How to Make Another Organic Bug and Fungus Killer

Use insect and fungal sprays to help keep plants looking their best.

Homemade organic bug sprays use natural ingredients, rather than poisons, to kill fungus and insects. The oil and soap suffocates bugs and helps the spray stick to the plant while the remaining ingredients kill different types of fungus, including powdery mildew and black spot. Nontoxic sprays are particularly important for use on edible plants. Use the mist setting and completely spray the affected plants, including the bottoms of leaves. When using a new spray, test it on a couple leaves and wait overnight in case the plant has a negative reaction to the ingredients.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Baking Soda Spray:
• 1 tbsp. cooking oil
• 5 to 7 drops liquid dish soap
• 2 tbsp. baking soda
• 8 cups water
• Spray bottle
• Garlic Spray:
• 3 oz. garlic, minced
• 2 cayenne peppers, minced, or 1 tbsp. cayenne powder
• 2 tbsp. mineral, horticulture or cooking oil
• 4 cups water
• Strainer
• 1 tsp. liquid dish soap

Baking Soda Spray

1. Mix cooking oil, liquid dish soap and baking soda into water.

2. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

3. Spray the mixture onto plants infested by insects and fungus.

Garlic Spray for Fungus

1. Mix garlic, pepper, oil and water together and soak for 24 hours.

2. Strain the mixture and discard the pieces.

3. Add liquid dish soap to the mixture and mix well.

4. Pour into a spray bottle.

5. Spray affected plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray in the morning when the temperature is cooler and there is less wind. Plants will absorb the spray better and avoid getting burns during cool temperatures.

• Use homemade sprays immediately and discard the leftovers.

• Crop rotation, healthy plants and hand picking insects are the first line of defense against fungus and insect invaders.

• Avoid spraying plants that host beneficial insects such as lady bugs and lacewings.

• Do not pour the remaining spray onto the soil; it can kill the surrounding plants.

References

• Eartheasy: Natural Garden Pest Control
• The Dirt Doctor; Organic Recipes Handmade; Howard Garrett
• Weekend Gardner; Fantastic 3 in 1 Insect and Fungi Spray; July 2011
• Family Gardens; Homemade Pest and Disease Control; Daryl