Organic Pesticides

With a large number of people being drawn toward environmental issues, the demand for organic pesticides is growing manifold. What are these pesticides exactly? They are pesticides, which are derived from natural sources. They are not manufactured synthetically. Apart from the natural pesticides, a number of green measures can be taken to keep the farms free of rodents and protect the crop in the process. Farmers can make use of different measures like insect traps, biological control, alternating the crops, etc. Now let's read about homemade organic garden pesticides.

Homemade Organic Pesticides

When there are a number of ways to make natural insecticides for vegetable gardens at home, why would we want to buy pesticides from the market? For cultivating organic food, pesticides are no doubt required. The best pesticides are the chemical free pesticides. They help in reducing the number of chemicals making their way into our systems. These pesticides can be made using simple ingredients normally available at home.

Tobacco Based Organic Pesticide
This is the most commonly used organic pesticide. It helps to get rid of worms, grubs and larvae. However, do not make use of this pesticide for tomatoes and egg plants, rather plants belonging to Solanaceae family. It will create harmful effects on the plants and may kill the plants in the process. The natural insecticide recipe to make tobacco based pesticide is as follows: To make this wonderful pesticide, combine one cup of tobacco leaves with 1 gallon of water. Let the leaves be in water for a minimum period of 24 hours. After the leaves have sufficiently steeped in water, let it remain till it assumes the color of dark tea. Then using a strainer, strain the mixture. Now pour the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray the pesticide on the plants as required for pest control.

Soap Based Organic Pesticide
This is probably the simplest of all pesticides. To make this pesticide, combine just 2 to 3 tablespoons of dishwashing soap with 1 gallon of water. Mix them well and then pour the mixture in spray bottles. Use the spray to spray on both the sides of the leaves. This spray will ensure that the pests no more feed on the plant and therefore are also not able to reproduce. Continue to spray the homemade pesticide for every 3 days for 2 weeks, so that no more pest population exists on the plants.

Chrysanthemum Flower Based Organic Pesticide
Pyrethrins is pesticide, which is made using chrysanthemum flower. This pesticide causes harm to the nervous systems of the insects, which causes death. However it is important to note, that they can also prove to be harmful to other good insects as well. Therefore, it should be when absolutely necessary.

Neem Based Organic Pesticide
This pesticide is made from neem tree extract. This tree is native to India and is known to have many medicinal properties as well. Neem extract contains elements, which can be of help to get rid of fungus and pests. Neem oil like neem extract can also be used. It can be used to control a variety of pests. This natural insecticide recipe also makes use of neem.

Garlic and Pepper Based Organic Pesticide
For a wonderful homemade pesticide recipe, you will require half a cup of garlic cloves, quarter cup of onions, 3 to 4 tablespoons of pepper and about 3 to 4 cups of water. Mix all the ingredients together in a glass jar. Place the jar in the sun for 4 to 5 days. This will help in steeping the ingredients well. Once all the ingredients are steeped well, strain the water into a spray bottle. Spray the pesticide on the leaves of the plants to get rid of the pests. If you do not have all the ingredients mentioned here, then you can make use of whole garlic or garlic oil. Mix it with water and spray it on the plants.

Among the other organic pesticides are marigolds, salt spray, buttermilk and flour spray, etc. If you do not have the time to make the pesticide at home, then you can choose to buy commercially made organic spray, but be sure you indeed have an organic pesticide, lest you cause harm to your plants and soil.