There’s not much worse than putting all of your free time into making your garden look amazing only to find out that it has been overrun by pests. Bugs and insects can be extremely destructive in a garden, from eating leaves and flowers to killing off whole plants and trees. While you need to find a solution, it is also important that you are not damage the environment or the plants which you are trying to protect. Here are some of the easiest home pesticides which you can make to naturally keep pests away and protect your plants.
It is best to try and spray your plants early in the morning or late afternoon to prevent the sun from burning the leaves. Also remember to only spray the plants and areas which are infected as these pesticides will still kill off some of the good insects which are vital to keeping your garden healthy.
Try One Of These Pesticides
Soap Spray
Perfect for: Aphids, mites, white flies, thrips & ants
What You Will Need:
- Spray Bottle
- Water
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Biodegradable Dish Soap
- 10 Drops of Essential Oil (Citrus works best)
Add the dish soap and essential oil into the spray bottle. Fill up to the full line with water and then shake well to combine. Spray your plant thoroughly ensuring that you cover both the top and the bottom of the leaves.
Oil & Soap Spray
Perfect for: Soft body insects, mealy bugs & aphids
What You Will Need:
- Spray Bottle
- Water
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Biodegradable Dish Soap
- 1 Tbsp Canola or Sunflower Oil
Add the dish soap and canola oil into the spray bottle. Fill up to the full line with water and then shake well to combine. Spray your plant thoroughly ensuring that you cover both the top and the bottom of the leaves, the oil sticks to the bugs and insects and smothers them.
Chili Garlic Spray
Perfect for: Japanese beetles, borers, leaf hoppers and slugs. Also deters rabbits.
What You Will Need:
- Soap Spray Made As Above
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
Add the chili and garlic powder into the bottle and allow to steep overnight. The mixture will keep for up to two weeks. Spray onto plants and leaves as directed above.
Do you have any natural methods to keep bugs and pests out of your garden? Let us know in the comments section below.