can i use dawn dish detergent on white flies that are on my tomato plants?

Answer 1

Either detergents or soaps work to kill insects that have soft bodies such as aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites. Detergent is just more likely to injure the plants. This is known as "phytotoxicity." It is most likely to occur when it is hot so spray early or very late when it is cooler.
Soap can be less likely to injure the plants but must be used with soft water or distilled water. With detergent the water hardness does not matter.
Some varieties of tomatoes are known to be sensitive to detergent on their leaves so do not mix it stronger than 2%.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05547.html
The spray only works while wet so spraying while it is cool out means the detergent takes longer to dry and is more effective.
Another reason to use a solution no stronger than 2% is "Fruit crops may be damaged if sprayed heavily enough that soap accumulates at the base of the fruit. So do not use heavily after fruit set or rinse the plants after the soap has dried."
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pp/resourceguide/mfs/12soap.php

Answer 2

More good things to know:

From:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/organic/msg0318345216903.html

As per kimmsr:

"Aphids are, as digdirt stated, attracted to parts of plants with lots of Nitrogen, new growth, so being sure your soil is well balanced and plant growth is not overly lush will help. All that needs be done to control them is a sharp stream of water, from your hose or from a spray bottle. Nothing stronger is really needed.
Whitefly can be controlled by insecticidal soap sprays, 1 teaspoons of soap in 1 quart of water."
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As per dchall:

"Although some folks on this forum want to make this more complicated, I had good luck applying corn meal UNDER the plant on a monthly basis. The aphids disappeared the first month. If I still had aphids (been aphid free since 2001), I would spray with milk diluted at 2 ounces per gallon every other week."
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As per rhizo:

"Beware on the insecticidal soap directions. The amount of product per gallon will depend upon the brand that you purchase. Insecticidal soaps are very effective and efficient, but the label needs to be read carefully before applying.
belle, liquid dish detergents are not true 'soaps', and can actually be much more caustic on our plants than commercial insecticidal soaps. Plus, the many additive can also cause problems....for the plant, that is, and without necessarily controlling your pests! Yikes!

If the aphids are really bad, you can use the insecticidal soap on them, too. Get them under control before they take over your part of the world."

Answer 3

Yes, dish detergent is safe on your plants. I have use Dawn on several types of plants indoors & outdoors.

Answer 4

That does work. Next year plant marigolds and geraniums in close proximity to your tomatos and squash. They are a natural pest repellent.

Answer 5

the unique formula of dawn dish washing detergent. verify to rinse it thoroughly out after bathing the canines. if your pets are all infested, this basically won't be able to do the trick. you may desire to have the living house fumigated too. The fleas would be interior the carpet and furnishings and could basically get top back on your pets and on you!

Answer 6

yes you can with warm water
you can also use a capsicum base organic insect repellent
which will take care of the problem

Answer 7

yeah "tomato plants" lol

Answer 8

plz dont.