Say Goodbye to Unwanted Friends
Many people will turn to store-bought pesticides for a quick fix when it comes to looking after your indoor and outdoor spaces and preventing them from pest infestation. This can be problematic due to the various dangerous implications of using chemical pesticides in and around your home. Frequent exposure to chemical pesticides has already been associated with increased illnesses and health effects. As a result, more and more people are turning to “do your own pest control" options.
Did you know that your kitchen is full of natural pesticides for your garden you can do yourself? Yep, it is true — they are super budget-friendly, too! We’re here to show you how to make them, along with certain prevention tactics you can use before a potential infestation takes over your home or garden.
Prevention Tactics to Use for DIY Pest Control
Before you go down the do-your-own pest control route, consider some preventative tactics to implement beforehand. Discouraging pests from visiting your home or garden in the first place is ultimately the best defense.
Plant With Healthy Soil
Using natural compost methods and top-dressing your soil with natural fertilizer is the best way to grow healthy, strong plants.
Pull Out Weeds
Before planting any new plants, remove all weeds and other dead plants, as they may already be infected and impact your new plants’ growth.
Use Seaweed Spray
Seaweed is a great way to look after your plants due to its abundance of nutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium, enhancing healthy growth in your plants and repelling slugs!
Reduce Pest Habitats
Regularly remove the weeds and debris out of your garden as this is a typical breeding ground for insects and other pests.
Rotate Crops
Often, insects are plant-specific. Therefore, if you plant various plants in one section of your garden, you are less likely to encounter a pest infestation.
Keep Greenery Dry
Remember to water your plants early on in the day, so foliage stays dry most of the day. If it remains wet, this encourages pests to visit and destroy your plants.
Disinfect Tools
If you have recently been dealing with infected plants, be sure to clean and disinfect your tools before moving onto the next area of your garden.
Put Up Fencing
Use chicken wire as a protective fence to prevent larger pests, such as rabbits and rats from entering your plants’ habitat.
Natural Products to Use for Do-Your-Own Pest Control
Nature has an abundance of natural remedies we can use to prevent and control pests, and here are some of our favorites:
1. Baking Soda
The beauty of do-your-own pest control is how common these products are in most, if not all, households. For this homemade fungicide, simply mix baking soda, biodegradable dishwashing soap, and water inside a spray bottle. Regularly spray your plants to keep them growing healthy while deterring any unwanted pests. The bonus? There’s absolutely nothing harmful in this pest control, so your family and pets are totally protected!
2. Peppermint Oil
Aside from their various healing qualities, essential oils are a helpful pest deterrent — especially peppermint oil. Mix a few drops with some water to make a do-your-own pest control that you can spray indoors or outdoors. It’s great for keeping ants and flies out of your home and it smells amazing! For outdoor pests such as rodents, soak cotton balls in pure peppermint oil and place them in your garden where you frequently see them — they are allergic and will avoid it at all costs!
3. Garlic
DIY pest control just got even easier! Garlic is a brilliant vegetable used to help deter unwanted pests while keeping your plants healthy. All you need to do is mix three cloves of garlic with some mint leaves, cayenne pepper, and water into a spray bottle. Spray on damaged plants to help them repair quickly and deter more bothersome pests. After an application or two, your plants should be happy and glowing once again!
4. Neem Oil
When it comes to organic and natural pesticides, neem oil is one of the most utilized and most effective solutions. Mix cold-pressed organic neem oil with some water and shake inside a spray bottle. Spray your plants once or twice and monitor the number of pests over time. Typically, two treatments are enough to rid your plants and garden of pests and will leave your plants to thrive in peace!
5. Chrysanthemum Flowers
Similar in taste to chamomile, chrysanthemum flowers are a delicious alternative to the popular calming tea and they make for a brilliant do-your-own pest control solution! The plant contains a powerful chemical known as pyrethrum, which is said to damage the nervous system of insects and other pests. Simply boil some of the dried flowers in a pot of water for 20 minutes, strain it and wait for it to cool. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray it on your affected plants.
When to Hire a Professional
Hiring a professional pest control company is typically a last resort for most homeowners. With that being said, if you think your pest infestation is out of control and your natural pest controls have stopped working, it’s time to call a professional.