How to Make a Solution to Kill Bugs in Houseplants

Create a natural insecticide to rid bugs from your houseplants.

Poorly maintained houseplants are susceptible to insect infestations but are salvageable by exterminating the insects before they eat away at the plant. Chemical insecticides kill and prevent insects from feasting on the plant but can harm the plant. A homemade insecticide is a safer alternative to restore the vitality of your plant while eliminating the plant's pests.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Measuring spoons
• Hot pepper sauce
• Dishwashing liquid soap

Instructions

1. Measure 2 tbsp. of hot pepper sauce in a measuring spoon. Pour the sauce in an empty spray bottle.

2. Add 1 tsp. of liquid soap to the bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with tap water. Close the bottle, and mix the ingredients by shaking the bottle.

3. Place the homemade insecticide in a safe place at room temperature. Allow it to sit overnight.

4. Remove the top of the spray bottle, and stir the ingredients with a spoon to thoroughly mix the hot sauce and dish soap. Screw the top on the spray bottle tightly to prevent leakage while applying the solution.

5. Squeeze the bottle's trigger to dispense the homemade solution. Spray the solution from the top to the bottom of the plant to kill bugs residing on the top side of the plant's leaves.

6. Shake the bottle to maintain the solution's potency, and lift each leaf of the plant. Coat the underside of the leaves with the homemade solution to kill bugs that tend to hide underneath the leaves.

7. Spray the solution on the houseplant every two to three days to kill new adult insects and prevent further infestation.

References

• Earth Easy: Natural Pest Control
• "The Complete Household Handbook"; Editors of Good Housekeeping; 2007