How to Make Insect Killer From Nettle
Instead of using harmful chemical pesticides with numerous adverse side effects to get rid of unwanted pests in your home or garden, you can make natural insect repellents using herbs. The nettle plant, of which there are approximately 45 species, grows on almost every continent and varies between annual, perennial, flowering and shrub. The most common is the stinging nettle, but almost all nettle species have stinging hairs that emit toxins that are used in alternative medicine to cure conditions such as allergies and arthritis. Nettles of all varieties can be used to effectively, inexpensively and harmlessly rid you of unwanted pests, especially aphids, thrips and greenflys. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Thick leather gloves
- Nettle plant
- Large bowl with cover
- Water
- Colander
- Spray bottle
Instructions
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1
Don thick leather gloves before handling your nettle plant to avoid being stung.
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2
Place the nettle plants into the large bowl and add just enough water to cover the nettles.
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3
Cover and allow it to sit for three weeks. During this time, the plant will ferment slightly and form a sort of tea. Check on the mixture every few days and add more water as necessary.
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4
Strain the nettle tea through a colander to remove the fibers. Compost the fibers.
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5
Dilute the tea with 7 parts water to 1 part tea.
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6
Pour the nettle tea mixture into the spray bottle.
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7
Spray nettle tea onto plants and around any area where the aforementioned pests have posed a problem.
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Tips & Warnings
Nettle can be purchased online if you cannot find wild nettle.
The mixture can also be sprayed undiluted if it is ineffective.
Nettle spray also kills powdery mildew.
Plants such as tomatoes, beets and potatoes may benefit from nettle spray.
If you find wild nettles in a place where you can mow them, do so as this will speed up the fermentation process.
Nettle can cause uterine contractions, so be especially careful handling nettle if you are pregnant.
It is not advised to spray the pests directly, because the nettle toxins may be fatal to some insects.
If you are going to use nettle spray indoors, be aware that it tends to have an unfavorable aroma that often fades after application.
Using a container with a spout will often not work due to nettle blockage.
