DIY Natural Insect Repellent for Plants
At Planted Places, we grow organic food, refrain from harmful chemicals on our plants, and use regenerative gardening methods. From time to time, we need to get rid of pests, and when we do, we make our own natural insect repellent.
If you’re looking to give unwelcome pests the boot, try our homemade pest repellent. It uses safe ingredients like peppermint castile soap and garlic oil to protect precious pollinators and drive away pests.
Say goodbye to chemical-laden products and embrace the power of nature as we explore effective and eco-friendly ways to keep those pesky bugs at bay. When gardening, our DIY insect repellent recipes will become your trusty companions in warding off unwanted visitors. Let's dive in and discover how to protect yourself and your plants the natural way.
How Does Natural Insect Repellent for Plants Work?
In our recipe, the strong-smelling ingredients work as "olfactory deterrents" and will help repel various pests. Many plant-eating bugs dislike the smell of peppermint and garlic. In addition, the repellent's pungent smell can help disguise your plants from pests like aphids, birds, and even rabbits!
Apply it regularly for best results, as it washes off easily in rain or moisture. Spray in the early morning for pests that are active during the day or evening to deter nocturnal pests. Avoid applying this spray during the heat of the day. Be sure to test it first on a single leaf before spraying the whole plant. Then, wait a day to observe the results, and if it looks good, apply them to the entire plant.
Natural Insect Repellent Recipe
Ingredients
- Garlic oil (homemade or store-bought)
- Peppermint castile soap (We like Dr. Bronner’s brand)
- 1 cup water
Equipment
- Small spray bottle
Directions
In your spray bottle, incorporate 1 tablespoon of garlic oil and 1 teaspoon of peppermint castle soap. Add water. Shake vigorously before each use to thoroughly combine ingredients.
NOTES
Use a spray bottle: Utilize a clean and empty spray bottle to mix and store your DIY insect repellent. This will make it easy to apply the repellent evenly on your plants.
Garlic oil and peppermint castile soap: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of garlic oil and 1 teaspoon of peppermint castile soap into the spray bottle. Garlic oil helps repel insects, while peppermint castile soap acts as a natural surfactant to help the ingredients mix well with water.
Dilute with water: Fill the spray bottle with water, leaving some room at the top to shake the mixture thoroughly. Diluting the ingredients with water ensures that the repellent is gentle on plants while still effective against insects.
Shake vigorously before each use: It's essential to shake the bottle vigorously before each application to ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This will help distribute the repellent evenly and maximize its effectiveness.
Test on a small area: Before spraying the entire plant, it's recommended to test the DIY insect repellent on a small, inconspicuous area of the plant. This will help ensure that the plant doesn't have any adverse reactions to the repellent.
Apply as needed: Spray the DIY insect repellent directly onto the leaves and stems of the plants or around the affected areas. Reapply the repellent as needed, especially after rainfall or heavy watering, to maintain its effectiveness.
Remember, natural insect repellents may need to be reapplied more frequently compared to chemical alternatives. Enjoy the benefits of a plant-friendly and eco-friendly solution as you protect your cherished plants from pesky insects.