What is Horticultural Oil?

Horticulture oils, also called dormant oils, are refined oils used on trees and shrubs during the winter months to remove the build up of scale and mold and kill off harmful insects before the Spring when plants begin to bloom again. 

Horticulture oils were originally created by farmers to use as a safe option to kill off pests and insects on fruit trees. These oils were used in the dormant seaon of the fruit trees to yield off insects and protecting the fruit in order to not affect the pollinating insects that would allow the trees to still have a high yielding growing season.

How is it applied?

Horticulture OIl is a spray oil; meaning that it is mixed with water and sprayed directly onto the plant.

Is this safe to use in my yard if I have pets and children?

Horticulture oil is derived from plants and petroleum and is considered non-toxic. The excess oil evaporates and dissipates quickly when sprayed onto your plants; meaning that horticulture oil will not leave a residue on your plants. Horticultural oil is considered safe to use around humans and pets, and is ecologically friendly.

What types of insects will be affected by the application of Horticulture Oil?

Adelgids, aphids, caterpillar eggs, leafhoppers, mealybug, mites, scale, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies are the most common targets of horticultural oil. It is, also, effective against powdery mildew and helps minimize the spread of viruses from plant to plant.