Natural Pesticides You Can Use for Your Kitchen and Garden

Pesticides are known not just for its efficacy in dealing pests in houses, buildings, lawns and gardens. However, pesticides are chemicals that potentially impose damage and harm to you and other family members, and even to your plants and pets.

There are two ways on how to combat infestation: You can either hire a professional service like Springfield MO Pest&Bug Services that use safe and effective chemicals or create your natural pesticides at home. While the latter entails some time and effort, they are as effective as the chemicals you use.

We gathered safe and natural remedies for bugs and pests that you can try at home. These are all safe and effective both in your house kitchen and garden

1. Garlic

Garlic is an effective alternative because they have a pungent aroma, which effectively repels some type of pests. Their natural pungency is also not harmful to humans, making it a safe insecticide.

For this mix, you will need 1 head of garlic, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 2 tablespoons of mineral and/or vegetable oil. You will also need a blender or a food processor, and an empty spray bottle for a container.

Note: Avoid using dish soap that contains bleach.

To prepare, peel all the garlic cloves and puree together with the water, dish soap, and your oil. Let the mixture sit overnight and strain.

Spray on the infested plants.

You can also use onion as a garlic substitute for this spray.

2. Baking soda

Baking soda is known for its cleaning properties. There are two ways to prepare a baking soda mixture. You can use it as the main ingredient for a spray insect repellant, or you can also use its raw powder directly.

For a spray mixture, you will need 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 quarts of water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. You also need an empty spray bottle for a container.

Note: Avoid using dish soap that contains bleach.

To prepare, pour all the ingredients and mix them in the empty spray bottle. Mix thoroughly until the baking soda blends well with the other ingredients.

Spray on the infected plants/ kitchen areas.

Aside from a spray mixture, you can pour the baking soda (mixed with powdered sugar in 1:1 ratio) directly to the infested areas. Wait until pests disappear.

3. Chili and pepper

Just like the garlic/onion spray mix, chili peppers are a great ingredient to repel insects and pests. The hotter the pepper is, the better and more effective it is to repel different types of insects.

For this mix, you will need 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of chopped hot peppers (you can also directly blend or puree the peppers), and 2 tablespoons of dish soap.

Note: Avoid using dish soap that contains bleach.

To prepare, puree all the ingredients except the dish soap, and let it sit overnight. Strain and pour the dish soap into the spray bottle.

Note: chili peppers may burn your skin so it is advised that you use hand gloves while preparing and using the spray mix.

Spray on the affected plants.