Why Should`nt I Use Dawn Dish Soap To Kill Bugs/Weeds?

Q: Why don’t you recommend using Dawn dish soap to help kill bugs and weeds?

A: The number one reason I don’t mention Dawn for garden use is that it doesn’t have a pesticide label that permits it. Strictly speaking, I’d be breaking the law if I recommended it to kill insects or weeds. Remember that Dawn is a detergent, not a soap, and the difference is major. Commercial insecticidal and herbicidal soaps are made of specific ingredients that work fine if used as directed. I’d rather recommend a product that’s been tested and shown to work as promised before I promote a folk recipe that might be more harm than help.