I have used penetrating oil finishes on floors. Waterlox and VelvetOil are two of the easiest to find ones. Pay VERY careful attention to the surface prep and application methods ... the first coat is critical for deep penetration. I'll be using Waterlox in a hallway next year, which should test it's durability to the maximum.

I'd always reach for the dedicated horticultural item. Manufacturers of household items routinely switch formulations depending on what supply is cheaper. Horticultural applications will be the same from one jug to the next and from one year to the next-unless specifically spelled out. Just a s Dawn for Dishes might work just as well as the actual insecticidal soap, it might not and could cause phytotoxicity-damage to the very plant(s) you're trying to protect. I'd strongly urge you to only use actual horticultural products. +om

I attended a seminar on greenhouse management at the local botanical gardens. The best take-away was a solution to handle soft-bodied pests - something I have just used on my 45 year old calamondin - a miniature orange - as well as the key lime, which scale finds particularly inviting. A capful or two of 90% isopropyl alcohol, a couple of drops of Dawn in a 1 qt. sprayer. Swirl (not shake) to mix. I recently brought the calamondin out of its warm, winter home and gave it a good bath with the above mixture. A day later, most of the scale could be hosed off. Indeed, the carcasses of little buggers just smeared when touched.... I've always been hesitant using oils of any type on foliage. Nekkid plants is one thing, but I worry about tender foliage.... Cheers

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I'm sure the effects are also highly dependent on the strength of the emulsion. I will say this about horticultural oil, though... it doesn't cause post-spray stinkiness like neem does! I think I have a new go-to during the winter months when I have to co-exist with my trees indoors. I'll probably fall back to neem in the summer months. -Tom