EM5®

EM-5® is an all-natural homemade biologic control to help manage pest pressure that can be made by anyone and is safer than using synthetic options.

This solution is effective in reducing pest populations because EM-5® contains esters formed by mixing acetic acid and alcohol, which provokes intestinal intoxication.

The most successful programs with EM-5® involve alternating its applications with EM-1® and EM-FPE®. We recommend making EM-5® ahead of season and letting it age for at least a month before usage.

MATERIALS: 

EM-1®, pH Paper, Blackstrap Molasses, Vinegar ( white or apple cider), distilled alcohol, plant material.

FORMULA FOR 1 GALLON OF EM-5 IS AS FOLLOWS (1:1:1:1:20): 

• 3/4 Cup of EM-1®

• 3/4 Cup of Molasses

• 3/4 Cup of Vinegar (white or apple cider)

• 3/4 Cup distilled alcohol (vodka, whiskey, tequila)

• Add some other plant material (fresh hot peppers or garlic...or fresh herbs that have known pesticide properties like mint leaves, lavender, eucalyptus, mella luca, neem, etc.) For leaves, 1 cup per gallon. For powders, 1 Tbs per gallon. For garlic, 3 cloves per gallon (chopped or minced).

• Fill the gallon container with warm water (110-120ºF)

• Seal and ferment until pH goes below 4.0

  
  

APPLICATION:

Spray EM-5® weekly to protect your plants from pests. Apply 1/2 gallon (mixed material) for 1/2 acre property.

Alternating formulations can helps to  prevent the pests from getting used to or building a tolerance to the same product. Often people will set up an informal program as follows (Diluting the EM-1®, EM5®, or EM FPE® with 500 parts water):

• Week One: Apply EM-1®, (or activated EM-1) 1/2 gallon for 1/2 acre property

• Week Two: Apply EM5®, 1/2 gallon (mixed material) for 1/2 acre property

• Week Three: Apply EM FPE®, 1/2 gallon for 1/2 acre property

• Week Four: Apply EM-1®, (or activated EM-1)1/2 gallon for 1/2 acre property

This pattern is repeated throughout the growing season.