Creating a Chemical-Free Environment with these Natural Methods
7 Effective ways to Eliminate Garden Insect Pests without Harming Humans and Pets
Creating and maintaining a garden can be very rewarding as it offers so many benefits, but too often the homeowner is faced with having a war on their hands with the many uninvited guess or garden insect pests that seek to make a meal out of their garden plants.
This was my experience on many occasions, I remembered I would make these beautiful designs watching them grow healthy then out of nowhere it seem garden insect pests would appear which would cause me to go running for a chemical to eliminate them.
But what I have discovered over the years is that as great as these chemicals would be for treating these insect pests many of them were not environmental friendly contaminating the air, there was a particular chemical which I use at one time which caused a bystander having to seek medical treatment which was not good. I am sure if you did your personal research you would find similar stories.
Seek safer methods
The good news, however, is over the years a safer approach has been used to ensure that as we seek to eliminate garden insect pest the environment would be contaminated free which I think is a win-win situation. For example, insecticidal soap has made its mark because these garden insecticides are not only effective against soft-bodied insect pests but are safe to use around humans and pets.
But what else can we use that is safe which will rid us of garden insect pests? I am so happy that you asked, below we will be looking at products that we have around our home and even the kitchen which can be used to win the war on garden pest so if you are interested stick around you will be surprised and amazed that you have the answer right at your fingertip.
Natural repellent for garden pests
Soap Liquid
Soap liquid can have our kitchen wear clean, fresh and spotless, but do you know that kitchen soap liquid can also be used to eliminate garden insect pests. This was a method that I used over the use both in the garden and also on the interior.
Soap liquid can be used to eliminate a host of soft-bodied insect pests which some of them include aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, scales, etc.. To mix a solution of this mixture you will need a gallon bottle fill with water and add 2 tbsp of liquid soap, return the cap or cover to the bottle shake well then pour this mixture into a 32 0z spray bottle.
Before applying this natural repellent ensure that the spray nozzle is adjusted so the solution comes out fine and misty, coast droppings will not do test this solution by spraying a small portion of your plant near the bottom, wait a day or two to see if the leaves turn yellow. If the leaves show no negative signs then go ahead and spray the entire plant. As you apply this mixture get total coverage of both the top and underside of the plant leaves.
Allow this mixture to remain for about one and a half hours then rinse the plant with fresh water. Some persons may prefer to leave this solution without rinsing but I would rather play it safe because what can happen is the leaves may turn yellow and drop so play it safe and thoroughly rinse your plant. Wait for 7 days and apply again if insects are still active.
Just Water
Yes, you heard right just water, if you are having an aphid problem a strong spray of water will do the job. As long as the water is pressurized you will have success, pressurized water will knock aphids of your garden plants eliminating them. A garden attachment which is adjusted to jet stream will work wonders for you.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can deliver a painful experience, a mixture of 2 tbsp of rubbing alcohol to a 32 oz bottle filled with water sake well, and apply both to the top and the underside of the leaves. Apply this mixture early in the morning to avoid leaf burn due to the scorching heat.
Garlic
Garlic is a super herb that has a wonderful aroma while giving your foods that WOW. Garlic is one of my favorites, I have used this herb in many of my dishes over the years. Besides the great flavor, garlic has many medical benefits such as purifying your blood and fighting infections just to name a few.
But as pleasant as garlic is this herb is hated by many soft-bodied insects such as scales, aphids, mealy bugs, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers and will send them running.
To prepare this mixture cut up and blend a clove of large garlic until it turns to liquid. Let it sit overnight then strain, add a bit of cayenne pepper, and a drop of dish liquid. Stir this mixture thoroughly and add to a spray bottle. Shake well and you are armed and dangerous to win the war on these insect pests.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has been around for generations. As a child growing up I would hear the older generation talk about the power of the Epsom salt.
Epsom salt is effective in taking away aches and pains after a hard day’s work or a day at the gym, adding Epsom salt to your bath, soaking in it for about half an hour or more will help in giving you a good nights rest.
But do you know that this salt can be used in the garden benefiting garden plants in so many ways? Sprinkling Epsom salt around the base of your garden plants once a week will add magnesium to the soil which increases absorption of nutrients.
Epsom salt can also be used to eliminate beetles and slugs. Add half a cup of Epsom salt to 2 gallons of water let dissolve shake well and add to a 32 oz spray bottle and you are good to go.
EggShells
Eggs are popular, especially during the breakfast hour. Whether we are preparing them in the morning or purchasing breakfast on our way to work.
But do you know besides eating eggs, the shells also have a part to play in the life of our garden plants? eggshells can be used to add nutrients to the soil along with repelling garden pests.
Don’t trash the eggshells save them, allow them to dry then crash them. Scatter crash eggshells through your garden will keep slugs and snails away because the jagged edges will cut into the snails and slugs bodies delivering an unpleasant feeling which will keep them out of your garden.
Another benefit of eggshells in the garden is as shells breakdown it will enrich the soil by adding calcium which is good for garden plants.
Banana Peel
Bananas are loaded with vitamins besides other benefits that help to keep our bodies healthy and strong. This superfood is mostly eaten during the breakfast hour. But once you are finish feasting on this healthy fruit don’t trash the peel because the banana peel can also be used in your home garden.
Place a few dry banana peels around your rose bushes will repel aphids and as the peels break down it will add potassium to your garden plants because bananas are rich in potassium.
The final word
There you have it and just when you thought those eggshells or banana peel served no purpose. Our homes are loaded with natural garden insect pests repellents which will work in our favor. Don’t trash the gold but use it to save money while eliminating garden insect pests as you keep the environment clean. The use of these natural repellents is a win-win for us which I believe is pretty amazing.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.