How to Make Natural Pest Control Remedies for Home Gardening?
One of the biggest challenges in home gardening is protecting plants from pests and diseases. If you don't want to use chemical sprays and are looking for natural, cheap, and effective alternatives, then this article is for you.
Why is pest control important?
Pests like aphids, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars, etc. suck the sap of the plants, eat the leaves and affect the growth of the crop. If they are not controlled in time, the plant can be completely destroyed.
Homemade and Natural Pest Control Remedies
1. Neem Oil Spray
The most effective and famous home remedy.
Material:
Neem oil – 5 to 10 ml.
Water – 1 liter.
Liquid soap – 1 tsp (to mix the oil).
Method:
Mix everything together and fill it into a spray bottle.
Spray the plants 2 times a week.
Spray especially on the underside of leaves.
2. Garlic-Red Pepper Spray
These strong-smelling elements keep insects away.
Material:
Garlic – 10 cloves.
Red chilli- 2.
Water – 1 liter.
Liquid soap – 1/2 teaspoon.
Method:
Grind garlic and chili and mix them in water.
Keep it covered for 24 hours, then filter it and add soap.
Spray 1–2 times a week.
3. Lemon and orange peel spray
Citric acid is effective in repelling insects.
Method:
Boil lemon or orange peel in water.
When cool, filter it and fill it into a spray bottle.
Spray the plants every 3-4 days.
4. Use of coffee and tea leaves
These substances are bitter and odorous to insects.
Method:
Dry used tea leaves or coffee grounds and add them to the soil.
It not only repels insects but also works as a fertilizer.
5. Soap Water Spray
Damages the outer body of insects.
Method:
Mix 1 teaspoon of biodegradable liquid soap with 1 liter of water.
Spray with light hands.
Repeat twice every week.
NOTE: Do not use it in direct sunlight, or else the leaves may get burned.
6. Use of Wood Ash:
If you have a stove, fireplace, or wood-burning system, wood ash is an excellent pest control method.
Method:
Sprinkle the ashes directly onto the soil or lightly around plants.
It especially provides protection from leaf-eating insects, snails, and slugs.
Additional benefits: Ash contains potash, which helps in increasing the flowering and fruiting of plants.
7. Marigold and basil plants
Natural repellent plants are planted together to ward off insects, this is called Companion Planting.
How does it work?
The strong scent of marigolds keeps aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes away.
Basil is capable of repelling mosquitoes and flies.
Plants like mint, lemongrass, and garlic are also useful.
Plant these around your main plants, like tomatoes, chilies, brinjals, etc.
8. Milk and water spray
Yes, milk! Especially raw cow's milk. It acts as a natural antifungal spray.
Method:
1 part milk + 2 parts water.
Fill it into a spray bottle and spray it on the leaves.
Do it once a week.
9. Encourage Beneficial Insects
The smartest way to have natural bug control is to defeat pests with pests!
What are beneficial insects?
Ladybugs – eat aphids and scale insects.
Praying Mantis – Kills leaf-eating insects.
Green lacewings – enemies of aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.
Plant flowering plants like marigold, dill, fennel, and coriander to attract these insects.
10. Saltwater – limited but effective
Salt water works for small insects or snails, but be careful – too much salt can be harmful to plants.
Use:
In 1 liter of water, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Spray directly on the slugs or snails – not on the soil.
Pest control and environmental balance
Not all insects are bad – some insects, like bees and butterflies, help in pollination.
Indiscriminate use of pesticides can also eliminate beneficial insects.
Natural methods have a slow effect, but they provide permanent solutions and do not harm the soil.
Things to note when using it:
Never spray in bright sunlight – morning or evening is better.
First, test it on one leaf and then spray it on the entire plant after 24 hours.
Avoid using excessive amounts.
Do not water for 2 hours after spraying.
Conclusion: You now have your own garden doctor kit!
You can create an eco-friendly garden kit by using above materials mentioned above in this article. By adopting natural methods, you not only keep your garden safe but also protect nature. Now, whenever pests attack, you will be prepared – and that too without poison!