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🌿 Insecticidal Soap

About Us

Sarah Chen in her garden

Meet Sarah Chen

Certified Master Gardener · UC Davis Extension
IPM-Trained · OMRI-Approved Practices

I've been growing food organically for over 12 years — first in a tiny apartment balcony in Sacramento, now across a half-acre homestead in Northern California's Zone 9b. My journey with insecticidal soap started when aphids decimated my first tomato crop and I refused to reach for synthetic sprays.

After earning my Master Gardener certification through UC Davis Extension, I spent three years volunteering at community gardens teaching families how to manage pests without chemicals. That experience became the foundation for this site.

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Our Mission

HomemadeInsecticidalSoap.com exists to be the most trustworthy resource for natural, DIY pest control. Every recipe is tested in real gardens — mine and those of our contributors — before it's published. We believe the best pest management starts with understanding, not fear.

What We Cover

  • Recipes — Tested formulas using common household ingredients, with measured concentrations and safety data
  • Guides — Step-by-step instructions based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles
  • Education — The science behind how fatty acid salts disrupt insect cuticles, backed by university extension research

How We Write

Our editorial process follows three rules:

  1. Test first, write second. Every recipe is mixed, sprayed, and observed over at least two growing cycles before publication.
  2. Cite sources. We reference university extension publications, OMRI-listed products, and peer-reviewed entomology research whenever possible.
  3. Update regularly. Articles are revisited each growing season and updated with new findings or reader feedback.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this site are affiliate links (primarily Amazon Associates). We only recommend products we personally use in our gardens. Affiliate income helps cover hosting and research costs. Read our full affiliate disclaimer.

Get in Touch

Have a garden pest question or recipe idea? I'd love to hear from you. Reach me at hello@homemadeinsecticidalsoap.com or use our contact form.