Has Anyone Made Their Own Insecticide?

[Cntry]

Has anyone made their own insecticide and used before? I want something natural that will work for me as I have MS and chemicals bother me at times. I know its time to start to treat my orchids before I bring them in and wanted something that works but will not kill my orchids or seedlings.

[Leafmite]

Last week, I sprayed one of my plants with dishwashing liquid mixed with water and that seems to have gotten rid of the spidermites (no new webbing). This should not harm orchids but watch out with the other plants. I washed the soap off about four hours after spraying but one of my 'Pot marigold' seedlings didn't fare well.
Another thing I have done that is very effective is to spray olive oil on a plant, then wash it in soapy water after.

[Ray]

I think it's possible to find commercial pesticides that are effective and safe. For example, Botanigard is great for insects, and Inocucor Garden Solution is great for bacterial and fungal issues, yet both are biological cultures that will have no impact on other life..

If you must concoct your own, start by looking at my accumulation of Home Remedy formulas

[AnonYMouse]

I've made the cinnamon concoction. I used it to get rid of scale on an outside citrus.

[Wolfrott]

Sorry, I'm afraid I never have - I'm too worried the strength will be too much and I'll kill the plant!

[tucker85]

I use Safer's Insecticide Soap. It's just soap that's high in potassium. It's not a poison. You can also use regular dishwashing soap, like Palmolive or Dawn at 2 ounces to a gallon of water. I've been told not to use the anti-bacterial soaps. Safer's has worked very well for me. Make sure to spray underneath all the leaves.

[Cntry]

I want to thank you all for answering my questions. I went with Dawn dishwashing liquid and water and soaked the orchids and sprayed all the leaves let them sit for a bit then rinsed all the orchids again. Now they are in the house as we have had lots of rain here and cooler weather. I will do it once again Tuesday or Wednesday this week. I found one slug that came out and didn't like the drenching of the soapy water. So this coming week should kill any eggs left behind I am hoping.

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I washed the soap off about four hours after spraying but one of my 'Pot marigold' seedlings didn't fare well.

It probably wasn't the soap - the seedling probably had such a severe mite infestation it was doomed.