“Natural Garden Pest Control: Easy Homemade Solutions That Really Work”

Here are some natural garden solutions to deter common garden pests:

1. Neem Oil Solution

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons of neem oil
  • 1 gallon of water
  • 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap (helps the solution adhere)
• Instructions:
  1. Mix the neem oil and dish soap into the water.
  2. Stir well to ensure the oil and water blend properly.
  3. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to affected plants, focusing on both the tops and undersides of leaves.
• Effective Against:
  • Aphids
  • Whiteflies
  • Spider mites
  • Caterpillars
  • Mealybugs

2. Garlic and Pepper Spray

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 quart water
  • 1 teaspoon of dish soap
• Instructions:
  1. Blend the garlic and cayenne pepper in water.
  2. Let it sit for a few hours, then strain it to remove solids.
  3. Add dish soap to the strained liquid and mix well.
  4. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to plants.
• Effective Against:
  • Aphids
  • Flea beetles
  • Whiteflies
  • Slugs and snails
  • Tomato hornworms

3. Soap and Water Solution

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon mild liquid dish soap
  • 1 gallon of water
• Instructions:
  1. Mix the dish soap and water together.
  2. Pour into a spray bottle and apply directly to affected plants.
• Effective Against:
  • Aphids
  • Whiteflies
  • Mealybugs
  • Spider mites

4. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

• Ingredients:
  • Diatomaceous earth powder (food-grade)
• Instructions:
  1. Lightly dust the powder onto the soil and plant surfaces.
  2. Reapply after rainfall or heavy watering.
• Effective Against:
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Ants
  • Fleas
  • Cockroaches

5. Mint and Lavender Spray

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup dried mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup dried lavender leaves
  • 1 quart of water
  • 1 teaspoon dish soap
• Instructions:
  1. Boil water and add the dried herbs.
  2. Let steep for 30 minutes, then strain.
  3. Add dish soap and mix well.
  4. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to plants.
• Effective Against:
  • Aphids
  • Flea beetles
  • Mosquitoes
  • Spider mites

6. Citrus Spray

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lemon or orange (zested and juiced)
  • 1 quart of water
  • 1 teaspoon mild dish soap
• Instructions:
  1. Mix the citrus juice and zest with the water.
  2. Add dish soap and stir.
  3. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to plants.
• Effective Against:
  • Ants
  • Aphids
  • Whiteflies
  • Flea beetles
  • Mealybugs

These natural solutions help keep your garden healthy while avoiding harsh chemicals. Be sure to test any solution on a small area of the plant first to ensure there is no damage.