White oil is an insecticide spray used for controlling a wide range of insect pests in the garden. The spray works by blocking the breathing pores of insects, causing suffocation and death. It is effective in the control of aphids , scale , mealybug , mites , citrus leaf miner , and smooth skinned caterpillars . ^[1] "White oil" is also an alternative name for mineral oil . ^[2]

Commercial organic pesticide [ edit ]

White oil is sold commercially as a petroleum oil -based organic pesticide, in both a concentrate, ^{[3] [4] [5]} and ready-to-use spray bottle or can. ^{[6] [7]}

The term "horticultural oil" may be used to differentiate this petroleum oil-based product from homemade products using vegetable oil. ^[8]

DIY recipe [ edit ]

The quantities vary depending on the source, but a common concentrate typical mixture is 4 parts of vegetable oil (a non-mineral oil) to one part of liquid dish-washing soap/detergent (for washing by hand). ^{[9] [10] [11]} It may be blended in a mixer or shaken by hand in a jar or bottle until homogeneous to be stored. ^[12]

Use [ edit ]

Concentrates must be diluted before use at a ratio of 10?20 ml concentrate per litre of water and placed in a spray bottle or sprayer . ^{[13] [10] [9]} As with ready-to-use spray bottles or cans, the mixture is applied to all surfaces of a plant's leaves and stems. ^{[8] [9] [10] [11]}

All sources note that white oil should not be applied when temperatures above 25?30°C are expected, as this may cause the plant to "burn". ^{[8] [9] [10] [11] [13]}

References [ edit ]

• Smythe, Rob. "Canola White Oil - 'Oils ain't Oils Soll!'" Bromeliad Encyclopedia , Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
• Coleby-Williams, Jerry (June 21, 2008). "Fact Sheet: Horticultural Oils" . Gardening Australia . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . Retrieved January 28, 2013.
• Thomson, Sophie (2014). "Fact Sheet: How To Manage Citrus Trees" . Gardening Australia . Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
• "Natural Garden Pest Control: White oil For Pest Control" . Private Exterminator. November 8, 2015.