Neem Oil

I've posted on here before about our (seemingly very localised) problem with Southern Green Shield Bugs - a.k.a Stink Bugs.

Been doing a lot of reading about different organic pest control options to try and solve the problem this year. Keep hearing about Neem Oil.

What is Neem Oil? And where can I get it/make it? Online supplies seem to be either really expensive, in the States or for non-gardening purposes. Confused!

 

I don't know if neem will work for stink bugs but it does work for aphids.
Here's a link to a site in the US that should answer some of your questions.
It's not too expensive here in the UK and a little goes a long way.

 

Thanks Dave. I can't see the link on my mobile but will check it out tomorrow. I was under the impression neem oil makes the plant taste bad to the critters so was rather hoping they wouldn't want to sink their fangs into my pepper plant stems this year!

 

I got my Neem Oil off ebay. I recommend also mixing in some horticultural soap (that isn't cheap I'm afraid, but it is less likely to damage leaves than washing up liquid). Some leaves react to Neem Oil, but usually I treat those plants anyway and let the plant re-grow new leaves. Apply every two days, thoroughly coat top/bottom of leaves. I wash it off an hour or two later to reduce damage to leaves (I just use the hose watering "rose" and soak all the foliage, I don't put any effort into specifically trying to "wash" the undersides of leaves etc.)

I've read all sorts of theories on the Net about how it works ... dunno which to believe, but one that I liked said that Neem Oil either suppresses appetite, or makes the bugs "Busy", so that they forget/don't have time to eat ...