[PyrNet-L] CHAT: Hurry up...pest control

["SWachter" <SWachter@email.msn.com>]

Pesticidal soaps are very carefully formulated and controlled by FDA since
they contact food.  Dishwashing or laundry soap aren't regulated so each
batch can differ.  Laundry detergents are often sodium based which is deadly
to soil chemistry--to say nothing of the brightening addivites--boron, etc.
Laundry soap is still around but makes scum in alkaline water.  Dish soap is
the "safest" of the three, but since the formulations can vary, one batch
may be fine on plants, the second could burn.  Pesticidal soaps work on the
outer covering, cutin, of soft bodied insects--aphids, etc.  BTW, for the
Africanized bees (killer bees) that are entering the country, emergency
response people are being taught to mix 8 oz of dish soap (Dawn most
recommended-tho others work) in 1 gallon of water.  This gooey concentration
kills the bees instantly.
For home insect control (other than killer bees <g>) use 1Tb. per gallon.
SWachter@email.msn.com