Pesticides are the only toxic substances we deliberately release into our environment to kill living organisms.
However, these chemicals don’t only harm their intended targets – pesticides have been linked to a growing list of health issues in humans, from headaches and nausea to cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurological problems. But you don’t have to let garden pests ruin your beautiful roses or juicy fruits and vegetables!
Fortunately, there are several natural alternatives that work effectively as organic pesticides.
Making a batch of garlic pesticide is quick and cost-effective.
If you’re using this garlic pesticide on your vegetable garden, avoid using it close to harvest time as it may affect the food flavours. To avoid destroying beneficial bugs, only spray the plant parts that are infested.
To make an Epsom salt spray:
This will work to burn slugs and beetles, ensuring they keep their distance. An easier option is to simply sprinkle the salts around the base of your plants, reapplying every other week. This will not only deter pests but will also increase nutrition absorption, as magnesium helps plant roots take up vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur.
This is a simple but effective spray, made using just two ingredients – soap and oil. It works by coating soft body insects in oil. The added soap helps the oil stick to the bugs.
White oil concentrate will keep for approximately three months in a sealed container or jar.
If you just need to tackle a small infestation, apply rubbing alcohol directly to the insects with a cotton swab soaked in the alcohol. Larger infestations mean the alcohol should be sprayed directly on the entire plant – including the stems, flowers and underside of the lower leaves. As alcohol evaporates quickly once exposed to air or sun, it should cause minimal damage to the plant. Repeat the application once or twice a week until the pests are no longer an issue.
To make this freshly-scented insecticide,
With these natural solutions, you can protect your plants while keeping your garden safe and healthy.