How to Make Neem Oil Pesticide

A Neem Oil pesticide is a natural way to control and kill the bugs trying to devour your garden plants or flowers and it is actually good for the soil. Neem Oil has been used for hundreds of years and is becoming very popular for gardeners because of its ability to repel bugs. By using it, you are using an organic alternative and avoiding heavy, toxic chemicals that pollute the soil, water supply along with harming children, birds and good insects.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Neem Oil
• Castile or mild liquid soap
• Container
• Warm water
• Spray bottle

1. ~~Purchase Good Quality Neem Oil~~

   Most Neem Oil is good quality but check the label to see what has been added to it as some have been diluted more than others. You can find it in most health stores as Neem Oil or Neem Leaf extract and it should be organic.

2. ~~Make a Pesticide~~

   You will want to a container big enough to hold two quarts of warm water to mix it in. Add ½ teaspoon of a mild liquid soap like Castile and mix it up and then add ½ ounce of Neem Oil slowly into the water while stirring it or slightly shake it up. Now pour some into an old, clean spray bottle of some type or you can buy one.

   You can double this recipe but it should be used within 8 hours or it will lose its potency.

3. ~~Label the Solution for Safety~~

   Even though Neem Oil is fairly safe, it could be mistaken for a drink by someone so you should always mark homemade solutions in big letters on the container with a permanent marker.
   Keep it high up or in a locked cupboard where children can't reach it.

4. ~~Spray the Plants~~

   Spray the all of the leaves with your homemade pesticide on the top and bottom and saturate the soil with it, too. Always spray early in the morning or early evening to avoid scaring off the good bugs and scorching the plant in the hot sun.
   Make sure to shake it while spraying to keep it mixed well and repeat spraying them once a week or more if it rains.

   It will not instantly kill the insects until they bite into the leaf but it will instantly repel them with its strong smell.
   Neem Oil pesticide has been known to kill and control aphids, moth larvae, spider mites, whiteflies, and Japanese beetles. It will not harm insects that do not chew the leaves like butterflies, ladybugs and bees.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a doctor before handling Neem Oil if you are pregnant as it can cause hormonal changes.

Resources

• Pure Neem Oil