Home made Insecticides 2


Welcome back for the second part of this interesting topic.

I hope you've enjoyed the debate as much as I did delivering it to you in my previous article "Using Insectides" and that you have rationalised the way you use chemicals and pesticides in your garden and on your plants.

I would encourage you to consider all the good insects in your garden - and - incorporate their usefulness into your plan in controlling the real pests.

Or, consider that the pests you encounter are so minimal in the everyday scheme of nature and their overall effect that you can afford to ignore them and let them also enjoy their place in the environment.

Difficult isn't it? Yes, it's hard to change our old habits and mind set but it's really worth the effort in the long run.

Well now. Are you willing to give it a try?

Here again, is a continuation of our collection of remedies using herbs and natural products. As previously stated, I have not tried them all, so I cannot personally guarantee their success. If you try them, let me know, or, share with me, your own methods that you use, so that others may benefit also.

Last article,we finished with a Garlic Spray. Here is another to start us off:

Garlic Spray (2)
Chop 85 g garlic. Don't bother to peel it. Soak it in 2 tablespoons of mineral oil for 24 hours. Add 600 ml water to which 7 g of soap has been dissolved (or as soapy a solution you can make). Strain and store in glass not metal, away from the light. Dilute with ten times the amount of water to begin with; then make it stronger if it isn't effective. The smell isn't as bad as you would expect and it doesn't linger when sprayed.
Garlic spray can be used as a general insecticide in a wide range of situations, but its effect is variable, very effective sometimes not at all at others. Possibly harsh, arid conditions make it less effective. Remember, it is not a contact poison and must be eaten to be effective.

Garlic Spray (3) - General Insect Spray
Crush three unpeeled heads of garlic and 90 ml (3 fl oz) liquid paraffin. Place in a bowl, cover and leave to stand for 24 hours. Melt 15 ml (1 tbsp) grated , oil-based soap in 500 ml (17 fl oz) hot water. Blend the garlic mixture with the soap mixture. When cooled, strain into a glass jar or bottle and seal. Keep it in the refrigerator. To use, dilute about 20 ml (4 tsp) of this solution in 2 litres (4 pints) of cold water. Spray fortnightly.

The copyright of the article Home made Insecticides 2 in Bulbs & Plants is owned by Bill Richardson. Permission to republish Home made Insecticides 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic