Horticultural oils (also called dormant oils) were first used as a way to control pests on fruit trees. Growers were looking for a non-insecticide product to use on edible crops. Horticultural oil is a labeled pesticide--different from insecticide--and should always be used according to the instructions.
Remember, you will be eliminating the "good" bugs as well as the "bad" bugs. So only use when necessary!
So, how do these oils work? Basically, the oil suffocates insects by blocking the spiracles (think respiratory system) through which insects breath.
It can also disrupt the metabolism of insect eggs, eliminating them before they hatch. The window for application is usually late March through late April just before leaves and flowers show signs of breaking open.
Dormant oil (heavier concentration of horticultural oil) kills over-wintering insects such as aphids, mites, and scale. However, we can still apply lighter concentrations of horticultural oils after the trees and shrubs have bloomed and leafed out to control pests throughout the growing season.
So, it's not too late to spray your trees and shrubs!
Need help? Call us today to schedule horticultural spraying. 614-866-0088
www.buckeyelandscape.com
Trees and shrubs are the yard's framework. They create structure, define different spaces and are excellent either as specimen plants or simply as a green backdrop for the other main players.
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