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Make Your Own Natural Insecticide08-11-15 | News

Make Your Own Natural Insecticide
Recipe Calls for Household Ingredients

Do you have an aversion to using chemical-laden insecticides? WFAA sister station KARE in Minneapolis compiled some helpful tips to create bug sprays made with natural ingredients.

It's a major bummer when your plants' leaves start to get holes chewed in them or your lettuce leaves seem to disappear faster than they can grow. Here's a natural solution you can make quickly with some household items you already have in your kitchen.

Two versions of natural insecticide are easy to make and effective in eradicating insects. Version #1 Ingredients consist of one quart water, 1 tsp. liquid soap (biodegradable, scent and dye free) and 1 tsp. canola oil (optional). Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and spray on plants, making sure to coat the undersides of the leaves.

Version #2 contains the following ingredients: two onions, roughly chopped; 20 cloves garlic, peeled; 1 tsp. powdered cayenne pepper or two whole cayenne peppers, chopped; 1 tsp. liquid soap (biodegradable, scent and dye free); 4 cups warm water.

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend well. Pour into a glass jar and steep for 24 hours. Strain liquid into a spray bottle using a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Spray on plants, making sure to coat the undersides of the leaves. (Warning: this does not smell pleasant.)