Homemade Non-toxic Bug Spray
From Kbwiki
The following recipe (original published in the USDA's Agricultural Research Magazine, November, 1992) works very well for control of mealybugs and other small insects on houseplants.
- Add one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent to one cup of vegetable oil (peanut, safflower, corn, soybean, or sunflower).
- When ready to use, shake this solution well and mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of it into 1 cup of water.
- Spray the mixture directly on insects, using a pump sprayer like the one that comes with plastic bottles of window cleaner.
- Check plants for insects every 7 to 10 days or so, and spray again as needed.
Note that the above recipe is for a concentrate which must be diluted before use.
The following is a simple recipe for 1 pint (500 ml) of solution which can be sprayed directly:
- 10 drops (0.5 ml) dishwashing soap
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cooking oil
- 1 pint (500 ml) water
Shake thoroughly before spraying.
