Butternut Squash Pest Spray: Homemade Soap‑Oil Recipe

Durban, SA gardener: spray butternut for bugs? Homemade or buy?

If Pests Present, Spray

• Scout first — don't spray preventively.
• Identify pest (aphids, squash bugs, beetles).

Homemade Insecticidal Soap‑Oil

**3 Tbsp dish soap + 1 tsp vegetable oil per gallon water.** Spray to runoff. Repeat every 3 days until infestation gone.

Commercial Options

• Pyrethrum (organic, from chrysanthemums).
• Neem oil.
• Follow label — overuse burns plants.

Best Practice

• Spray early morning/evening.
• Cover undersides.
• Rotate products to prevent resistance.

Soap‑oil is cheap, effective, safe for edibles.