How to Make a Natural Insect Repellent

Photo taken in Gatlinburg, TN

Ok...so the snow's still on the ground in many areas and spring is yet to be sprung!
But, be prepared and have this great recipe ready for when you need to have those pesky insects driven out of your plants, flowers or vegetable gardens.

This was given to me by a friend who visited from Switzerland. It's his original recipe and he will be happy that I am sharing it with you!

Things You'll Need

• garlic
• water
• chili powder
• dishwashing soap
• quart jar
• spray bottle

Instructions

1. Crush a whole head of garlic. Place the crushed garlic in a quart jar and fill the jar with water.

2. Next add a good amount of chili powder to the jar.

   Add a couple of Tbsp's of dish washing soap and shake well.

3. Let this mixture settle and keep it covered for three days. At the end of that time strain the mixture...keeping only the liquid.

   Pour into a spray bottle and use directly on plants.

   That's it! You've hopefully gotten rid of those intruding insects and are on your way to healthy plants. While this may not work on everything, I suggest at least trying it on most plants.

Tips & Warnings

• In place of chili powder, my friend says a cup of crushed habaneros would be even better.

• The dish washing soap helps the liquid stick to the plants.

• If it rains, you may want to do a second spraying.

• Keep away from children.