Vinegar as an Insect Garden Spray

Vinegar is an organic pesticide.

White distilled vinegar is a cheap and effective home remedy for invasive garden insects. It is an eco-friendly alternative to costly and polluting insecticides.

Considerations

Vinegar can be used full strength or diluted with water for insect control. If spraying near plants, dilute the vinegar with water in case of accidental contact with plants.

Slugs/Snails

Vinegar is an effective way to kill slugs and snails, which can do significant damage to a home garden. A direct spray of vinegar will get rid of these pests.

Ants

If ants invade a garden, spray them and any anthills with vinegar. They should be repelled from the area with regular application.

Expert Insight

To maintain the effectiveness of an insecticide in a garden, place an absorbent material such as a corn cob soaked with vinegar in at-risk areas of the garden. Soaking the material overnight regularly will allow for constant pest control.

Warning

Vinegar can act as an herbicide if sprayed on some plants. For insect control, spray away from the plant and roots or apply the vinegar spray directly on the offenders.

References

• Country Living and Farm Lifestyles: Gardening With Vinegar
• Green and Clean Mom: Safe Alternatives to Pesticides in Your Home Garden