09/08/2023
What is insecticidal soap:
Potassium salts of fatty acids
- aka soap salts
- aka soft soaps (not the brand)
Alkali mixes with the fatty acids found in natural oils and produce various chains of potassium salts; the ideal lengths being long, between 10-18, as small chains can cause phototoxicity.
*Coconut oil produces 8 chains.
Insecticidal soaps work on contact by disrupting the cell membrane of soft bodied pests, these fatty acids pe*****te and "pop", causing the contents to spill out as the insect dehydrates and expires.
Saturation is key to effective use, as the properties of the soap are only active when wet.
Often times applications do not require a high concentration,
a %1 mixture with water should suffice in most cases.
Some products mix close to half of the bottle for severe cases.
Soft soaps are considered low toxicity to mammals and can be used in organic farming. You can find the equivalent in grocery stores as hand soaps.
Potassium-based soaps are usually soft or liquid.
Check the labels!
While prevention is the best method, knowing when to bring strong alternatives safely is essential.
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