What happens if insecticidal soaps are applied and allowed to dry on insects?

Insecticidal soaps are designed to work by disrupting the outer protective layer of soft-bodied insects, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. When these soaps are applied, they should remain wet on the insects for a certain period to be effective. The active ingredients in the soap penetrate the insect's body through the soft cuticle when the soap is in liquid form.

If insecticidal soaps dry on the insects, they lose the effectiveness needed to penetrate and disrupt the insect's outer layer. As a result, the soap does not kill the insects, making it crucial for the application to keep the soap wet for optimal performance. This demonstrates the importance of timing and method in applying insecticidal soaps to achieve the desired pest control effect.