Homemade Insect Spray for a Fruit Tree

You can mix a homemade insect spray to keep aphids and other pests off your fruit trees.

Managing frequent pest problems can be a challenge for those who cultivate home orchards. There are insect sprays on the market, but many contain toxic chemicals that can accumulate in soil and leach into nearby waterways disrupting the environmental balance. Organic insecticides are available, but can be costly to use on a regular basis. Homemade insect sprays can be a cost-effective way to handle pest problems with ingredients you may already have on your pantry shelf.

Things You'll Need

• Garlic
• Onion
• Hot pepper
• Cheesecloth
• Nasturtium leaves
• Water
• Dishwashing liquid
• Chrysanthemum cineraliifolium flowers & leaves
• Castile soap
• Spray bottle or garden sprayer
• Mortar and pestle

Instructions

Garlic Spray

1. Steep three cloves of garlic, one medium onion and 1 tsp. of hot pepper in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes.

2. Strain out solid pieces.

3. Pour liquid into spray bottle.

4. Spray on tops and undersides of leaves and fruit.

5. Repeat as necessary.

Nasturtium Spray

1. Mash 1 to 2 cups of fresh nasturtium leaves with mortar and pestle. Place in glass container.

2. Pour in 4 cups of water. Allow to soak overnight.

3. Strain solution through cheesecloth to remove solids.

4. Dilute solution with 2 cups more water.

5. Add ¼ tsp. dishwashing liquid. Mix thoroughly.

6. Pour into spray bottle.

7. Spray onto affected leaves on a weekly basis until pests are eliminated.

Chrysanthemum Spray

1. Chop 1 lb. of chrysanthemum cineraliifolium flower heads and leaves into small pieces.

2. Places flower pieces into 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Strain solids out of the solution and dilute with 1 qt. of water.

5. Spray on affected plants as needed.

Castile Soap Spray

1. Mix 1 tbsp. of castile soap to 1 gallon of water.

2. Mix thoroughly.

3. Spray directly on affected areas of plants.

4. Re-apply every few days until no signs of infestation.

Tips & Warnings

• GHOrganics recommends proper sanitation as the first step in controlling fruit tree pests. Remove bad fruit, affected leaves and diseased areas from the area immediately. Do not overfertilize with nitrogen and do not cultivate areas under fruit trees with other plants. Keep trees healthy by correcting soil imbalances.

• Start with a simple soap and water recipe spray. If this does not work, try more aggressive ingredients.

• Homemade insect sprays made from natural ingredients do not last as long as inorganic insecticides. Re-apply spray after heavy rains.

• Michigan State University recommends pyrethrum spray to control pests on apple trees. Pyrethrum is a pesticide made from chrysanthemums.

• Wash all fruit thoroughly before eating. Some homemade sprays, like rhubarb spray, can cause health problems when ingested.

• According to the Canadian Broadcasting Company, homemade insect sprays should be used sparingly because they kill off beneficial bugs as well as the bad bugs.

References

• GHOrganics: Natural Insect Control - Tomato Leaf Spray
• Michigan State University: Organic Apple Spray Program
• Canadian Broadcasting Company: Pesticides Recipes
• Earth Easy: Natural Garden Pest Control