How to Make Natural Garden Sprays to Control Pests

Organic pest control has become a hot garden topic in recent decades as many gardeners are reluctant to introduce toxic chemicals to their landscapes. Concerns about food contamination, the health of children and pets and environmental damage are all good reasons to take the issue of natural pest management seriously. Instead of reaching for commercial insecticides, gardeners often head to the kitchen sink to prepare their own non-toxic, environmentally friendly insect sprays. A simple homemade garden spray will control many insects, including aphids, mites, scale, ants, thrips and whitefly.

Things You'll Need

• 12 oz.-container and lid
• 2-pint spray bottle
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. regular dishwashing liquid

Instructions

1. Mix the dishwashing liquid and vegetable oil in a container, such as a mayonnaise jar, to make the liquid concentrate. Use fresh, unused vegetable oil, such as peanut, safflower or soybean oil.

2. Secure the lid and shake the ingredients to emulsify the ingredients. You will need to shake the mix every time you use the formula.

3. Mix 4 teaspoons of this concentrated soap formula to 1 pint of water in a spray bottle. Shake the contents before use.

4. Spray the tops and undersides of plant surfaces to control insects. Always apply when temperatures are below 85 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burning tender plant tissues.

Tips & Warnings

• Shake the mix in the spray bottle as you use it to keep the ingredients evenly mixed.

• Test the spray on infested plant parts before spraying entire plants. If burning of plant tissue occurs, mix more water into the mix and test again.

References

• North Carolina State University Extension; Homemade Insect Spray
• PAN Germany; Soap Spray