How to Make Insecticidal Oil

Commercial insecticides are widely available; however, because of environmental concerns as well as the price, making your own insecticidal oil has become popular. Making your own is simple and fast, yet effective in ridding gardens and plants of pests. Best of all, it is completely safe and all-natural.

Items Needed:

• Large spray bottle


• Cooking oil


• Neem oil


• Non-detergent liquid soap

1. Determine whether you need to prevent insects or whether you need to immediately kill off an infestation. This determines what you will use to make the insecticidal oil.


2. Rinse out a large spray bottle, ensuring it is clean. A pre-used bottle works well as long as it is cleaned thoroughly. New bottles can be bought inexpensively at gardening stores.


3. Measure 1 cup of cooking oil, and pour it into the spray bottle. This can be peanut, corn, vegetable or any other cooking oil. The oil should be used only if you need a solution to directly kill insects.


4. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid soap to the oil and mix by shaking the bottle. The soap should be non-detergent soap, such as body wash. This kind of soap breaks down the cell membranes of the insects, causing dehydration.


5. Add 1 teaspoon of neem oil if you need to make a preventative solution. Neem oil repels insects and makes leaves and flowers unappealing. This will keep insects from bothering your plants to begin with.


6. Shake the bottle gently to mix the solution. Be sure the lid is on tightly. Store in a cool, dry place.


7. Fill the bottle with warm water when ready to use. Shake gently to remix the solution. Use within eight hours of mixing. While spraying, continue to shake the bottle occasionally to keep the solution mixed well.