29/12/2024
There are several homemade insecticides that you can make with natural ingredients to protect your plants from pests without resorting to chemicals. Here are some easy and effective recipes:
1. Garlic insecticide
Garlic is a natural insect repellent and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Recipe: Crush 3 cloves of garlic and mix them with 1 liter of water. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, strain it and add 1 teaspoon of neutral soap to increase effectiveness. Spray the mixture on affected plants, especially on the underside of leaves where pests usually hide.
2. Potassium soap (or castile soap) insecticide
Potassium soap or castile soap is a safe and gentle way to eliminate insects such as aphids, mealybugs and mites.
Recipe: Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap (or potassium soap) with 1 liter of water. Spray the mixture on the affected plants, making sure to cover the leaves, stems and roots if possible. The soap dissolves the membranes of the insects and eliminates them without harming the plants.
3. Chili and pepper insecticide
The combination of chili and pepper is an excellent insect repellent.
Recipe: Mix 1 tablespoon of chili powder or red pepper with 1 liter of hot water. Let it rest for a few hours and strain it. Add 1 teaspoon of neutral soap so that it adheres better to the plants. Spray the mixture on the plants, especially where pests are found. The spiciness irritates insects and scares them away.
4. Neem Oil Insecticide
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that fights a wide variety of pests and also has fungicidal properties.
Recipe: Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 liter of water and 1 teaspoon of neutral soap. Spray it on the affected plants, covering all the leaves well, including the underside. This insecticide is effective against mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and more.
5. Alcohol insecticide (isopropyl alcohol)
Isopropyl alcohol is very effective at eliminating pests such as scale insects and mites, as it dries out the insects and their eggs.
Recipe: Mix 1 part isopropyl alcohol (70%) with 1 part water. Spray it directly on visible pests, but be sure to test a small area of the plant first to make sure it doesn't cause damage. It is a good treatment for persistent pests, but use sparingly.
6. Citrus peel insecticide
Citrus peels (lemon, orange, etc.) contain essential oils that can repel insects such as aphids and whiteflies.
Recipe: Place citrus peels (about 4-5 orange or lemon peels) in 1 liter of hot water. Let it sit for 24 hours, then strain and spray it on the plants. This repellent is natural and safe, but may not be as powerful as other insecticides.
7. Mint and rosemary insecticide
Herbs such as mint and rosemary have natural repellent properties for many pests.
Recipe: Boil a handful of mint and rosemary leaves in 1 liter of water for about 10-15 minutes. Let cool, strain the mixture and spray on the plants. This insecticide helps repel insects such as mosquitoes, aphids and spider mites.
8. Vinegar and water insecticide
Vinegar can help eliminate insects such as ants, mosquitoes, and aphids.
Recipe: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Spray it on the leaves and stems of affected plants. Don't use too much, as vinegar can affect the pH of the soil.
