By Sarah Harris
As a rancher, I have had my fair share of problems in controlling and eradicating pest infestations. Nonetheless, many organic solutions have offered me impeccable results in eliminating insect pests from my garden. In this article, I’ve provided some of my favorite DIY recipes to help you control troublesome bugs.
Before we start on how to make them, here are a few things that you’ll require:
1. Neem Oil
The oil extracted from seeds of the neem tree is a natural and powerful insecticide that has the capability of disrupting insect’s life cycle. As an antifeedant and hormone disruptor, it acts on all insects that feed on leaves and other plant parts.
2. Vegetable Oil
When vegetable oil is combined with a mild soap, it provides disruptive effects on troublesome insects such as aphids, mites, and thrips. The mixture clogs the pores through which the insects breathe; thus, suffocating them.
3. Oranges
Orange peelings contain citrus that acts as a powerful pesticide. It is especially effective in targeting soft-bodied ones. All you have to do is to cut a tear in your peels and then place several pieces around your garden. You can also attach them directly to the stem of the affected plant(s ). A chemical called D-Limonene suffocates ants and aphids by destroying the waxy coating on their bodies.
4. Garlic
Easily identified by its pungent smell, this strong scent is efficient as a natural pesticide. It acts as a repellent to insects. Garlic contains active sulfur compounds that make it a powerful pesticide. You can also use it to keep grazin vermin and fungus away from your garden.
5. Mild liquid soap
This acts as a surfactant for the other items, creating a more effective pesticide. You only want to have 1% of this in your insecticidal mixtures. Also, make sure to use mild soap that doesn’t contain degreasing components and that is not intended for use with a dishwasher.
6. Water
Water dilutes the other ingredients in your mixtures which helps avoid damaging your plants.
7. Spray bottle
You’ll need a spray bottle to hold your organic pesticide and to efficiently spray it on the specific areas that are affected by pests.
8. Funnel
A funnel will make your life a lot easier when pouring your organic pesticide mixture into the spray bottle.
Method 1: Neem oil
1. Combine neem oil with a mild soap. Mix 2 oz of neem oil with 1 teaspoon of mild soap in a bowl.
2. Add the mixture to warm water. Mix both the neem oil and soap in 2 gallons of warm water. Fill a large container with the warm water then add your mixture to it.
3. Stir the ingredients. Slowly stir your ingredients to achieve a consistent combination.
4. Transfer your ingredients to a spray bottle. By utilizing a funnel to minimize spillage, transfer the ingredients to a spray bottle.
5. Spray the solution on your plants, concentrating on the infected areas and spots.
Method 2: Vegetable oil
1. Measure up your vegetable oil and soap. Measure up 1 oz of your mild soap and ½ pint of the vegetable oil.
2. Mix up the two ingredients. Pour your ingredients in a large bowl and mix them up.
3. Extract 2 1/2 tsp of the ingredients and mix them up with ½ pint of water.
4. Stir to ensure thorough mixing.
5. Pour your new mix into a large spray bottle and shake it before application.
Method 3: Oranges
1. Peel three oranges and save the peelings.
2. Add boiling water. Add the peelings into a glass container and add 1 pint of your boiling water.
3. Allow the solution to sit for 24 hours.
4. After 24 hours, strain your citrus-infused water and discard the peelings.
5. Add a few drops of your mild soap and mix for a more effective solution.
6. Pour your ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well before use.
Method 4: Garlic
1. Smash or blend your garlic cloves. Take two whole bulbs of garlic and puree the cloves by blending or smashing.
2. Add a quarter of the water.
3. Let it sit. Let your mixture sit overnight.
4. Strain your mixture into a container
5. Add a teaspoon of mild soap and add water to fill the jar.
6. Transfer your mixture to a spray bottle and spray it on the infected areas.
Conclusion
Although there are other numerous options available, the above serve as the easiest homemade recipes you will find. These remedies have offered the best solutions to many of my infestation issues.
Additionally, please note that a good garden achieves its highest potential when you maintain it properly. Keep your yard trimmed to keep off any insects or pests from moving to your garden. If you know some other easy organic recipes please share them in the comment section. We would love to hear them. When you try some of the above, share your experiences.
Author Bio
Sarah is a full-time mom and part-time blogger who runs ElectroSawHQ.com with her husband, Alex. She is a tech-cowgirl who enjoys reviewing power tools and writing useful articles and how-to guides on gardening, and home improvement DIYs.
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