Due to increasing health and environmental concerns surrounding the use of chemical insecticides, many gardeners have turned to the use of natural and organic pesticides. Insecticides based on herb extracts, oils and other natural compounds are therefore not difficult to find in gardening stores. But to save yourself the trouble and expense of purchasing your own insecticide from a store, it is relatively easy to make your natural insecticide or insect repellent at home for use on your own plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Alcohol-Based Insect Repellents
Simple ethanol or isopropyl rubbing alcohol has shown a high degree of effectiveness in controlling insect populations on outdoor plants. Avoid using alcohol insect repellent on apple trees or African violets, but used on nearly any other kind of outdoor plant, it can repel aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and whiteflies. A simple solution of 1 to 2 quarts alcohol in 1 quart of water can be sprayed onto plants. Only use 70 percent or higher pure alcohol and test the alcohol solution on a small part of the plant first to make sure it will not damage it.
Tomato Leaf Insecticides
Tomatoes, potatoes, tobacco and other members of the nightshade family of plants contain alkaloids in their leaves, a naturally occurring toxic compound. Alkaloids were used commonly as pesticides before synthetic pesticides eclipsed them in popularity. But extracting alkaloids from nightshade plant leaves can still be a very effective means of controlling aphids, earworms and other insects not only by repelling the insects but by simultaneously attracting their natural predators like wasps. Simply soak 1 to 2 cups of harvested tomato leaves in 2 cups of water for 24 hours. Strain the mixture thoroughly and dilute with 2 more cups of water and the mixture is now ready to spray on plants. Always wear gloves and handle the liquid with caution.
Herbal Extract Repellents
Garlic oil has long been a favorite of gardeners to not only control insect populations but fungal growth on plants as well. Aphids, cabbage loopers, earwigs, June bugs, leafhoppers, squash bugs and whiteflies can be effectively controlled with a mixture first developed by Henry Doubleday Research Association in England. Finely mince 3 oz. of garlic and soak it in mineral oil for 24 hours. Gradually add 1 pint of water and 1/4 oz. of household soap or insecticidal soap to the garlic and strain. To spray, mix 1 to 2 tbsp. of the liquid into 1 pint of water and apply to plants.
Spice-Based Insect Repellents
Spicy foods like black pepper, chili peppers, ginger, paprika and red pepper all contain capsaicin, concentrated extracts of which are used commercially in pepper spray because of the pain they induce when in contact with human skin. Not surprisingly, capsaicin has a similar effect on plant-interfering insects. Small amounts of capsaicin seem to be particularly effective at warding off ground-dwelling insects like maggots and ants. Capsaicin can be purchased in powder form, but it can be rather costly. A less expensive alternative is to grow your own chili peppers and grind the flesh and seeds using a mortar and pestle or food processor. Simply spread the powder on the ground around your plants.
Tags: Insect Repellents, chili peppers, cups water, insect populations, insect repellent, pint water