Essential oils V the real thing

[Gingerbeard]

I've found a few weensie white aphids. Some y'all talk about essential oils as pest control; talk about rosemary oil. Rosemary is decorative in San Diego so I can get bags full on demand.
Is the essential oil the only way to go or will fresh rosemary do?

 

[crucialbunny]

Coarsely grind some fresh rosemary. Put it in a small sauce pan and sauté it in any cooking oil for 20-30 minutes to release the oils. Strain it off and mix the oil with water in a spray bottle. The water and oil will separate so leave room in the spray bottle for a good shake before spraying. Adding a drop of dish soap will help. Good luck

 

[groundskeeper]

If the population is small, you can pick them off by hand. Keep after them as they can reproduce quickly.

 

[Gingerbeard]

Welcome groundskeeper . That's been the solution. Found a few on a Ficus and gave them the thumb. Same-same on a few fans.

 

[Gingerbeard]

Boiling? I would have thought something like blasting. I'll give yours a try if the population starts rising.

 

[Cali]

Or you can just smash the rosemary and soak it for no more than 48hrs strain and spray the ish out of those pest. I would use something like dr. Bronners soap as well. That way the solution sticks to the plant, or to emulsify the oil with water. Make sure it’s warm and mix well so the oil and water don’t separate.