Lime has also shown some effectiveness as a natural insecticide, since it causes insects to dry out and suffocate. Unfortunately, lime kills all insects, including beneficial ones, and it can also kill your plants if you use too much.

What insects does lime kill?

Hydrated lime is also called calcium hydroxide. This simple substance has been mixed with water and sprayed over plants as a basic pesticide for many years. It is known to repel aphids, flea beetles, Colorado potato beetles, squash bugs, cucumber bugs and other undesirable insects.

Is lime good for pest control?

Function. Agricultural lime is an effective insecticide for small insect pests and mites within the garden. It dries out the young insect body and irritates larger adult insects. Unfortunately, lime is not a selective insecticide and will kill both harmful and beneficial insects.