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Natural bug repellent for the garden


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. 

5 Homemade Pesticides: Soap Sprays for Plants

There is no magic bullet for keeping your garden and indoor plants free from insect pests. Some tricks I have learned over the years are ways to cope with bugs without resorting to nasty chemicals. Here are my tips, including homemade insecticidal sprays (soap sprays).

Pay Attention to Your Plants

Before resorting to using pesticides (even organic ones), consider the following techniques to discourage insect pests from attacking your plants:


These aphids have done some damage, but don't spray if you see the black and orange alligator-like ladybug larvae attacking them. He will do the dirty work for you by eating up to 50 aphids a day!

5 Organic Pesticide Sprays for Insects

If you have exhausted all these methods and feel you must resort to using a spray, don't reach for harsh chemicals. They will do more harm than good by polluting the watershed, killing good and bad bugs alike, and eventually the insects you are trying to kill may grow resistant to those chemicals requiring you to use even stronger ones! They can also harm birds, animals, you, and your children!

Try a more natural approach by making one of these homemade insecticidal sprays. Bear in mind that although they are less toxic they are not totally harmless. Keep them away from kids and pets. Test them on a few leaves before you go all in to make sure they won't injure your plants. Be sure never to spray them on your plants during the sunny, hot part of the day or they will definitely cause foliar damage. Spray in the evening, when bees and other pollinators are not active.

  1. Dish Soap Spray: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of a mild liquid soap such as a pure dish soap (no bleach, degreaser, or detergents added) or castile soap in 1 quart of water. Dr. Bronner's soap may be expensive, but it uses no animal fats, which makes it a good choice for vegans. Insecticidal soaps are good for killing soft-bodied insects. Be sure to cover the whole plant—both sides of the leaves and on the stems. Soap sprays only work when wet, so they will need to be reapplied every 4-7 days or until you notice that populations have decreased. After a few applications, if rain hasn't done this for you, spray the plants with plain water to rinse off any soapy residue.
     
  2. Oil Spray: Mix 1 cup of vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon of mild liquid soap. Add 2-8 teaspoons of this mixture to 1 quart of water and spray your plants as above. The oil in this spray smothers the insects so it is effective on aphids, thrips, mites, and scale. 
     
  3. Tomato Leaves Insecticide: The leaves of tomatoes contain solanine and tomatine and can be used as an insecticide. Soak 2 cups of fresh leaves in 1 quart of water overnight. Strain and spray. It kills aphids and many types of chewing insects, but also attracts beneficials. Don't use it on other nightshades like eggplants, peppers, or potatoes because it could spread disease from plant to plant.
     
  4. Garlic Repellent Spray: Despite all you've read, garlic acts as more of a repellent than a killer. Puree 2 bulbs of garlic with 1 cup of water and let sit overnight. Strain the liquid into a quart jar, add 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon liquid soap, and fill the jar the rest of the way with water. Put one cup in a 1 quart sprayer, fill with water and apply to your affected plants. It is good for repelling aphids, cabbage worms, leaf hoppers, squash bugs, and whiteflies.
     
  5. Hot Pepper Repellent Spray: Hot pepper is also a good repellent and works on rabbits and deer as well as many insects. Mix 1 tablespoon dried chile powder, 1 quart of water, and 1 teaspoon of mild soap. Spray full strength on the plants under attack.
    If you have lots of hot peppers growing in your garden, you can make a fresh concoction from 1/2 cup chopped peppers pureed in 1 cup of water. Add the puree to 1 quart of water and bring to a boil. Let sit until cool and then strain. Add 1 teaspoon mild soap and spray full strength on plants. You might want to wear gloves when working with this spray and be sure not to get it into your eyes!

Many other plants have been reported to have insecticidal qualities, including hyssop, lettuce leaves, onions, pennyroyal, peppermint, and radish leaves. 

There is no one-size fits all when it comes to pest management. At best we can try to maintain a healthy balance of good guys and bad guys and still get some decent produce for us!

Now that we've learned how to minimize insect pests, let's tackle weeds. Here are tips on coping with weeds, including 5 Homemade Herbicides.

Which plants repel insects, slugs, mites, ants and other pests

Use these plants instead of pest control chemicals. They will help you keep your crops.

Ksenia Ilchenko

Lavender, chrysanthemum, basil, nasturtium and 6 other natural crop protectors from pests are in our selection.

Contents of the article

Lavender

The smell of lavender has a calming effect on the human nervous system. But some insects - for example, fleas, moths, mosquitoes and flies - simply cannot stand it. Plant a small lavender bed near your house and you will protect yourself from many uninvited guests.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum petals contain pyrethrins, natural insecticides found in many dog ​​repellents and shampoos. These chemicals are effective against ants, ticks, fleas, spider mites, cockroaches, beetles, and even bed bugs.

Basil

Basil is a popular summer salad ingredient and an effective natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes and flies. Plant basil next to the gazebo and barbecue area to enjoy your summer cottage without annoying insects. Or make a natural repellant out of the herb.

To do this, pour a bunch of fresh basil into 100 ml of boiling water and let it brew for several hours. After that, strain the infusion and mix with 100 ml of vodka. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray around you when you are outside in the evening.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a perennial companion plant known for its ability to repel aphids and whiteflies. Plant nasturtiums next to vegetable beds and place flower pots at your doorstep to keep pests out of your home.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains citronella oil, the strong smell of which is extremely unpleasant for insects - especially mosquitoes. Lemongrass can be grown in a pot or planted in the soil - in the latter case, the grass grows well, reaching one and a half meters in height.

Marigolds

Mosquitoes and aphids hate the scent of these vibrant border flowers, popular with gardeners. Plant plants in a sunny place with dry soil - in the shade, marigolds can "get sick" with powdery mildew.

Lemon thyme

Thyme itself is quite harmless to insects, but if you crush the leaves of the plant in your hands, the aroma of essential oils will immediately make the pests take flight. Use this life hack while relaxing in your summer cottage to scare away annoying flies and mosquitoes.

Mint

Minty smell is a real test for mosquitoes. But do not rush to plant the plant in the soil. Mint grows rapidly, absorbing all the free space. To protect against insects, plant grass in pots and place them around the seating area.

Petunia

Petunias are not only pleasant to look at, but also extremely useful. The delicate fragrance of the flower attracts many insects, including beetles, aphids and leafhoppers. Pests crawl inside the "bell" and find themselves trapped, sticking to the villi moistened with plant sap. Petunias literally digest insects, using them for their nutrition.

Rosemary

A spicy herb widely used in cooking, a real enemy of mosquitoes and other flying insects. To make a natural repellant, drop a bunch of rosemary along with the roots into boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Strain the solution, pour into a spray bottle and spray as needed.

What other plants repel garden pests?

Such useful plants include wormwood, geranium (pelargonium), white mustard, peppermint, sage, dill, garlic, onion, black elderberry. You may be surprised, but even beans and tomatoes are sometimes effective against pests!
Gardener Tatyana shares practical tips on protecting crops from pests with the help of plants in this video.

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See also: 8 house plants that cause allergies - even if you never had one

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Garden repellant plants

Plant pests can cause serious damage to green spaces, so it is always recommended to understand problem and find a solution immediately. Repellent plants will help reduce the population of dangerous pests, save money on plantings, and ensure the production of environmentally friendly vegetables and fruits.

Content

  • Useful properties of repellant plants
  • Plants, scaring pests
  • Plants, frightening anti -

Useful properties of the lessons

Each garden are affected by the prostitutes, which are affected by the ledge, which is affected by the ledge, which is affected by the tags, which are overwhelmed by the tags, which are overwhelmed by the tags, which are overwhelmed. Chemicals can temporarily help and eliminate pests, but they won't do any good if the goal is to grow crops without chemicals and pesticides. Is it always necessary to use a spray, bought or homemade?

Nature itself offers a solution. Most plants contain compounds that they use against attack by phytophagous (plant-eating) insects. Herbs work especially well as companion plants. They attract beneficial insects and repel insect pests. This makes them good companions both in the garden and in ornamental plantings.

Fragrant herbs are wonderful plants that act as a strong and 100% natural pesticide to repel pests. These properties are associated with the presence of essential oils that plants secrete around them.

Certain plants in the garden can help repel harmful insects, or confuse them with their strong smell. Some of them contain a natural repellant that repels pests from many crops.

Please note! What is a natural repellent? Unlike insecticides, repellents do not kill insects, but only repel them. Natural pesticides are organic remedies.

Plant repellant repels aphids, snails, carrot flies, ants and other pests from fruit, vegetable and ornamental plantings, helping to maintain balance in the garden. At the same time, they decorate the garden and the garden with their flowering and can be used in folk medicine and cooking. The essential oils they secrete create real repellent "barriers" for many parasites. If planted next to vulnerable plants, they will help deter beetles and worms.

Plants that repel pests

Every garden needs to be looked after. Repellent plants are those that have the ability to keep pests away from crops in a vegetable garden or orchard. Tasty and fragrant herbs, with their characteristic aroma, confuse, repel or even destroy pests. Therefore, it is advisable to plant these herbs in the beds.

Useful herbs and plants:

  • repels many insects, including aphids, cabbage and onion flies, ants and even snails;
  • useful against snails, ants and lettuce aphids;
  • sage, marjoram, mint, oregano and lavender keep ants out of the garden;
  • rosemary repels carrot and cabbage flies, strengthens plants;
  • thyme, mint and sage protect cabbage.

Growing aromatic plants is very easy. They have great adaptability, and therefore withstand adverse conditions. In addition, they take up very little space.

Additional information! Thanks to the substances that repellant plants release into the soil, or the strong smell they emit, a real protection is created for neighboring crops.

Mint is a powerful natural pesticide that repels pests. It is a very fragrant plant and pests can smell it from a distance.

Mint

Basil protects plants by releasing substances that promote the proper development of plants. It repels insects, making it an excellent companion for growing cabbages, beans, and tomatoes. When basil is planted next to tomatoes, it produces larger, tastier fruits. It even protects pumpkins from downy mildew.

Garlic is commonly planted for its taste and health benefits. Near roses, it repels aphids. Planted among apple trees, garlic can help prevent scab.

Garlic in the country

Chrysanthemums - a natural pesticide, Leaves and flowers exude a pungent odor that keeps aphids, mites and other pests of crops. White flowering chrysanthemums can help kill root nematodes.

Chrysanthemums

Sage attracts bees, but repels many insect pests and protects onions from onion larvae, also repels ants.

Sage

Nettle is a wild herbaceous plant, useful for protecting garden plants that are attacked by aphids, spider mites, and other pests. Rich in formic and salicylic acid, it acts as a stimulator of plant defenses and enriches the soil with nitrogen and other trace elements.

Nettle

Marigolds are known for their ability to act as a repellant. This plant, unlike others, is known for its specific smell, which is very unpleasant for aphids. Marigolds drive away many harmful insects, spider mites and snails. An important repellant action is performed by poisonous substances contained in the roots, which kill harmful soil nematodes.

Marigolds

Nasturtiums are flowering plants grown for ornamental purposes, but very useful in the garden and vegetable garden for plant protection. This easy-to-grow annual will protect itself and other plants from unwanted visitors.

Nasturtiums

Petunias are also planted to decorate the garden, and to repel a number of aphids and many other pests. A beautiful and very common ornamental plant used in vegetable gardens to protect potatoes from the attack of the Colorado potato beetle. Plant them next to tomatoes, peppers or beans.

Petunias

Sunflowers repel aphids from plants. The ants move the aphid colonies to the sunflowers, but they do not take damage from them.

Aphids on sunflowers

Marjoram and oregano repel cucurbit beetles when planted next to cucurbits. A hedge growing around the onion site will protect the onion from the onion larva.

Marjoram

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant ornamental plant rich in beneficial properties. Strong-smelling lavender will protect nearby plants from insects such as the whitefly, while lavender planted under and near fruit trees can repel moth butterflies. If planted at the foot of roses, she will protect them from aphids.

Lavender

Ant Repellent Plants

Some ants benefit by eating other insects to help control pest populations, but can be a real problem in the home or garden.

In fact, they cause more inconvenience than harm. Due to their small size, ants are considered harmless creatures, but they can often create havoc when they attack by the thousands at once. Their harmless behavior can spoil the garden if more than one colony appears in it. They never roam alone, and are always accompanied by a long stream of other ants, causing damage.

Ants feed on honeydew secreted by mealybugs, scale insects and aphids. Ants protect these pests from their predators, which encourages them to reproduce.

When there are too many ants, gardeners have to deal with them. In the fight against ants, sprays and chemicals are used, which are readily available in the trade. The use of organic and environmentally friendly products has become more and more people who shy away from the use of chemicals.

There are several natural ways to get rid of these annoying ants while keeping your garden safe. You can fight with the help of fragrant herbs, keeping them out of your territory.

The most common herbs that repel ants are peppermint, rosemary, thyme, lavender, tansy, sage, yarrow and garlic. Placing plants around a tree trunk can be a very good idea.