Organic Pest Control Recipes

Find Organic Pest Control Recipes and Products That Really Work

The true impact of using chemical pesticides is a concern for many gardeners. What are the long-term effects of gradually adding toxins to your plants, neighborhood, family, health and the environment? By using organic, you can avoid this type of collateral damage. Organic pest control recipes and products don’t contain chemical pesticides or man-made chemicals. They rely on natural ingredients that do not persist in nature the way chemical pesticides do. In fact, organic products will help improve your soil, because they are in greater harmony with the planet.

Is your garden out of control? Are pests literally eating the fruits of your labor?

You have basically two options if you want to grow an organic garden. You can listen to the experts and purchase an effective organic pest killer, or you can experiment with organic pest control recipes.

Organic pest control recipes, as well as commercial products, are a safe, clean and eco-friendly option for decreasing the unwanted guests in your garden.

A Word to the Wise…

Organic pest control recipes are a short-term solution to your pest problems. Their effectiveness depends on the severity of the infestation and the type of pests you’re trying to control. Care should be taken when using multiple organic pest control recipes; you may accidentally kill your beneficial insects, as well as damage your ecosystem. Today, there are many effective insect killers on the market that help control a wider spectrum of pests while safeguarding your soil, plants and the environment. In addition, commercial organic products offer faster and long-term results.

Here are a few organic pest control recipes that you can try at home. The ingredients for all organic pest control recipes can be found in your grocery store or at your local florist.

Organic Pest Control Recipe #1 – Pyrethrum Insecticide

Grow or buy pyrethrum daisies when they are in full bloom. Dry them upside-down in a dry, dark place. Once dry, crush the flowers into a powder using a mortar and pestle. Finer powder will be more effective against insects, although it deteriorates more rapidly. To create a spray, soak 1/3 ounce of powder in 3 quarts of water. Add 3 teaspoons of sesame oil to increase the effectiveness. This organic pest control recipe in spray form gives no more than 48 hours of protection. This can be effective against mosquitoes and a number of other garden pests, but results vary with any home-made solution.

Organic Pest Control Recipe #2 – Alcohol Spray

Make a spray by combining ¾ cup of isopropyl alcohol with ¼ cup of water. Test on a few plants first. If the recipe kills the pests without leaf damage, go ahead and spray further.  This organic pest control recipe can be effective against aphids, thrips and white flies.

Organic Pest Control Recipe #3 – Garlic Spray

Finely chop three cloves of garlic and place into 2 teaspoons of mineral oil for 24 hours. Then add a half-quart of water, straining the mixture into a jar. To make a spray, take 2 tablespoons of the concentrated mixture and add to a ½ quart of water, then apply to the entire surface of a plant. This can be effective against aphids, white flies and some types of caterpillars.

Organic Pest Control Recipe #4 – Salt Spray

Add 2 tablespoons of salt to 1 gallon of water and apply to plants. Test on a few plants first. This organic pest control recipe can be effective against cabbage rot flies and red spiders.

Organic Pest Control Recipe #5 – Elder Spray

Boil 16 ounces of elder leaves with 1 quart of water. Cool, strain and dilute. Spray on plants to keep flies away.

Test All Organic Pest Control Recipes Before Using

As you can see, you might need a few organic pest control recipes to kill all the pests in your garden. You also have to use caution. Test all organic pest control recipes on a few plants before you spray on your entire crop. When mixing the recipes, be careful to add the right amount of each ingredient, especially with alcohol and salt sprays. By adding too much, you can risk damage to your plants. Some trial and error might be necessary to find an organic pest control recipe that works for your problem. Also, remember that home-made solutions need reapplied more often than commercial products.

Forget the Fuss! Purchase an Organic Pest Killer and Get the Job Done

Today, effective organic insect killers are widely available to gardeners who wish to avoid chemical pesticides. The best pest killers rely on powerful ingredients such as Pyrethrins and potassium salts.  Just one of these insecticides will kill a variety of pests plaguing your garden, including aphids, caterpillars, tomato hornworms, bean beetles, asparagus beetles and leaf hoppers. Certified organic products carry the Organic Materials Review Institute-listed®(OMRI) and USDA-approved National Organic Program seals and are safe to use up until the day of harvest. In addition, organic pest killers break down naturally into components which are beneficial to your plants and the planet.

Gardening Tips to Keep Pests Away

Rotate your crops year to year so you do not attract the same bugs and diseases.
Tidy up plant debris at the end of the growing season.
Know your enemy. Learn about common pests and how to combat them.
Know your enemies’ enemy. Introduce beneficial insects into your garden.
Use rich soil to strengthen your plants so they can fight insects and diseases.
Use homemade compost. An organic compost starter can help you get started.
Keep plants pruned.

Growing an organic garden is easier today than ever.  Try a home-made solution, or take the more effective route with a commercial product. Go organic and protect the planet! Happy, healthy gardening!