10 Homemade Organic Pesticides
Ever wonder what farmers did hundreds of years ago to fight off crop pests? Long before the invention of harmful chemical pesticides (yes, the kind that is linked to cancerous cellular activity), farmers and householders came up with multiple remedies for removing insect infestations from their garden plants.
The following list will offer some of our favorite, all-natural, inexpensive, organic methods for making bug-busting pesticides for your home garden. Make sure to buy certified organic ingredients or, obviously, your pesticide won't be organic!
1. Neem
Ancient Indians highly revered neem oil as a powerful, all-natural plant for warding off pests. Neem juice is even one the most powerful natural pesticides on the planet, containing over 50 natural insecticides. You can use this extremely bitter tree leaf to make a natural pesticidal spray.
To make neem oil spray, add 1/2 ounce of high-quality organic neem oil and 1/2 teaspoon of a mild organic liquid soap (I use Dr. Bronners Peppermint) to two quarts of warm water. Stir slowly. Add to a spray bottle and use immediately.
2. Salt Spray
For treating plants infested with spider mites, mix 2 tablespoons of Himalayan crystal salt into 1 gallon of warm water and spray on infected areas.
3. Mineral Oil
Mix 10 to 30 ml of high-grade organic mineral oil with one liter of water. Stir and add to spray bottle. This organic pesticide works well for dehydrating insects and their eggs.
4. Citrus Oil & Cayenne Pepper
This combination works well on ants. Mix 10 drops of citrus essential oil with 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 cup of warm water. Shake well and spray on the affected areas.
5. Soap, Orange Citrus Oil, & Water
To make this natural pesticide, simply mix 3 tablespoons of liquid organic Castile soap with 1 ounce of Orange oil to one gallon of water. Shake well. This is an especially effective treatment against slugs and can be sprayed directly on ants and roaches.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
A great natural pesticide for flies, bees, and wasps. Simply sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus oil where the insects are found. They will all be gone before you know it.
7. Onion & Garlic Spray
Mince 1 organic clove of garlic and 1 medium-sized organic onion. Add to 1 quart of water. Wait an hour and then add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap to the mix. This organic spray will hold its potency for one week if stored in the refrigerator.
8. Chrysanthemum Flower Tea
These flowers hold a powerful plant chemical component called pyrethrum. This substance invades the nervous system of insects, rendering them immobile. You can make your own spray by boiling 100 grams of dried flowers into 1 liter of water. Boil dried flowers in water for twenty minutes. Strain, cool, and pour into a spray bottle. It can be stored for up to two months. You can also add some organic neem oil to enhance the effectiveness.
9. Tobacco Spray
Just as tobacco is hazardous to humans, tobacco spray was once a commonly used pesticide for killing pests, caterpillars, and aphids. Mix 1 cup of organic tobacco (preferably a brand that is organic and all-natural) into 1 gallon of water. Allow the mixture to set overnight. After 24 hours, the mix should have a light brown color. If it is very dark, add more water. This mix can be used on most plants, except those in the solanaceous family (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc.)
10. Chile Pepper & Diatomaceous Earth
Grind 2 handfuls of dry chiles into a fine powder and mix with one cup of diatomaceous earth. Add to 2 liters of water and let sit overnight. Shake well before applying.
If you know some easy recipes for making your own organic pesticides, we would love to hear them. If you are concerned about your exposure to chemicals in your home or the environment, consider performing a cleanse. While many cleanses will help, I recommend our Chemical and Heavy Metal Cleanse Program™. This 30-day program will detoxify your body from harmful heavy metals and toxic chemicals using zeolite-based liquid extract (Heavy Metal & Chemical Cleanse) and Dr. Group, DC's Organic Detox Foot Pads™.
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†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
