Using chemical sprays to control pests has proven to have many
seriously harmful damages on the natural environment and human health. Reversing
damages to ecosystems, plant and animal species, water contamination, crop
loss, and human health has cost billions.
However, there was a time when products like Roundup did not
exist and people used more natural methods to control pests. Biological Control
is the practice of using natural means to maintain pests and plants. There are
natural ingredients that can be used as effectively as chemical pesticides but
lack the harmful side affects. Using these alternatives can lower your
contribution to environmental pollution and economic cost by decreasing the
dependency on chemical pesticides.
Pesticide
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Ingredients
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Instructions
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Oil spray
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Combine 1 tablespoon dish soap + 1 cup cooking oil, add 4
tsp soap and oil mix to 1 pint of water
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Spray generously once every 7 days to control aphids,
thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies
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Baby shampoo spray
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Combine 2 tablespoons baby shampoo with 1 gallon water
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Spray generously and let sit for several hours before
rinsing off with water. Do use the spray in the sun of on plants with hairy
leaves
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Garlic Spray
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10-12 garlic cloves with 1 quart of water in a blender,
allow to sit for 24 hours, then strain mixture through a cheesecloth into a
jar and add 1 cup cooking oil. When ready to use combine ½ cup of garlic mix with
1 gallon water
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Apply liberally to plants. The scent of garlic keeps many
little pests away
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Red pepper spray
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Combine 1 tablespoon of red pepper powder, 6 drops of dish
soap and 1 gallon of water. Mix thoroughly
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Spray generously on plants for control of pests like
leafhoppers, spittlebugs, beetles, and loopers
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Salt spray
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Combine 2 tablespoons salt with 1.5 gallons of warm water,
allow to come to room temperature
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Spray generously to control spider mites, caterpillars,
cabbage worms, and chewing insects
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Citrus spray
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Boil 4 cups water, remove from heat, add 2 cups orange or
lemon peel, let cool and strain.
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Spray to repel white flies
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Peppermint tea spray
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Mix together 1 tablespoon peppermint essential oil with 1
quart water
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Spray liberally, repels ants
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Chrysanthemum flower tea
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Boil 100 grams of dried chrysanthemum slower in 1 liter
water for 20 minutes, strain and let cool
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Spray generously. Chrysanthemum has a chemical component
that attacks insect’s nervous system. Add organic neem oil for enhanced
effectiveness.
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