Dormant oil sprays applied during winter are claimed by many to be the most important insect sprays of the year. These sprays are responsible for preventing outbreaks of aphids, spider mites, scale insects and many others that overwinter on the bark of trees and shrubs including fruit trees.
They will not however control outbreaks of insects such as borers and leaf footed plant bugs. There are other methods for controlling these pests.
Two things are needed when making a dormant oil application: a good dormant oil and a good sprayer. Dormant oils can be applied with a hose end sprayer but are best applied using a compressed air sprayer.
Pick a day when there is very little wind and the temperatures are warm. It is best to make this application during the warm but windless times of the day. Pump up the compressed air sprayer with this much pressure as you can and keep that pressure is high as possible when spraying. The best type of sprayer for this application is a backpack sprayer or other sprayer where the pressure can be maintained.
Mix the oil with water inside the sprayer as directed on the label. Even though dormant oils are a specialized mineral oil and considered relatively harmless, it is always best to wear gloves and eye protection when spraying.
Spray the trunk and any major limbs of trees and shrubs thoroughly. The oil and water coating should cover the surface of the plants. This coating will suffocate insects that have chosen to remain on your trees during the winter. Remove any weeds or other plants close to these trees and shrubs that can harbor these insects.
Wash and rinse your sprayer after use as you would with any pesticide.
Two things are needed when making a dormant oil application: a good dormant oil and a good sprayer. Dormant oils can be applied with a hose end sprayer but are best applied using a compressed air sprayer.
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| Compressed air sprayers our best for applying dormant oils. |
Pick a day when there is very little wind and the temperatures are warm. It is best to make this application during the warm but windless times of the day. Pump up the compressed air sprayer with this much pressure as you can and keep that pressure is high as possible when spraying. The best type of sprayer for this application is a backpack sprayer or other sprayer where the pressure can be maintained.
Mix the oil with water inside the sprayer as directed on the label. Even though dormant oils are a specialized mineral oil and considered relatively harmless, it is always best to wear gloves and eye protection when spraying.
Spray the trunk and any major limbs of trees and shrubs thoroughly. The oil and water coating should cover the surface of the plants. This coating will suffocate insects that have chosen to remain on your trees during the winter. Remove any weeds or other plants close to these trees and shrubs that can harbor these insects.
Wash and rinse your sprayer after use as you would with any pesticide.
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