Home Brewed Pest Control

There are many ways to reduce pesticide use in the home and garden. From home mixtures to introducing beneficial species, all is possible for the home gardener. This brochure will concentrate on non-toxic home remedies for insects and other pests. It will also provide pointers for those who wish to access more advanced information about species introduction or other forms of non-toxic pesticide control.

Spray bottle cures: Non-toxic pesticide sprays that can be made from ingredients readily available in the home.

Recipe
1
 All-purpose- Take an empty spray bottle and fill about 3/4 of the way with water, then add a few drops of Ivory liquid soap, some hot peppers or hot pepper sauce and some garlic. This works well, but needs to be reapplied after a storm and every couple of weeks.
Recipe
2
 All-purpose- Grind together three hot peppers. three large onions and one whole bunch of garlic. Cover mash with water and place in a covered container. Let container stand over night. Strain mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer and add enough water to make a gallon of spray.
Recipe
3
 All-purpose- Mix 2 1/2 tablespoons of a mild dish washing detergent plus the same amount of a vegetable cooking oil with one gallon of water. This can be sprayed on all plants. Remember to spray both the top and the underside of the leaves.
Recipe
4
 All-purpose- Finely chop 10 to 15 garlic cloves and soak in 1 pint of mineral oil for 24 hours. Strain and spray as is, or add a few drops of soap for extra stickiness.
Recipe
5
 All-purpose- Blend 1/2 cup of hot peppers with 2 cups of water. Strain and spray.
Recipe
6
 All-purpose- Combine 1 to 2 cups of rubbing alcohol with 1 quart of water. Test spray and let stand overnight to see if damage occurs to plant.
Recipe
7
 Orange trees and rosebushes- Soak macerated tomato leaves in water and apply as spray onto leaves and branches.
Recipe
8
 Red spider mites, spiders, cabbage worms and weeds- An ounce of table salt to a gallon of water has been shown to stop these pests. Use a tablespoon of salt to two gallons of water for the worms. Straight salt, especially in non-garden areas can stop weeds.
Recipe
9
 Snails- Setting out a tray of beer or any other yeasty, fermented liquid will attract snails from all around your garden.
Recipe
10
 Species specific- Collect 1/2 cup of a specific pest and mash well. Mix this with two cups of water and strain. Mix 1/4 cup of this "bug juice" with 2 cups of water and a few drops of soap and spray.