Killing Bugs Naturally and Keeping Your Kids, Pets, and Wildlife Safe!

Rosemary is a natural insecticide. 

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

Nowadays it’s easy to buy chemicals that will kill unwanted garden insects.  You save your plants from ruin, but at what price?  Many commercial insecticides contain chemicals that are not only hazardous to humans, but they are also dangerous for pets and for wildlife as well. Is there a safer and even a more economical solution? Yes, there is, and it’s potentially right in your pantry!

The following “recipes” will arm you with the ammunition you need to rid your garden of insect pests, and keep your children and pets safe from the effects of nasty chemicals.  All you’ll need is a spray bottle and some common household ingredients!

#1 - Mix 2 tbsp. baby shampoo to 1 gallon of water. Add 2 tbsp. cooking oil and stir to blend. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray all plant parts to control insect pests. Repeat every five to seven days.

#2 - Peel two cloves of garlic and four onions and chop coarsely. Place in the blender with 1 qt. water and 2 tbsp. cayenne pepper. Blend until the onions and garlic are pureed. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove particles. Add the mixture to 2 gallons of water. Mix in 2 tbsp. mild soap flakes and stir to dissolve. Apply to plants with a spray bottle and repeat as needed.

#3 - Fill a plastic half-gallon milk container with water, leaving about 2 inches at the top. Blend two or three strong chili peppers, such as habaneros or Thai chili peppers, in a blender with 1 cup of water. Next, strain the chili pepper as you pour the contents of the blender into the half-gallon milk container. Shake the container to distribute the pepper oils and let it stand for one day. Transfer the chili pepper mixture into a spray bottle when you're ready to use it.



 #4 - Place 4 ounces of fresh rosemary at the bottom of the clear glass jar. Pour in enough safflower oil to cover the herbs. Close the jar with the cover and place in a warm, sunny spot for at least two days.  Open the jar and pour oil through the strainer into the measuring cup. Discard the remaining herbs.  Pour 2 ounces of the strained oil into the spray bottle. Add 2 ounces of liquid soap and 8 ounces of water.  Shake bottle until mixture is blended. Shake the bottle before every use, because the components will separate.  Spray evenly over the plants to be treated. Hold the bottle at least 12 inches away from the plants when you spray.

Varying the “natural” insecticide you use can help its efficacy over time. Use one of these “recipes” for awhile, and then mix up another one.  You’ll save money and have peace of mind!