Are destructive insects damaging your garden plants? You can mix your own insecticidal soap.

Insecticidal soaps kill harmful insects like mites, aphids, thrips, white flies and immature leafhoppers. The fatty acids in the soap dissolve these insects' exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate. Many gardeners turn to this foamy remedy not only because it's effective, but also because it is more eco-friendly. You can find readymade products, but you might find it easy and effective to make your own.

You just need two ingredients: liquid dish soap (not dishwashing detergent) and water. Find a soap that does not contain additives like fragrance or moisturizer. Liquid castile soap is a good option. Then follow these steps:

1. Choose a clean spray bottle or sprayer for your mixture. If you're recycling a previously used bottle, make sure it is completely cleaned and rinsed well.
2. Mix 1 tablespoon of soap per quart of water, or 4 to 5 tablespoons of soap per gallon of water.
3. Mix together thoroughly and use immediately. Evenly coat the infested plants from top to bottom for best results. The spray has to come in contact with the insects for it to work.

• Make sure that you are not using dishwashing detergent, which may harm plants and will not work on insects because it doesn't contain fatty acids.

• First test your spray on just a part of the affected plant; sometimes plants will negatively react to insecticidal soaps. If you see any signs of spotting, withering or browning of the leaves, don't use anymore. You can try to adjust the recipe or try another product.

• Hard water will reduce the soap's effectiveness. If you have hard water, try making your spray with bottled water instead.

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