Keeping your garden pest-free does not have to be expensive. Some of these natural pesticides can be found in your kitchen. Bookmark this for this summer! Read on to learn more.
Photo by Viktor Forgacs
No gardener wants to see insects and bugs wreaking havoc on their flowering plants, fruit tree, and vegetables. They are called pests for a reason, especially when it comes to garden plants. These tiny, pesky crawling creatures live and feed on plant leaves, causing serious damage.
Luckily, there are safe quality affordable pest control and natural gardening hacks that help fend off destructive plant-eating pests without the use of toxic chemicals. Take note that some of these amazing solutions are readily available in your kitchen. Keep in mind that prevention is your first greatest line of defense against garden pests.
Photo by Fas Khan
Hot Pepper Spray – Pepper naturally contains capsaicin, a chemical that repels pests, such as spider mites and other insects. Before making a pepper spray solution, make sure to wear a pair of gloves for protection. Boil a handful of chopped peppers in a pot of water. Add a tablespoon of liquid soap. Take extra caution when straining the solution into a spray bottle to prevent vapors from getting your eyes. You can also substitute hot pepper with black pepper, chili pepper, ginger, dill, and paprika.
Turmeric – Turmeric may be beneficial to your health, but pests, such as ants, totally hate it. To ward off pests, simply sprinkle powdered turmeric around the base and leaves. Another option is to soak fresh turmeric in water and transfer the solution into a spray bottle.
Insecticidal Soaps – Insecticidal soaps help suppress and control infestations of soft-bodied leaf-munching pests, such as aphids, mites, scales, and mealybugs. Add five tablespoons of natural soap without detergent or additives, such as castile soap, per gallon of water. Test the solution by spraying it on a small portion of the plant. If you notice any signs of leaf damage, add more water to the solution.
Nicotine – Tobacco plants are known to protect themselves from harmful leaf-chewing pests by producing cembratrienol (CBTol). Nicotine is derived from tobacco and produces a strong odor of CBTol to repel pests. Simply soak a cup of loose tobacco in a gallon of water. Leave it overnight and transfer the solution into a bottle. Spray it on pest-infested plants.
Neem Oil Spray – Derived from the tropical neem tree (Azadirachta indica), neem oil spray is an age-old, safe and natural insecticide and anti-fungicide that protects plants by repelling soft-bodied insects, such as mites, scales, aphids, etc.
Pyrethrum Spray – Made from dried chrysanthemum flowers, this natural insecticide helps control pests, such as leafhoppers and beetles on fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamental plants. It works by attacking the nervous system of the insect, causing paralysis and eventually death. Some gardeners add insecticidal soap and neem oil to boost the effectiveness of pyrethrum spray.
Beer – Humans are not the only ones who love drinking beer. Plant pests, such as snails and slugs love it, too. To prevent these pesky creatures from feeding on plant leaves and roots, simply set out saucers of beer to trap these pests.
Companion Plants – This natural pest control hack is probably the safest solution to garden pest problems. Certain plants can naturally repel insects and protect nearby plants. Plant two or more species of pest-resistant plants, such as marigolds, to protect plants vulnerable to insects.
While these natural pesticides help control pest problems, they may not be an effective solution to serious pest infestation. A professional pest control company, like mrpest.ca, helps keep not only your garden safe from pests but your home as well.
