Tag Archives: Neem Oil

Is Neem Oil safer for Bees?

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This question was asked by
– P. Coombes

Is Neem Oil safer for Bees? Also how should we use Neem Oil, what strength and how should a spray be prepared from the Oil.

Neem oil is practically non-toxic to birds, mammals, bees and plants.
With regards to the Neem Oil for keeping lit beetles away we recommend using a hand sprayer with 1 teaspoon of Neem Oil (5ml) plus a small amount of washing up liquid (as a surfactant) with approx. 500ml water. So 1 part Neem Oil to 100 parts water (1:100). Neem oil is practically non-toxic to birds, mammals, bees and plants.

Loraine Hart

Pesticides for lilies

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This question was asked by
– Maureen

I have bought some dynamix lillies from you. Last year my lillies were all diseased as they flowered. Any suggestions or pesticides I can use which is bird and animal friendly. Thanks.

Are you sure the lilies were diseased or do you think it could have been Lily Beetle? We recommend using a Neem Oil Spray you can make yourself. Using a hand spraye, add 1 teaspoon of Neem Oil (5ml) plus a small amount of washing up liquid (as a surfactant) with approx. 500ml water. So 1 part Neem Oil to 100 parts water (1:100).

Loraine Hart

Lily Beetle

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This question was asked by
– Tina Brighton

Is there any deterrent for the lily beetle or is it just a case of keeping vigilant and squashing the little red devils when you see them? Thank you

Hi Tina
Being vigilant is key to keeping the lily beetles from ruining your lilies! However, we also suggest the following:

1) Spray with Imidcloprid and sunflower oil (or Bayer Provado Ultimate Bug Killer).
2) If you do not like using insecticides then spraying with diluted fairy liquid or crushed garlic in water have been suggested. Crush a whole corm of garlic in a small pan of boiling water. Allow to cool, strain and put in a small container in the fridge. When using, dilute three parts water to one part garlic solution. Spray often, every few days, especially when it has rained. There is a garlic product available in garden centres and stores, but this is a much cheaper alternative.
3) More recently, a customer has tried planting their lily bulbs alongside a garlic and this has been quite successful in keeping these creatures away.
4) Alternatively, we have been advising our customers to spray their lilies with NEEM oil to eradicate the lily beetle!
Hope one of these suggestions will help you to keep your lilies looking as lovely as they should.
Loraine Hart

Neem Oil

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This question was asked by
– carole jones

Have you any experience of using Neem oil diluted and sprayed on fortnightly as a preventive for lily beetle? I am led to believe it interferes with beetle feeding and reproduction. I have just ordered some for use initially with fritillaries and later with lilies but would be very interested in any observations you could make. Thanks

Yes we highly recommend Neem oil, it is a brilliant prevention for Lily Beetle. We have tried and tested it with fantastic results and, incidentally, we will be selling Neem Oil along with our lily and fritillairia bulbs at the shows this year!

Thanks for your question!
Loraine Hart