How to Make Your Own Natural Insecticide

Natural insecticides keep your garden safe for children and wildlife.

When the bugs come marching in and begin devouring your garden, it may be tempting to reach for the nearest bottle of insecticide, but there are better alternatives. Commercial insecticides often contain chemicals that may be harmful to small children and pets and may injure wildlife. Making your own insecticide from natural ingredients arms you with the ammunition you need to battle the army of invading insect pests, while keeping your family safe form the effects of nasty chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• Dish detergent
• Spray bottle
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 onions
• 2 tbsp. cayenne pepper
• Knife
• Blender
• 2 tbsp. baby shampoo
• 2 tbsp. cooking oil

Instructions

1. Mix 5 tbsp. dish detergent to 1 gallon of water. According to Daniel F. Culbert, County Extension Agent from the University of Florida, it is important that you choose a dish detergent that does not contain a degreaser. He further warns that if you are using Bacillus thuringiensis on your garden to kill caterpillars, you should avoid dish detergents with anti-bacterial properties as well. Mix the solution well and apply to plants with a spray bottle.

2. Peel two cloves of garlic and four onions and chop coarsely. Place in the blender with 1 qt. water and 2 tbsp. cayenne pepper. Blend until the onions and garlic are pureed. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove particles. Add the mixture to 2 gallons of water. Mix in 2 tbsp. mild soap flakes and stir to dissolve. Apply to plants with a spray bottle.

3. Mix 2 tbsp. baby shampoo to 1 gallon of water. Add 2 tbsp. cooking oil and stir to blend. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray all plant parts to control insect pests. Repeat every five to seven days.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the spray on plants to determine its effect before spraying the entire plant. Some plants may be sensitive the formula being used.

• Do not spray plants during the heat of the day, as this may damage tender foliage.

References

• University of Florida Extension; Clean up Pests with Soap; Daniel F. Culbert; February 2001
• Borderlands El Paso Community College; Hot Peppers: They're Not Just for Eating; Michelle Stelter
• University of Florida Extension: Home Remedies for Insect and Disease Control on Plants

Resources

• Montana State University; Safety for Homemade Remedies for Pest Control; Cecil Tharp; May 2009