How to Make Dormant Oil Spray
Dormant oil is any oil-based substance that is sprayed on trees to kill insects and other pests. It is typically applied during the tree’s dormant phase to prevent the tree from absorbing the oil, which can harm the tree. Dormant oil is easy to make at home with common materials.
Items Needed:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Liquid soap
- Bucket
- Sprayer
- Buy hydrogen peroxide from a pharmacy or grocery store. You will also need a liquid soap based on a natural oil such as olive oil.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of the soap, 5 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a bucket. Add 1 gallon of water to the bucket, and stir the ingredients to mix them thoroughly.
- Open the container for a liquid sprayer. Fill the container with the mixture you made.
- Shake the sprayer vigorously to ensure the ingredients remain mixed. Spray your trees with the dormant oil in early spring before the trees begin growing. Shake the sprayer regularly because the mixture separates quickly.
- Use this dormant oil for insects and fungi. The oil in this mixture covers the bodies of insects, preventing them from breathing. The hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are alkaline substances that are effective in eradicating fungi.
- Mix a dormant oil specifically for fruit trees. This dormant oil consists of 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of soap. Canola oil is a common choice for dormant oil. Fruit trees are generally more sensitive to chemicals, and alkaline substances such as hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can affect their fruit production.