Make insecticides at home to protect your plants: Here's how
Our green friends can be easily attacked by several kinds of insects that can impede their growth. While various insecticides can help, they are often loaded with harmful chemicals that although effective, can harm both the plant and us when we consume them. A better approach is to make insecticides at home using natural ingredients that repel insects and concurrently support the plant's growth.
Neem oil spray
Neem is a powerful natural insecticide as it can disrupt insects when they are in the larvae stage. It also stops the eggs from spreading and adult insects from reproducing more. You can make neem oil spray at home by mixing two tablespoons of neem oil with one tablespoon of mild liquid dish soap. Shake and spray on the affected plant.
Garlic repellent spray
Garlic repellent spray is effective, especially for chasing away insects like aphids, cabbage worms, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. All you have to do is, take two bulbs of garlic and puree them with one cup of water. Allow it to rest overnight and then strain the next morning. Once done, add one teaspoon each of vegetable oil and liquid soap.
Tomato leaves insecticide
Did you know that tomato leaves can work as insecticides? Well, that's because they are packed with solanine and tomatine which have fungicidal, insecticidal, and pesticidal properties. It works amazingly against aphids and many chewing insects. Take two cups of tomato leaves and soak them overnight in about a liter of water. Strain this solution the next morning and spray it on your plants.
Chili pepper spray
Chili pepper works on all kinds of insects and pests as it is rich in capsaicin, which causes a burning sensation. To prepare this spray, mix one tablespoon of dried chile powder and one teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap with about a liter of water. Mix well, pour in a spray bottle, and then spray along the length of the affected plant.
Vegetable oil spray
Vegetable oil, when mixed with mild liquid dish soap, can yield damaging effects on insects including aphids, mites, thrips, etc. It suffocates them by blocking the pores from which they breathe. Simply take one tablespoon each of vegetable oil and soap and then mix well. Shake this solution thoroughly and spray it on the affected parts of the plant.
