What is a Dormant (horticultural) Oil?

What is dormant oil and how does it work? This is a very common question from our customers this time of year. The Northeastern Regional Pesticide Coordinators core manual defines it as, “a ‘horticultural’ application made before trees and other plant life begin to leaf out in the spring.” Applied during dormancy it helps prevent insect problems before they start. The best thing about dormant oils is that they kill pests by smothering and is especially effective against hard and soft scale insects, and mites. They are available in organic an conventional applications and can decrease the amount of more toxic pesticides needed later in the growing season. For a free consultation, please, call us at 203-565-8570.