How to Use Tomato Juice as Insect Repellent

You can make an insect repellent from the juice of tomato leaves.

Bugs can damage and destroy various types plants. Commercial insect repellents can be expensive and may contain harsh chemicals. An alternative to using these types of repellents is to make your own insect repellent from tomato juice. The juice for this pest repellent uses juice from the leaves of tomatoes rather than from the fruit itself. It is effective in repelling certain types of moths, worms and aphids.

Things You'll Need

• Tomato leaves
• Knife
• Water
• Bowl
• Mesh
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Pluck or cut 2 cups of tomato leaves.

2. Place the leaves into a bowl containing 2 cups of water and let soak for approximately 8 hours.

3. Strain the water through a piece of fine mesh and add another 2 cups of water to the mixture. Discard the leaves.

4. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle.

5. Spray on non-edible plants since tomato leaves and stems can be toxic to humans if ingested in large amounts.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep this product away from pets, as well, since tomato stems and leaves are toxic to animals.

References

• Green Ninja: Tomato Leaf Pesticide Spray
• Texas Poison Center Network: Plants