Many of us have probably tried to make homemade pesticides to save our plants, as there are obstacles in the process of planting, one of the most important being pests. Botanists recommend using homemade pesticides to prevent further damage to plants. Below, we will discuss how to make them.
Using plant-based insecticides has many advantages for plants, the environment, and humans. These pesticides, made from non-chemical ingredients, can either be purchased ready-made or easily made at home using natural materials. Interestingly, not all insects are harmful to plants, and some are essential for the ecosystem. The use of homemade pesticides ensures that only harmful insects are targeted. Below, we introduce some of the most effective homemade insecticides.
Oil Spray – A Simple Homemade Insecticide
By mixing two ingredients—oil soap and oil spray—you can easily make a homemade insecticide. This oil spray closes the pores of soft-bodied pests, such as aphids and mites, suffocating them. To make this spray, mix ¼ cup of vegetable oil with ¼ cup of liquid soap and shake it well. If your plant is sick, mix four tablespoons of this liquid with four cups of water. For better results, use this spray once a week to completely eliminate pests.
Tobacco Spray for Plants
While tobacco is harmful to us, it is also toxic to insects. However, it can be very damaging to plants like datura, petunias, and evening primrose, as tobacco can cause the mosaic virus, which is harmful to these types of plants. To make this spray, gather enough cigarette butts and about ¼ cup of tobacco. Place the tobacco in a cloth and soak it in a glass of water. Your spray is now ready for use.
Making Pesticide from the Pests Themselves
To make this spray, fill a teaspoon with pests and crush them with the back of the spoon. Place the crushed pests in a tissue and soak them in two cups of water for about two nights. The best time to use this spray is within the first three days.
Insecticidal Soap – For All Gardeners
Although insecticidal soap is commonly available in gardens, you can easily make your own homemade version. To create this soap, mix three drops of dish soap with one liter of water and add one tablespoon of cooking oil. The oil helps the mixture stick to the plant. Never use this spray on plants if the temperature exceeds 80°C, as it will cause the plants to burn.
Citrus Peel Spray for Soft-Bodied Pests
To make this spray, grate one lemon and add one cup of boiling water. After the mixture sits overnight, pour it into a spray bottle and spray both the top and bottom of the affected plant's leaves daily. This spray is highly effective in eliminating aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
Hot Pepper Spray
This spray is very effective in repelling unwanted insects. First, place a handful of dried hot peppers along with their seeds in a food processor and grind them. Be careful not to let the pepper dust get into your eyes or on your skin. For added adhesion, mix the ground chili pepper with one liter of gardening oil, and spray it on the upper and lower surfaces of the plant. Another way to make a pepper spray is by mixing one tablespoon of red pepper powder with one cup of water and a few drops of soap.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt prevents the spread of pests and also adds magnesium to the soil, which helps plants absorb nutrients. To create this insecticide, you have two options: either dissolve one cup of salt in five gallons of water and spray it on the affected plants or sprinkle Epsom salt around the plant's base.
Making Pesticide with Tomatoes
Although it may sound strange, tomato compounds are very effective in eliminating pests, especially aphids. To make this spray, chop two cups of tomato leaves and stems, add two cups of water, and blend them well. Let them sit for one day, then strain and add another liter of water.
Pesticide with Garlic, Onion, and Pepper
This spray combines several natural ingredients to create a powerful insecticide. Grate one whole garlic bulb, one onion, and add one teaspoon of chili powder. After it cools, add one tablespoon of soap. To use this mixture, spray it on both the top and bottom of the plant’s leaves.
Diatomaceous Earth as a Pest Control
Diatomaceous earth, made from fossilized remains of single-celled algae, can be used to control pests. You can sprinkle it directly on the soil. It helps control snails and other pests, as the powder's sharp edges puncture the pests’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. Interestingly, diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and can be used for a long time as long as it doesn’t absorb moisture.
Neem Oil Insecticide
Neem oil, extracted from neem seeds, is perfect for organic gardens. It destroys the entire life cycle of pests (larvae, adults, and eggs). Neem oil is biodegradable and non-toxic to pets. Additionally, it acts as a fungicide, eliminating powdery mildew and other troublesome fungi. To use neem oil, follow the instructions on the bottle or mix two teaspoons of neem oil with one teaspoon of liquid soap and one cup of water, then spray it on the affected plants.
Eggshells for Repelling Soft-Bodied Pests
To use this insecticide, dry the eggshells, crush them into powder, and sprinkle the powder around the plant's base. This method wounds the pests' bodies and repels them from the plants.
Citrus for Pest Control
Citrus is a powerful option for eliminating pests like aphids, snails, and fungi, and even for getting rid of insects like cockroaches and ants. First, peel an orange. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use 1/5 teaspoon of dried citrus peel or 15 milliliters of concentrated orange juice. Add the peel to a glass container, pour in two cups of boiling water, and let the mixture sit for 24 hours in a warm place. Strain the solution, discard the peel, and add a few drops of castile soap and mint to the water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the affected parts of the plant.
Vegetable-Based Pest Control
Combine ½ cup of garlic cloves, ½ cup of hot pepper, and one onion. Chop the vegetables and blend them in an electric blender. Add two cups of warm water to the mixture and let it blend again. Pour the mixture into a plastic or glass container and leave it in a warm, sunny place for 24 hours. Strain the mixture, clean your spray bottle, and pour the solution into it. You can also use this insecticide for indoor plants. After 3 or 4 uses, the pest will be gone.
An Important Tip for Using Pesticides
Before using any natural insecticide, test it on a small part of the plant to ensure it does not harm the plant.
Never use soaps containing white additives, as they can burn the plant.
Using insecticides during the evening or when bees are less active is the best time, as it can be harmful to bees.
Excessive use of any solution can disrupt the ecological balance.
Conclusion
Many farmers and plant owners avoid using chemical pesticides. Homemade insecticides are a great way to eliminate pests, but it’s essential to gather enough information about the type of plant and pest before deciding on the right pesticide. I hope this content on making homemade insecticides was useful, and feel free to share it with those interested in plants. For more related articles, visit the lifestyle section of Saadnews. Thank you for your support.
