Natural Pesticides

Pests infesting the gardens or farms is not a new phenomena. These pests have been troubling mankind from time immemorial. Although chemical pesticides is the norm these days, using natural ones is recommended for better health of the plants as well as the soil. For organic pesticides, you will not have to go looking for ingredients, as most of the ingredients are often easily available at home as well. Before, we find answer to the question, what are some natural pesticides, we will see what are they exactly.

What are Natural Pesticides?

The substance which kills or disrupts the growth of organisms like weeds, harmful insects, microbes, etc. that are harmful to the plants are known as pesticides. The pesticides can either be made from chemicals or from natural ingredients. The pesticides made from other organisms or from natural source like minerals are the natural or organic pesticides. There are many benefits of using these for vegetables or fruits or for gardens in general. One of the most important benefit of these pesticides is that majority of them are eco-friendly and safer as compared to the chemical based pesticides.

Which are Natural Pesticides?

These pesticides for gardens are able to repel insects as well as kill mold, mildew, fungus, etc. When you are using these pesticides, it is important that you use them correctly for you to see the effects of these pesticides. If these pesticides are not used correctly, you may not be able to get rid of the pests infesting your garden. We will now see the organic garden pesticide, which can easily be used in your gardens.

• Garlic: It can be used for natural insect control, as well as insect repellent, pest control in the gardens, etc. A simple homemade organic pesticide recipe with garlic is to soak 3 to 4 ounces of garlic bulbs in 2 tablespoons of mineral oil. Keep the mixture as side for a day. Add 1 teaspoon of fish emulsion to a pint of water and stir well. Now add the fish emulsion mixture to the garlic mixture, strain the mixture and store the mixture in a glass container. Mix the mixture with water in the 1:20 parts of water. Spray it on the plants, which need pest control measures.
• Boric Acid: It is available in liquid as well as powder form. It can be used against termites beetles, carpenter ants, etc. They have also proved to be beneficial for getting rid of cockroaches.
• Basil: If you are looking for a truly organic pesticide, then the basil tea is the best option available. Boil 4 cups of water, then add about 1 cup of fresh basil leaves to water and let the leaves steep in water, till the water cools down. Once the water cools down, strain the tea and add 1 to 2 teaspoon of liquid detergent to the tea and spray pesticide on the plants.
• Salt: For organic pest control, combine 4 to 5 tablespoons of salt with 1.5 gallons of warm water. Dissolve the salt in water and keep it aside for it to cool down. When the mixture comes down to room temperature spray the mixture. It is best used against caterpillars, cabbage worms, spider mites or even chewing insects.
• Diatomaceous Earth: If your garden is infested with ants, snails, etc. diatomaceous earth should be sprayed on the topmost layer of the soil. It should also be sprayed around the plants.
• Citrus Pesticide: Take about 2 cups of any citrus peels. Boil about 4 to 5 cups of water. Add citrus peels to the water, cover it and keep aside till it cools down. Strain the mixture and spray the pesticide to get rid of the pests. It may look like a simple natural insecticide recipe, but it is one of the best recipe as well.

The natural pesticides, alternatives to chemical pesticides are able to take care not only of the plants, but also of the soil. This ensures you have a healthy garden, which is free of any chemicals. If after the use of natural pesticide, you are not able to get rid of the pests, then you may have to seek professional help.