Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors during the summer months or owns a garden knows how important it is to keep the presence of insects under control around your home. However, since not everyone likes to use chemical pesticides, there are recipes made with natural ingredients that can be prepared manually. Generally, they are easily made with the use of simple substances, available at home, which are effective against aphids, beetles and mites. The secret lies in the application, because the insects must come into direct contact with the pesticide for it to take effect.
Ingrediants
Soap-based insecticide spray
- 1 liter of water
- 20 ml of liquid soap
- 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of neem oil (optional)
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of apple cider vinegar (optional)
Garlic-based insecticide and insect repellent
- 1 head of peeled garlic
- 1 liter of water (to divide)
- 20 ml of liquid soap
Chilli based insecticide
- 5 g (3 teaspoons) of very strong chili flakes (or 10 fresh peppers, such as cayenne, jalapeños, or habanero pepper)
- 4 liters of water
- A few drops of dish soap
Multipurpose Insecticide based on Pepper, Garlic and Onion
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 small onion
- 2 g (1 teaspoon) of powdered cayenne pepper
- 1 liter of water
- 15 ml of liquid dish detergent
Insecticide with Tomato Leaves
- 500 g of chopped tomato leaves
- 1 liter of water
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Identify the Insects and Problems that have arisen in the garden
Step 1. See if the leaves have holes in them
There are different types of insects capable of creating problems in the garden, such as caterpillars and beetles, because they chew the leaves by poking them. They can severely damage plants, so try to get rid of them.
In addition to using insecticides, you can also remove caterpillars and beetles with your hands. Remove them from the plant by dropping them into a bucket filled with soapy water
Step 2. Check if the leaves have faded
If they turn white, yellow, or brownish, they may indicate a mite or thrips infestation. Both of these insects feed on the cells that make up the leaf blade causing discoloration and necrosis of the leaves.
- For thrips and mites, apply the insecticide to the leaves, shoots, and soil surrounding the contaminated plant.
- Thrips are small, thin-bodied, winged insects.
Step 3. Inspect the leaves for any deformation
If they are curled or gnarled, they indicate the presence of leafhoppers, bedbugs and aphids. These insects suck the sap from plants causing the foliage to warp and fall off.
You can use a water spray treatment, but you may want to use an insecticide if the infestation is quite severe
Step 4. Look out for black, white and yellow spots with a dusty texture
Fungi and other similar organisms can also infest plants. In particular, black mold, powdery mildew, and downy mildew cause bumpy or dusty spots on the foliage.
- These problems aren't caused by insects, so you can't fix them with the use of an insecticide.
- The best way to avoid fungal diseases is to prevent them by watering the plants below, so as not to get the leaves wet. Eliminate any leaves that show signs of infection.
Method 2 of 7: Make a Soap-Based Insecticide Spray
Step 1. Choose soft or distilled water
The most effective type of water for this method is soft water. If the tap has this characteristic, you can use it to prepare the soap-based insecticide. If not, use distilled water as it is mineral-free.
The minerals in hard water can prevent the soap from dissolving, making the spray less effective
Step 2. Choose between liquid hand soap and dish soap
Soap has always been used to control the presence of insects in the garden. The ideal is liquid soap, such as castile soap, liquid hand soap or dish soap. Avoid powder, solid, and other types of cleaners. Insects that you can get rid of with this method include:
- Aphids;
- Japanese beetles;
- Tetranichids;
- Mealy scale insects;
- Boisea trivittata;
- Aleurodidi;
- Psylla;
- Beatles;
- Rincoti.
Step 3. Combine the soap and water
Pour the water into a large bowl. Add the liquid soap and mix gently to blend the two ingredients together. Do not turn too hard or the soap will foam. Just dissolve it in water.
Step 4. Add more ingredients if you want
There are various ingredients that make the soap-based insecticide more effective against numerous insects and problems that result from their attack. Neem oil and vinegar are the most used.
- Neem oil is a plant-based insecticide that helps keep beetles, cabbage caterpillars, beet nightworms, sciaroids and thrips out. The oil will also help the soap residue stick to the leaves, insects and eggs.
- Apple cider vinegar is effective against powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can affect many plants.
Step 5. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle
Insert a funnel into the bottle neck. Pour the soap mixture inside and finally remove the funnel. Screw on the nebulizer. This will make it easier to apply directly to the insects that infest your plants.
To preserve the leftover portion, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to a year
Method 3 of 7: Make a Garlic-Based Insect Killer and Insect Repellent
Step 1. Puree the garlic using distilled water
Transfer all of the peeled garlic cloves to a blender or food processor. Add 250ml of distilled water. Blend the mixture for a couple of minutes until it becomes a homogeneous paste.
- Garlic contains sulfur compounds that keep various insects away. By adding it to your soap-based insecticide, you can kill them and prevent more from coming.
- If you don't have a blender or food processor, combine the garlic and water in a glass container and use a hand blender to purée everything.
- If you don't have a kitchen mixer, chop the garlic with a garlic press or sharp knife.
Step 2. Add the rest of the water
Pour the remaining 750ml of water into the blender. Blend again for another couple of minutes to completely liquefy the garlic and mix the sulfur compounds with the water.
Step 3. Combine the soap and solution in a glass jar
Pour the newly obtained mixture into a large glass container. Add the soap and mix everything gently to combine the ingredients. You have to dissolve the soap in the water, without creating foam. Finally close the jar with the lid.
The most suitable soaps to use to control the presence of insects in the external appliances of the house are liquid hand soap, Marseille soap and liquid dish detergent
Step 4. Let the mixture sit overnight
Place it on the kitchen counter and let the garlic infuse for 12-24 hours. This way, it will have time to diffuse its sulfur compounds which have insect repellent properties into the water.
Step 5. Filter and bottle the solution
Place a piece of cheesecloth inside a tightly knitted colander and place it over a large container. Pour the mixture through the sieve, so that it flows into the bowl below. Transfer the filtered solution to a spray bottle and screw on the nebulizer.
Store the rest of the insecticide in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. Since it contains garlic, you should use it within a week at the most
Method 4 of 7: Make a Chilli Based Insecticide
Step 1. Pour 4 liters of water into a saucepan
Make sure it is large enough for the water to boil without spilling out. You will need to keep the mixture on the fire for a long time.
Step 2. Add 5g of dried chillies or 10 freshly chopped chillies
You can use cayenne pepper, jalapeno, or habanero peppers. Put them in the water.
Step 3. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes
In this way, you will speed up the insecticide preparation process because the heat will allow the peppers to release the oil they contain into the water. Pay attention to the pan to make sure the water doesn't overflow.
Put on a pair of kitchen gloves to touch the chillies
Step 4. Turn off the heat and leave the peppers to infuse for 24 hours
In this way they will have time to spread their properties in the water, giving life to the insecticide.
You can also skip the boiling step by letting the peppers infuse for 36 to 48 hours
Step 5. Filter the chili using cheesecloth
Place a clean bowl under the cheesecloth, then pour in the mixture to strain it. You should make the liquid in which you infused the chili.
Step 6. Add a few drops of dish soap
It will help the insecticide to attach itself to the plants allowing them to take effect. Don't overdo it: a few drops will suffice.
Step 7. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle
In this way you will be able to apply it more easily on the plants to be treated. Make sure you label it so you remember the content.
Method 5 of 7: Make a Pepper, Garlic, and Onion-Based Multi-Purpose Insecticide
Step 1. Crush a head of garlic
Peel the garlic and cut it into small pieces. Using a mortar and pestle or spoon and bowl, mash it down into a paste.
Step 2. Blend a small onion
Peel it and cut it into small pieces. Put them in a blender to obtain a fluid mixture.
If you don't have a blender, try mashing it with a manual vegetable cutter
Step 3. Combine the garlic and onion
Add the garlic to the blender and mix the two ingredients. You should get a thick, well-blended liquid.
Step 4. Add one teaspoon (2g) of powdered cayenne pepper
Blend all the ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.
If you don't have a blender, you can mix them in a large bowl
Step 5. Pour 500ml of water into the mixture and let the ingredients steep
Let it sit for an hour to allow the garlic, onion and pepper to spread their properties and create the insecticide.
Step 6. Filter the liquid
Run it through the cheesecloth to separate the solid material from the liquid. When finished, you should get a bowl of brew.
Step 7. Add 15ml (1 tablespoon) of liquid dish detergent
Mix well to get the insecticide. Pour it into a spray bottle, then spray it on the plants.
Step 8. Store the insecticide in the refrigerator for a week
Close and label the container. Since it tends to lose its effectiveness over time, you will need to prepare a new dose every week.
Method 6 of 7: Prepare an Insecticide with Tomato Leaves
Step 1. Pour 500ml of water into a large bowl
The container must be large enough to hold at least 1 liter of water. To protect the countertop, place it on top of a towel.
Step 2. Add 500g of tomato leaves
It is preferable to use the finely chopped leaves, after having collected them at the foot of the plant. Put them in the water and leave them to infuse.
The tomato is part of the same family as the nightshade (aka Solanaceae) and is excellent for producing a natural repellent against aphids
Step 3. Leave them to infuse overnight
Cover the bowl with a towel to prevent dust, parasites, and debris from contaminating the liquid. The tomato leaves will diffuse their properties into the water to create an insecticide.
Step 4. Filter the mixture using a colander or colander to remove the tomato leaves
Place a clean bowl under the colander or cheesecloth, then strain the mixture. You will get a bowl of concentrated liquid, a kind of infusion of tomato leaves.
Step 5. Add another 500ml of water
Since the insecticide is quite concentrated, you need to add more water before using it. Stir to make everything homogeneous.
Step 6. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle
Make sure you apply a label. Now the insecticide is ready for use.
Method 7 of 7: Apply Freshly Made Soap-Based Insecticide
Step 1. Spray the insecticide on the plants in the morning or in the evening
In order to have an effect, the soap-based insecticide must be sprayed directly on the insects, this means applying it on the leaves; however, if you spray it in very hot weather or in the hottest hours of the day, the leaves can burn. Hence, the best time to use it is early in the morning or late in the evening.
Step 2. Do not spray it on soap sensitive plants
Soap can damage or kill some plants, so you shouldn't use soap-based insecticides on certain plant species. Specifically, plants to avoid include:
- Cicerchia odorosa;
- Cherry tree;
- Blackthorn;
- Portulaca;
- Some varieties of the tomato plant.
Step 3. Try the spray on some leaves
To make sure the insecticidal liquid doesn't harm your plants, you need to test it on a small area before applying it diffusely. Pick some insect-infested leaves and spray it on the front and back to cover the pests that infest them. Leave it on for 2 days, then see if the leaves have been damaged.
- If they have been damaged by the spray, dilute the solution and test it again.
- If they are healthy, apply it freely.
Step 4. Dilute the soap concentration if necessary
Most soap-containing insecticides are compounded with a 2% solution of soap. If the plants have reacted badly or been damaged by this ingredient, try reducing its concentration to 1%. To get it, combine 1 liter of water with 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of liquid soap.
You can also add 1 liter of water to a ready-made solution made up of 2% soap
Step 5. Spray the insecticide freely
Look for pest-infested leaves and plants, then spray the solution on the front and back of the leaves. It has to come into direct contact with insects if you want it to have an effect. If necessary, apply it to the stems and soil as well.
Let it sit for a few hours
Step 6. Rinse the foliage
After a few hours of applying the insecticide, take the garden hose or a spray bottle full of water and wet the leaves you treated. This will eliminate the excess soapy solution, avoiding damaging the plants.
Step 7. Repeat the treatment for a week if necessary
Since the insecticide solution must come into contact with pests to work, you will likely need to apply it several times. Spray it daily on infested plants for 4-7 days or until the pests die.
