, and like any oil, can suffocate insects on contact.

If I'm using oil as an insecticide, I'm just as likely to use vegetable oil.