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How to Make Your Own Eco-friendly Pesticides
How to Make Your Own Eco-friendly Pesticides. When bugs invade your garden or houseplants, you may be tempted to grab the nearest can of insecticide and blast away. But many gardeners today are in tune with the environment and wish to learn ways to handle pest problems naturally, without harming nature. People and pets may be harmed by some of the...
When bugs invade your garden or houseplants, you may be tempted to grab the nearest can of insecticide and blast away. But many gardeners today are in tune with the environment and wish to learn ways to handle pest problems naturally, without harming nature. People and pets may be harmed by some of the strong chemical sprays for killing bugs, so it is a good idea to look for something safer. There are a number of recipes for organic pesticides.
Things You'll Need
Plastic gallon jug
Water
Measuring spoons
Neem oil
Rosemary essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Phosphate-free dish-washing soap
1/4 tsp. baking soda
Large bowl
Spray bottles
Neem Oil
Fill a 1-gallon plastic jug with water and 2 tbsp. of neem oil.
Add 1/2 tsp. each of rosemary and lavender essential oils.
Add 2 tbsp. phosphate-free, liquid dish-washing soap.
Shake the jug to mix well. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
Coat all parts of your plants with the spray. Shake the bottle often to keep the liquids from separating.
Baking Soda Spray
Pour 1 quart of water into a large bowl. Add 2 tsp. baking soda.
Stir well to dissolve the baking soda.
Pour the solution carefully into a plastic spray bottle.
Apply the spray two times per day to plants that have powdery mildew. Continue the treatment until all traces of the mildew are gone.
Tips & Warnings
Remove dead leaves and debris from the base of your plants to help prevent mildew.
Give your plants enough space and sunlight to discourage mildew, which thrives in damp, dark places.
Try a variety of homemade pesticides by visiting "green" websites.
Avoid spraying pesticides on windy days.
