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Natural bug repellent for plants vinegar


6 bug sprays for plants |

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While insects are a valuable part of our gardens' ecosystems, sometimes they end up tucking into our vegetable harvests or eating their way through our flower buds before they bloom. 

These moments can have us reaching for the insecticides. However, filled with toxic chemicals, commercial insecticides often stand at odds with the sustainable garden ideas that we want our plots to embody.

This is where homemade insect sprays and deterrents come into their own. Created from items you would find in your store cupboard, they are quick and effective ways to ward bugs off your prized plants. 

‘Homemade garlic, nettle, soap, tomato and basil sprays are effective against aphids, mites and thrips. The aim is not to kill off all the insects in your garden, but rather aim for a healthy ecosystem,’ says garden expert Leigh Clapp.

Bug sprays – 6 homemade recipes for plants

Homemade bug sprays should only be used as a short term solution – at the same time as treating pests, think of adding other plants to your garden that will encourage insects and animals that prey on the problem bug.  

‘Disaster-proof your garden through plant diversity. The wider the range of plants, the less they are plagued by pests, so that if a disease or pest occurs only a limited number of susceptible plants will be affected,’ continues Leigh. 

For example, if you want to get rid of slugs, can you attract more birds? If you need to get rid of aphids, could you plant angelica, fennel and dill nearby to attract ladybirds? There are lots of different companion planting ideas that will help you to reduce pests in your plot. By creating a balanced garden, you will find that you have less and less need for bug sprays. 

Before using any of these bug sprays on your plants, always do a patch-test. Spray a small amount onto a few leaves of the plant and wait 24 hours to see if there is any damage. Avoid using any foliar sprays during the heat of the day as the exposure to the sun can cause leaf burn. 

1. Insecticidal soap

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A popular bug spray for treating a wide range of pests, homemade insecticidal soap, consists of soap, oil and water. Homemade insecticidal soap is often the first port of call for many gardeners as the ingredients are all store cupboard essentials. 

To create insecticidal soap combine one cup of vegetable oil with one tablespoon of dishwashing soap or pure Castile liquid soap. For this method, as well as any others that call for dishwashing soap, avoid those that contain a degreaser or bleach as these can cause more harm than good. Use this oil and soap mixture as a concentrate and dilute one teaspoon with two cups of warm water into a spray bottle. Once mixed with water, the solution’s efficacy will only last for a day. 

Insecticidal soap is one of the best ways of getting rid of aphids, as well as lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs and thrips.

2. Neem oil bug spray

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An organic insecticide, neem oil has seen a rise in popularity as a method to treat everything from insects through to fungi. 

‘Neem oil has been used in India for thousands of years and is a trusted method to keep on top of pests, without any of the nasties,’ explains John Maree, co-owner of OxyPlants . ‘A spray of Neem oil on the tops and undersides of your plant’s leaves will help remove several pests, including mites, whitefly, aphids, thrip, and mealybugs, at every stage in their life cycle. Using neem oil also helps to get rid of powdery mildew, too.’

To use neem oil as a homemade bug spray mix one to two tablespoons of pure, cold-pressed neem oil with a gallon of water. You can also add one to two teaspoons of dish soap to the mix to help the neem oil adhere to the plants. 

Alternatively, you can use neem oil as a root soak to treat root rot. Mix one gallon of water with two tablespoons of neem oil and one teaspoons of pure Castile liquid soap (to help the neem oil adhere). Apply a small amount as a test and wait 24 hours. If all is well, then apply two or three cups to the soil around the plant, then continue the treatment as a replacement to the watering cycle. 

A benefit of using neem oil over other pesticides is that it doesn't harm birds, pets or beneficial insects. This is because neem oil gets absorbed into the plant’s tissue rather than just sitting on the surface and so only affects any insects that ingest the plant. 

3. Vinegar spray

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It seems that there is no end to the abilities of vinegar, especially when you take into account the numerous ways of cleaning with vinegar, but did you know that it can also be used as a bug spray?

One of the easiest homemade bug sprays, simply mix one cup of white vinegar with three cups of water. You can also add half a teaspoon of dishwashing soap to help the solution adhere. Shake thoroughly and apply to the affected areas.

The acetic acid in the vinegar will treat a wide range of garden pests but it requires contact. If you have whitefly eggs be sure to spray under the leaves. Furthermore, white vinegar has a strong odor which has been reported to repel ants and other scent driven pests.

'If you are wanting to treat houseplants with a vinegar spray, try adding a few drops of essential oil or some slices of lemon peel or rosemary sprigs to help temper the vinegar smell,' advises Period Living editor Melanie Griffiths.

4. Garlic spray

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You may have heard that onions and garlic make good companion plants as the scent of their foliage helps to repel aphids, slugs and carrot fly. This spray takes it to the next level. 

‘Puree two garlic bulbs with one tablespoon of vegetable oil, let it sit overnight, strain, add one teaspoon of mild liquid soap and four cups of water to fill the spray container,’ recommends Leigh Clapp. 

Store this mixture in the fridge until needed. In the evening, spray both sides of the leaves with the spray and then reapply every few days when your plants are suffering with infestation. Alternatively, use every one to two weeks as a deterrent. 

If you want to be even more sustainable, why not learn how to grow garlic so that you can have an endless supply of garlic spray – plus extra cloves that you can add to your favorite meals?

5. Tomato leaf spray

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If you’ve ever tried growing tomatoes, you will be familiar with the characteristic scent of their leaves, but did you know that these leaves contain a compound called alkaloid which can be used to create a spray that is toxic to aphids and mites? To make a tomato leaf spray, mix equal quantities of chopped up tomato leaf with water and leave to steep overnight. Let this steep overnight, before straining into a spray bottle and applying to the plant’s leaves.

This is a great way to recycle tomato leaves once you've pruned them – you can learn how to prune tomato plants for a maximum yield.

6. Cinnamon spray

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If you’ve ever grown plants in pots, you’ll be familiar with the problem of stray mushrooms. However, this can be easily resolve with a simple cinnamon spray. Mix two teaspoons cinnamon powder into four cups of warm water. Allow this to steep overnight and then strain through a coffee filter and then pour into a spray bottle. Mist the potting soil and plants. 

Cinnamon spray is also reported to be an effective treatment to get rid of ants. If you have an ant problem in your pots or want to keep ants away from dining or patio areas, try applying cinnamon oil or powdered cinnamon to create an effective barrier.

What is a natural bug killer for plants?

Vinegar is a really effective natural bug killer for plants. Dilute it 1:1 with water in a spray bottle and spray it over and under the leaves of affected plants. You can also use it around the house to deter bugs inside; the vinegary smell will quickly dissipate.

You can also use a hydrogen peroxide and water solution, which is great when trying to get rid of bugs from houseplant soil. 

Which homemade bug spray is best for repelling mosquitoes?

The best homemade bug sprays for repelling mosquitoes are those with a strong smell that mosquitoes hate. Other than citronella, which you are probably already familiar with as a mosquito repellent, they include the following essential oils: 

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

Can You Spray Apple Cider Vinegar on Plants to Repel Insects? | Home Guides

By Justine Harrington Updated October 30, 2019

If insects are bugging your plants, you don't necessarily have to resort to using harmful chemicals. Rather than blasting your garden with pesticide, there are plenty of ways to naturally deter bugs from causing harm to plants. Apple cider vinegar is a good way to get rid of insects, and there are several other types of natural plant spray and homemade bug killer for the house.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Plants

Apple cider vinegar is basically fermented apple juice, and this liquid has a long history of being used as a natural home remedy for everything from losing weight to soothing a sore throat. Luckily for home gardeners, apple cider vinegar can also be used as an effective natural bug repellent for plants. When used correctly, vinegar can help give new life to your flowers, fruits, veggies and herbs by eliminating garden pests altogether.

For example, apple cider vinegar is highly effective at repelling ants. Fill a spray bottle with a solution comprised of half water and half vinegar, and spray it around your walkways and on the walls of your garden, to keep ants out of the vicinity.

Note: It's not necessary to spray vinegar directly on your plants to deter pests. In fact, this can damage or kill plants, especially if you're using large amounts of vinegar. If you do use apple cider vinegar on your plants, dilute it generously with water. Ideally, you should be using vinegar to spray areas in and around the garden, not directly on your plants.

Vinegar is also great for chasing fruit flies away from your fruit trees and plants. Trap flies by filling a jar with apple cider vinegar and dish soap; the vinegar's scent attracts them and the soap causes them to sink. Also, a bonus is that apple cider vinegar can help keep pesky rabbits, raccoons and pets away from your garden. Simply soak a few items in vinegar and strategically place them around your garden.

Other Natural Insecticides for Plants

Apart from homemade bug-killer vinegar, there are several other natural insecticides you can use to help protect your plants, including:

Peppermint oil. To help stave off insect infestations in your garden, try using peppermint oil. Not only does this oil repel ants, it also repels spiders and other common pests like caterpillars, beetles, aphids and fleas.   Chili pepper. To make a basic chili pepper spray, mix some fresh hot peppers or chili powder with a few drops of mild soap and some water.  Garlic oil. Garlic oil is a great way to ward off mosquitoes, and garlic insecticide spray can help stop insects in their tracks due to its strong scent.  Lavender oil. Lavender oil mixed with water -- and a little eucalyptus oil, if you have it -- may keep bugs at bay. Neem oil. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, and it makes for a fairly powerful natural bug repellent for your plants. You can also spray neem oil directly onto your plants as a preventative measure, before they become ravaged by pests.  Vegetable oil. A homemade insecticide of vegetable oil mixed with mild dish soap and some water can do the trick quite nicely. 

Benefits of Using Natural Bug Repellent 

Using a natural plant spray, like an apple cider vinegar solution, is usually better for the environment and for your skin and clothing. Chemical-based bug sprays contain DEET, which isn't the best choice, from an eco-friendly perspective. Also, people with sensitive skin may prefer to use natural products, since natural bug sprays tend to cause less irritation. Additionally, the smell of natural insect repellents is vastly preferable to chemical-filled sprays.

References

Writer Bio

Justine Harrington is a writer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has been published in Forbes, USA Today, Fodor's, American Way, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Texas Highways, Austin Monthly, and dozens of other print and online publications.

Go away, bloodsuckers! How to control mosquitoes with beer, mint and vinegar | Free time

Our expert - phytotherapeutist Natalya Kuleshova.

Some plants and foods are natural repellents.

Let's protect ourselves

Mint. 4 tbsp. spoons of fresh mint leaves pour a glass of water, hold on low heat for 10 minutes, let it brew for 15 minutes, strain, add 1 glass of vodka, cover and cool. Pour into a spray bottle and spray onto skin or clothing before going outside.

Vanilla and cinnamon. Pour two pinches of cinnamon and one crushed vanilla pod into a glass of any vegetable oil. Insist for a week in a dark place, shaking occasionally. To protect against mosquitoes, whiskey, wrists, and ankles are smeared with oil.

Wormwood. 2 tbsp. Spoons of wormwood grass pour boiling water, let it brew for half an hour, strain and lubricate exposed skin with infusion.

Citronella. The oil of this plant can be bought at the pharmacy. Citronella is so effective against bloodsuckers that industrial mosquito repellents are made on its basis. Add 20 drops of essential oil to a jar of face or body cream and lubricate exposed skin with it.

Essential oils. Prepare a natural mosquito repellent: Fill a glass ⅔ full with vodka, add 50 drops of geranium, mint, rosemary or cedar essential oil, add water to the top of the glass and stir. Apply the resulting lotion to the skin before leaving the house.

We will process clothes

Basil. This herb is effective even when dry. Sew a cotton bag, fill it with dry basil herb, and put it in your pocket before heading into the woods. It will be better if you make several pouches and place them in each pocket.

Vinegar. Vinegar-based mosquito repellent takes a long time to prepare, but the result is worth it. 1 st. a spoonful of dry lavender herb and 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of dry rosemary with a glass of vinegar. Insist in a dark place for 10 days. Don't forget to shake the jar! The resulting product is sprayed onto clothing. If you want to use it on the skin, dilute it halfway with water. Vinegar smells quite strong, but once it dries, the smell will go away.

Let's clean the house

Aroma lamp. Those who love aromatherapy will surely get such a device. It can be used as an alternative to an industrial fumigator. The aroma lamp is a saucer that is heated from below. Water is poured into a saucer, then essential oil is dripped at the rate of 2 drops per 5 m² of room area. When heated, the oil will begin to evaporate, filling the room with the aroma of medicinal plants. Geranium, cedar, lavender or chamomile oils are suitable as natural mosquito repellents.

Geranium. Plant this plant on a windowsill. Mosquitoes don't like strong smells, and geraniums smell pretty strong. So there are significantly fewer bloodsuckers in apartments where geraniums grow.

Eucalyptus. A decoction of this plant can save if the fumigator runs out of liquid. 1 st. pour a spoonful of eucalyptus with water, hold on low heat for 15 minutes, let it brew until cool and strain. Now the eucalyptus decoction can be poured into a container where the mosquito liquid used to be, and plug the fumigator into an outlet.

Candles. Buy an ordinary candle in the store and melt the wax in a water bath. To do this, pour water into a saucepan and place a tin can there. Put a candle in a jar. When the wax has melted, add 10 drops of eucalyptus, rosemary or lavender oil to it. Mix well. Then take a glass jar, place a wick in it and pour the melted wax. As soon as it hardens, the anti-mosquito candle is ready.

Fumigation of the plot

Juniper. Resting by the fire, you can try to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Throw a few juniper twigs or cones into the fire. Mosquitoes don't like the smell of such smoke!

Bay leaf. When burned, it also emits an odor that is unpleasant for mosquitoes. However, if you throw a lavrushka into a fire, it will burn out instantly. Therefore, it is better to heat a frying pan or a metal can on a fire and lightly “fry” the leaves.

Coffee. Place dry coffee grounds on a saucer or foil and light. Get a completely safe fumigator!

Is it true that certain foods make us more attractive to mosquitoes?

Not food, but alcohol. It raises body temperature and increases sweating, making it easier for mosquitoes to detect prey. And recently, scientists have found that beer is the most attractive to mosquitoes. Just one jar is enough!

Do mosquitoes bite dogs and cats, or are insects unable to get through thick fur?

Unfortunately, pets also suffer from mosquitoes. And even stronger than humans, because the body temperature of dogs and cats is higher than that of humans.

Why do some mosquitoes squeak while others bite silently?

Mosquitoes have no voice, and mosquito wings squeak. So silently a mosquito can bite only if before the bite it managed to settle down on your body and was not in flight.

Why do some people get bitten more than others?

Scientists have identified the so-called risk group for mosquito bites. It includes:

At the dacha

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Light and sound

There are devices that help to cope with mosquitoes and do not emit toxic substances into the air.

Ultrasonic repellers. Make a sound similar to that of a male mosquito. With this sound, the male attracts the female for mating. For fertilized female mosquitoes (and only they bite), such a squeak signals danger. The device quite effectively repels mosquitoes, but it is not very comfortable to use it due to an unpleasant squeak.

Lamps. The light of the lamp attracts mosquitoes, and a small electric current is passed through a special grate inside the lamp, which kills them. The only drawback of the lamp is an unpleasant smell, which appears due to the abundance of fried insects on the grate.

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Is a bite dangerous? Malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus and other serious diseases are carried only by mosquitoes that live in tropical countries. It is also impossible to get AIDS or hepatitis of any type through a mosquito bite. True, "domestic" mosquitoes can inject allergens and pathogenic microorganisms into the skin. Therefore, the appearance of inflammation or urticaria at the site of the bite is not excluded. In this case, antihistamines and external anti-inflammatory drugs will help out.

What will relieve itching? How to quickly relieve itching?

Our expert - dermatologist-cosmetologist, candidate of medical sciences Anna Karpova.

When bitten by a mosquito, the most important thing is not to scratch the affected area. After all, during a bite, insects inject saliva into the skin, which may contain toxic substances. When you scratch the bite site, blood circulation increases in this area, the saliva of the insect is carried with the bloodstream, the area of ​​​​the lesion increases - and the itching becomes stronger.

If you couldn't resist and you still combed the mosquito bite, you can get rid of itching:

External agents with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic components. It is desirable that the drug be based on a fat, which will create a film on the skin and limit the spread of saliva injected by the mosquito. That is why creams designed to treat insect bites work better than sprays and lotions that evaporate too quickly from the surface of the skin.

Antihistamines. If you have been bitten very badly and you have counted at least ten mosquito marks on your body, it is better to take an antihistamine inside - this will help to localize the itching first, and then completely get rid of discomfort.

Home remedies can also help fight mosquito bites. For example, you can use:

Just keep in mind that you should not rub anything into the bite. Any agent is applied with light movements.

If a wound has formed at the site of a combed bite, do not use home remedies. The wound must be disinfected with a preparation containing aniline dye (brilliant green, fucorcin), or an alcohol-based agent. You can also apply a wound healing drug to the sore spot. Leaving damaged skin without treatment is not worth it, otherwise, by scratching the sore spot, you will increase the itching and increase the area of ​​the wound.

By the way

Recently, patches have appeared on the market that help relieve unpleasant symptoms after a mosquito bite. The main purpose of the patch is to prevent scratching. In addition, the composition of the product includes plant oils with anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.

10 homemade recipes for moths

Moths can quickly ruin a good part of your wardrobe - at least the one made from natural fabrics. Even if you notice only one insect, immediately proceed to drastic measures. These natural remedies may help you.

Ksenia Ilchenko

Bay leaves, cloves and even a hair dryer will help you.

Contents of the article

Indian lilac

Lagerstromia or Indian lilac has a delicate floral aroma that people like very much, and the moth literally drives you crazy. If you can get fresh leaves from the plant, place them in your closet to permanently banish insects from your home. Lagerstroemia essential oil works just as well. Dip a piece of cotton wool in lilac ether and hang it in places where moths accumulate.

Cedar bark

Moth does not tolerate coniferous plants - especially cedar. Its bark is a wonderful natural repellant that can drive all uninvited guests out of the wardrobe. Hang a few cloth bags with cedar bark in your closet - and the fresher it is, the better. By the way, moths never start in cedar cabinets.

Vinegar

Mix equal proportions of white table vinegar with water and spray on furniture to prevent the spread of pests. But be careful: vinegar should not get on clothes - it can leave marks on some fabrics.

Fragrant herb sachets

Lavender is one of the best moth control plants. Thyme and rosemary also do a great job. Place fresh or dried herbs in non-woven sachets and place on cabinet shelves to prevent insects from spreading.

Cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon has a persistent and specific smell that repels moths very well. Arrange fresh cinnamon sticks on shelves in your closet, and hang a small bunch on a clothes rail. And to protect things, wrap the spice in parchment paper.

Home moth spray

If moths have already attacked your belongings, scare them away with a home spray based on essential oils they hate. Pour 0.5 liters of clean water into a spray bottle and add a few drops of oil to it - lavender and mint are best.

Hair dryer

Eggs and larvae of moths are sensitive to high temperatures - already at 50 ° C, most of them die. Blow out insect infestations with a hot hairdryer, and wash infested clothing in very hot water. It is unlikely that it will be possible to save it, but you can get rid of a colony of newborn insects with a high probability.

Carnation

Moths (like many other living creatures) cannot stand cloves - what can we say, the smell of the spice is very specific.

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