Difference between revisions of "Homemade Non-toxic Bug Spray"

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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.
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The following recipe (original published in the USDA's [http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/ 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).
 
*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.
 
*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.
 
*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.
 
*Check plants for insects every 7 to 10 days or so, and spray again as needed.
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Note that the above recipe is for a concentrate which must be diluted before use.
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The following is a simple recipe for 1 pint (500 ml) of solution which can be sprayed directly:
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* 10 drops (0.5 ml) dishwashing soap
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* 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cooking oil
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* 1 pint (500 ml) water
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Shake thoroughly before spraying.

Latest revision as of 22:27, 6 February 2008

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.