How to Mix Horticultural Oil With Rotenone

Horticultural oil provides an organic control for mites, aphids and some fungal disorders on vegetable and ornamental plants. Rotenone, an organic chemical pest control, is made from tropical plants that have natural insect-killing abilities. This chemical helps eliminate severe pest problems oil alone cannot conquer.

1. 
   

   Put on protective eyewear, gloves and a dust mask. Both
   Rotenone and horticultural oil are organic controls, but they can
   still cause respiratory and eye irritation. Wash your hands thoroughly after mixing or applying the mixture.

   
   


2. 
   

   Fill the jug of a hand sprayer with 1 gallon of room temperature tap
   water. Use an automatic sprayer, if preferred.

   
   


3. 
   

   Mix the Rotenone with the water in the jug. Use 1 tablespoon
   of Rotenone for controlling aphids, thrips or leafhoppers. Use up to
   2 tablespoons for Japanese beetles, mites and borers. Refer to the
   Rotenone label for further application amounts for less common
   pests.

   
   


4. 
   

   Add 2 tablespoons of horticultural oil to the jug. Close the
   jug and shake it vigorously so the oil, water and Rotenone combine thoroughly. Some foaming may occur, so allow it to settle
   before you begin spraying the oil. Pump the sprayer to prime it for spraying.

   
   


5. 
   

   Spray the plants with the mixture, coating the foliage
   evenly. Spray the underside of the foliage, as many insect pests
   congregate in this area. Apply Rotenone in the evening, after sunset,  to avoid poisoning beneficial insects, such as a ladybugs and bees.
   Reapply every ten days until the pest problem is under control.