Home made insecticide

[galulyah]

I've been messing around with homemade insecticides this summer. Different essential oils,
recently decided to try adding some soap thinking it would help the essential oils stick a little.

Everything seemed to go well, but some black blisters showed up on my cactus. I think I remember reading that soap acts as a suractant and because cactus absorb differently then plants, it can spell trouble, I'm guessing that's what these blisters are, anyone have any thoughts? And maybe a word of warning these are some ugly looking blisters Looks like
everything should heal up fine, but I'll be really careful what I spray around in the future.

Happy growing,
D

 

[dg]

black blisters are a symptom of the oils, not the soap
if you must put oil on cacti, be sure to shade them well for a few days after application


ps, what pest were you spraying for?

 

[galulyah]

crickets, my porch backs up to a huge field dozens per square foot, a battle field to be sure! and thanks for the tip on the oil, gonna be more careful.

 

[dg]

saferbrand.com/store/garden-care/5118?gclid=CJv-5ZDMs7ECFSc0QgodaB0AWA
^ organic materials certified basic horticultural soap for contact, and d.e.(diatomaceus earth) for barrier, keep it dry

also add mineral mulch and allow top soil to dry further between watering

or commercial pesticides, but they aren't great imo