For decades, hobby gardeners have used the soft soap solution as a weapon against various plant pests. Find out here whether this also works against box tree moths (Cydalima perspectalis), what advantages it brings and how the preparation looks like.

In a nutshell

  • Soft soap solution works against box tree moths
  • Additives increase the effect
  • Easy to prepare

Effect of soft soap against box tree moths

Soft soap shows special properties that are not tolerated by box tree moths and kill them. The smell of the solution often puts them off, so they flee. This pesticide also spoils their appetite. During the treatment, it is inevitable that the lye will spread over the parts of the plant. When feeding, contact for the pests cannot be avoided. Aside from the off-putting taste, contact causes death.

Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis)

mode of action on organs

Soft soap is made from natural curd soap. This has a pH between 8.0 and 11.0. So it is alkaline. If box tree moths come into direct contact with the solution, they die. The high pH value damages your supply and organ system. As in humans, a so-called alkalosis occurs. As a result, carbon dioxide is exhaled excessively and the oxygen content in the body is reduced as a result. This leads to the inevitable death of box tree moths.

mode of action on the airways

In addition to organ damage, a curd soap solution often causes the airways to become blocked. In combination with water, surface tension is created. This ensures that the liquid consistency does not drip off the leaves and stems. At the same time, the tension ensures that the solution adheres to the pest's body and in particular in/on the respiratory openings. The blocking then takes its course. Depending on the amount of alkaline soapy water, death from asphyxiation often occurs first. If insufficient or no lye gets into/to the respiratory tract, the "organ failure" through physical contact takes a little longer.

benefits

Soft soap solutions are increasingly being used as an effective alternative to chemical control agents. Compared to these, they convince with numerous advantages, such as:

  • natural product
  • environmentally and climate friendly
  • no effects on microorganisms
  • biodegradable
  • ingredients are always to hand in most households
  • Cheap
  • no health concerns for humans
  • does not cause any plant damage
  • fast, uncomplicated preparation

Prepare pure soft soap solutions

Ingredients/Utensils Required

  • between 40 and 60 grams of ready-to-use soft soap or 250 grams of natural curd soap
  • five liters of warm water
  • Wooden spoon or similar for stirring
  • Squirt bottle (ideally pressurized spray bottle)

Tip: Box tree moths often fall to the ground with leaves and possibly due to the spray pressure. Here it is advisable to cover the floor area with foil or paper before use in order to be able to see and/or collect these specimens better.

manufacture and application

  • Stir soft soap into the water
  • Cut the curd soap into small pieces and let it “infuse” overnight until it has a consistency similar to porridge
  • Transfer to a pointed container and spray the boxwood until dripping wet
  • Don't forget the soil and undersides of the leaves
  • Frequency and duration of application: every two days for about a week

Tip: The most effective way to apply the soapy water is to use a pressure sprayer with a soft, wide spray nozzle. This will give you better access to the interior of the plant, especially if the growth is dense, and you will reach more box tree moths.

Soap solution with additives

To enhance the effect of soft soap solutions, various ingredients can be added to the "main recipe":

  • a teaspoon each of salt and/or lime: salt removes body water and promotes dehydration; Lime increases the pH value again and accelerates organ failure
  • 100 to 200 milliliters of spirit or high-proof alcohol: ensure faster penetration of the substances into the body
  • 500 milliliters of fresh milk - no UHT milk: promotes adhesion of the soft soap solution to the leaves (adhesive effect) and promotes lactic acid dying off when ingested
  • a tablespoon of baking powder: respiratory paralysis if inhaled
  • ten drops of iodine: similar effect to baking soda, but gentler; for disinfecting open feeding sites

Tip: Some additives can be added to the soft soap solution together. Salt, lime and spirit or milk and iodine increase the effect to a maximum.

Soft soap solution for prevention

Once all the box tree moths have been fought, rain and wind ensure that the residues of the solution are removed. This allows for a new infestation. To prevent this, regular use of soft soapy water is recommended. Once a week from spring to fall should be enough to keep the pests at bay. The smell of the solution is usually responsible for this.

frequently asked Questions

Is washing-up liquid as effective against box tree moths as soft soap?

No, because their pH value is usually well below that of soft soap. It also has a more liquid consistency. This provides a reduced adhesion effect, although it also introduces surface tension. We only recommend using a detergent solution over the soft soap solution if you do not have any soft soap or curd soap with you and you need help quickly. For a better effect, mix in a teaspoon of baking soda per liter of washing-up liquid.

How long does a prepared soft soap solution keep?

The solution with soft soap can be kept for years. You should ensure that the container is securely closed, especially if it contains additives. Before the next application, shake the solution well so that the ingredients that have settled on the bottom can be mixed again.

What should be considered when using curd soap?

If you choose curd soap for preparing the solution, it is essential to ensure that the product is without any additives. It must not contain any care substances or fragrances. These can negatively affect the effectiveness of the soft soap solution and be harmful to the environment.

Category:

Garden pests