Homemade repellant

Welcome, fellow green thumbs! If you’ve ever found yourself in a battle with garden pests, you know the struggle is real. But fear not, my organic gardening pals! Say goodbye to chemical warfare and join me on a journey through the wonderful world of natural pest-busting remedies. We’re talking about everything from neem oil ninja moves to the fantastic friendships between basil and tomatoes. Let’s sprinkle a bit of magic (and maybe some diatomaceous earth) on our gardens and watch those pests make a polite exit. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s chat about banishing bugs the eco-friendly way! This is our Top 10 homemade pest repellants for your organic garden.

Did you know that the history of pest control dates back to ancient civilizations? In ancient Egypt, around 2500 BC, cats were revered not only for their companionship but also for their pest-control prowess. Egyptians recognized the feline talent for keeping grain stores free from rodents. Fast forward to ancient China, where around 1000 BC, farmers used predatory ants to protect citrus orchards from pests. The concept of utilizing natural predators for pest control has deep roots, and it’s fascinating to see how our ancestors creatively tackled the age-old challenge of keeping their harvests safe and sound.

Top 10 Homemade Pest Repellant For An Organic Garden

Each item on this list will have a link to an already pre-made alternative, if you need it in a time crunch or don’t feel like going through the process of making it at home.

Neem Oil: Natural Pest Control for Your Garden

Ingredients:

  • Neem oil
  • Mild liquid soap
  • Lukewarm water
  • Spray bottle

How to Make:

  1. Mix 1 tbsp neem oil with 1 tsp mild liquid soap.
  2. Add the mixture to a quart-sized container and fill with lukewarm water.
  3. Shake well to create an emulsion.

How to Use:

  1. Choose early morning or late afternoon to spray affected plants.
  2. Move desirable items away from the spray zone.
  3. Coat leaves, stems, and soil thoroughly with the neem oil mixture.
  4. Repeat every 7-14 days for consistent pest control.

This DIY neem oil spray offers a natural and effective solution to protect your garden from pests, ensuring your plants thrive in a healthy environment.

A pre-made organic option can be found here!

Diatomaceous Earth Barrier for Pest Control

Needs:

  • Diatomaceous earth
  • Duster or powder applicator

How to Apply:

  1. Choose a Dry Day:
    • Apply diatomaceous earth on a dry day to maximize its effectiveness.
  2. Protective Gear:
    • Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the fine particles.
  3. Even Application:
    • Using a duster or powder applicator, evenly spread diatomaceous earth around the base of plants and on the soil surface.
  4. Reapply as Needed:
    • After heavy rain or irrigation, reapply diatomaceous earth to maintain the barrier.

Diatomaceous earth acts as a physical barrier against crawling insects, causing them to dehydrate and perish.  This is also a great defense against Fleas! Just sprinkle it in your carpet and vacuum it up to help keep your furry friends safe!

You can buy some Diatomaceous Earth Here!

Garlic Spray for Natural Pest Repellent

Pepperspray for Vampires!

Needs:

  • Fresh or pre-peeled garlic cloves
  • Water
  • Blender
  • Strainer or cheesecloth
  • Spray bottle

How to Make:

  1. Peel Garlic:
    • Peel a handful of garlic cloves.
  2. Blend with Water:
    • Place the peeled garlic cloves in a blender and cover with water.
    • Blend until you have a smooth, garlic-infused liquid.
  3. Strain the Mixture:
    • Strain the mixture using a strainer or cheesecloth to remove solid particles.
  4. Fill the Spray Bottle:
    • Transfer the strained garlic liquid into a spray bottle.

How to Use:

  1. Spray on Affected Plants:
    • Spray the garlic solution on plants affected by pests, covering both sides of the leaves.
  2. Repeat as Needed:
    • Reapply the garlic spray every 7-10 days or after rainfall to maintain its effectiveness.

Garlic spray acts as a natural deterrent, making your plants less appealing to pests. This DIY solution is not only effective but also safe for your plants and the environment.

You can buy some here!

Companion Planting for Pest Control

Needs:

  • Knowledge of companion planting pairs

How to Implement:

  1. Research Companion Plants:
    • Identify plant combinations that naturally complement each other in deterring pests. For example, planting marigolds with tomatoes can help deter nematodes.
  2. Strategic Planting:
    • Integrate companion plants throughout your garden, considering the specific needs and preferences of each species.
  3. Diversify Plant Types:
    • Mix in flowers, herbs, or other vegetables known for their pest-repelling properties.
  4. Observe and Adjust:
    • Regularly monitor your garden for signs of pests and observe how different plant combinations impact pest activity.

Companion planting leverages the natural relationships between plants to create a balanced and pest-resistant garden. By strategically choosing plant companions, you enhance the overall health and vitality of your crops while minimizing the need for chemical interventions.

Beneficial Insects for Pest Control

Might seem a little odd but you can actually buy live insects online.  I will leave a link to purchase 1500 live lady bugs below.

Needs:

  • Access to a garden supply store or online retailer offering beneficial insects
  • Understanding of which beneficial insects target specific pests

How to Introduce Beneficial Insects:

  1. Research Beneficial Insects:
    • Identify which beneficial insects are effective against the pests in your garden. Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles are popular choices.
  2. Purchase and Release:
    • Acquire beneficial insects from a reputable source.
    • Release them strategically in your garden, focusing on areas with pest issues.
  3. Create a Hospitable Environment:
    • Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that can harm beneficial insects.
    • Provide habitat elements like flowering plants to encourage these helpful insects to stay.
  4. Monitor and Assess:
    • Regularly observe your garden for changes in pest populations and the presence of beneficial insects.

Introducing beneficial insects into your garden is a proactive and natural approach to pest management. By inviting these allies, you create a dynamic and self-sustaining ecosystem that fosters a healthy balance between pests and their predators.

Here is that link I promised to 1500 Live Ladybugs.

Homemade Pepper Spray for Pest Control

Needs:

  • Hot peppers or cayenne peppers
  • Water
  • Liquid soap
  • Blender
  • Strainer or cheesecloth
  • Spray bottle

How to Make Pepper Spray:

  1. Prepare Peppers:
    • Chop a handful of hot peppers or cayenne peppers, removing seeds for milder spray.
  2. Blend with Water:
    • Place the chopped peppers in a blender and cover with water.
    • Blend until you achieve a well-mixed, spicy liquid.
  3. Strain the Mixture:
    • Strain the pepper liquid using a strainer or cheesecloth to remove solid particles.
  4. Add Soap:
    • Mix in a few drops of liquid soap to help the spray adhere to plants.
  5. Fill the Spray Bottle:
    • Transfer the strained pepper solution into a spray bottle.

How to Use Pepper Spray:

  1. Spray on Affected Plants:
    • Apply the pepper spray directly to plants suffering from pest infestations.
  2. Reapply as Needed:
    • Repeat the application every 7-10 days or after rainfall to maintain its potency.

Pepper spray serves as a natural deterrent, utilizing the heat of peppers to dissuade pests. This DIY solution provides an effective and environmentally friendly means of safeguarding your garden.

You can buy some pre-made pepper spray here!

Essential Oil Spray for Pest Control

This one is similar to a shotgun.  You can put in whatever oils you want to combat the specific pest in your garden and take care of them all in one spritz.

Needs:

  • Peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oil
  • Water
  • Spray bottle

How to Make Essential Oil Spray:

  1. Select Essential Oil:
    • Choose an essential oil known for its insect-repelling properties, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender.
  2. Mix with Water:
    • Add a few drops of the selected essential oil to water in a spray bottle. The concentration depends on the oil and your preference.
  3. Shake Well:
    • Shake the bottle well to ensure the essential oil is thoroughly mixed with water.

How to Use Essential Oil Spray:

  1. Spray on Affected Plants:
    • Spray the essential oil mixture on plants affected by pests, covering both sides of the leaves.
  2. Reapply as Needed:
    • Reapply the essential oil spray every 7-10 days or after rainfall to maintain its effectiveness.

Essential oils serve as a fragrant and effective way to repel pests naturally. This aromatic solution not only keeps unwelcome visitors at bay but also adds a pleasant scent to your garden.

Beer Traps for Slug Control

My grandpa used to tell me that a can of Busch can solve anything.  Didn’t think it would apply here.

Needs:

  • Shallow containers
  • Beer

How to Set Up Beer Traps:

  1. Select Containers:
    • Choose shallow containers, such as small dishes or lids.
  2. Place Containers in Soil:
    • Bury the containers at ground level near plants that are prone to slug infestations.
  3. Fill with Beer:
    • Pour beer into the containers, filling them about halfway.
  4. Check and Empty:
    • Regularly check the beer traps and empty them as needed.

How Beer Traps Work:

  1. Attract Slugs:
    • Slugs are attracted to the beer’s scent and crawl into the containers.
  2. Drown in Beer:
    • Once inside, slugs drown in the beer, providing an effective and natural control method.

Beer traps are a simple and effective way to reduce slug populations in your garden without resorting to chemical solutions. Regular maintenance ensures ongoing slug control for your plants.

Soap and Water Solution for Soft-Bodied Insects

Needs:

  • Mild liquid soap (such as dish soap)
  • Water
  • Spray bottle

How to Make Soap and Water Solution:

  1. Mix Soap and Water:
    • Combine 1-2 teaspoons of mild liquid soap with a quart of water in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake Well:
    • Shake the bottle well to create a soapy solution.

How to Use Soap and Water Solution:

  1. Spray on Affected Plants:
    • Spray the soapy water on plants affected by soft-bodied insects, ensuring coverage on both sides of the leaves.
  2. Rinse Plants:
    • After a few hours, rinse the plants with water to remove the soap and prevent any potential damage.

This simple soap and water solution is an effective remedy against soft-bodied pests like aphids. It acts by disrupting the insect’s cell membrane, ultimately leading to their demise.

Mint Tea Spray for Pest Control

Needs:

  • Fresh or dried mint leaves
  • Water
  • Spray bottle

How to Make Mint Tea Spray:

  1. Brew Mint Tea:
    • Steep a handful of fresh or dried mint leaves in hot water to create a strong mint tea.
  2. Cool and Strain:
    • Allow the tea to cool and strain out the mint leaves.

How to Use Mint Tea Spray:

  1. Fill the Spray Bottle:
    • Pour the mint tea into a spray bottle.
  2. Spray on Plants:
    • Spray the mint tea on plants to deter pests.

Mint tea serves as a refreshing and aromatic solution to keep pests at bay. The natural compounds in mint act as a deterrent while adding a pleasant fragrance to your garden.

Mint Spray can be found here!

Conclusion

All of these options are effective methods of home remedies for pest control, especially in your organic garden.  It is important to go with the options that best suits your needs and are most comfortable with.  I would always double check that the method you choose it safe for the animals and critters you want to be near your garden safely.