How to Make Soap Pesticide

Most commercial pesticides contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to people and the environment. While pest control is often a necessity in maintaining a successful lawn and garden, toxic chemicals do not have to be used. Homemade soap pesticide will control pests in a safe manner. In addition to being eco-friendly, you can save money as well by making your own soap-based pesticides. It is important to choose mild dish soaps that do not contain any additives for making pesticides, as some of the added ingredients may be harmful to your plants.

Things You'll Need

• Garden sprayer
• ½ cup rubbing alcohol
• Liquid dish soap
• Spoon
• Water
• Vegetable or canola oil
• Bowl
• Empty spray bottles
• Jars with lids
• 2 tsp. mineral oil
• 3 oz. finely chopped garlic
• 10 red chilies
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Rubber gloves
• Cooking pot
• Strainer

Instructions

Alcohol and Soap

1. Fill a garden sprayer with ½ cup rubbing alcohol. Add 1 qt. liquid dish soap.

2. Use a spoon to thoroughly combine the ingredients.

3. Apply the mixture to plants and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes. Follow up by spraying the plants with plain water to reduce damage to the foliage from the alcohol. Avoid spraying this mixture in direct sunlight as it may cause leaf damage.

Soap and Oil

1. Pour 1 cup vegetable or canola oil into a bowl. Add 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap.

2. Fill an empty spray bottle with 1 cup of water. Add 2½ tsp. of the soap and oil mixture to the water.

3. Store the remaining oil and soap in a closed-lid container for future use.

Garlic and Soap

1. Place 2 tsp. mineral oil and 3 oz. of finely chopped garlic into a large jar with a lid. Let the ingredients sit for 24 hours.

2. Add ¼ oz. liquid dish soap and 1 pint of water to the jar. Combine the ingredients thoroughly.

3. Combine 2 tbsp. of the concentrated mixture with 1 pint of water in a spray bottle. This will be the pesticide spray.

Soap and Red Chilies

1. Chop about 10 red chilies into fine pieces. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the hot seeds of the chilies.

2. Transfer the chilies to a large jar with a lid. Boil 4½ cups of water.

3. Pour the boiling water into the jar. Add 1 tbsp. soap flakes to the jar and stir thoroughly.

4. Put the lid on the jar and allow the ingredients to sit for 24 hours. Pour the mixture through a strainer to remove large chunks.

5. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle or garden sprayer for use.

Tips & Warnings

• Label spray bottles, jars and storage containers that contain homemade pesticides.

References

• Pays to Live Green: Make Your Own Homemade Pesticides and Repellants
• Home Life: Make Homemade Organic Pesticides
• Organically Organic: How to Make Your Own Organic Pesticides

Resources

• Earth Easy: Natural Garden Pest Control
• Country Living and Farm Lifestyles: Natural Pesticides/Homemade Pesticides