A wide variety of bug repellents are available for retail purchase, but these items can many times be too costly for our budgets. These products can also contain harsh chemical ingredients that can be harmful to ourselves, our families and our gardens, making it important to find alternative elements. Homemade bug repellents are a safe, inexpensive way to keep insects away from plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Garlic
Garlic is a strong herb that emits an unattractive odor to bugs. This makes the perfect bug repellent for your garden and plants. In a spray bottle, mix a solution of 2 cups water, 10 drops liquid dish detergent and 5 tablespoons garlic powder. Spray the solution directly onto plant leaves. The garlic will repel bugs, while the dish detergent will create an adhesive element that allows the spray to stick to plant leaves for an extended period of time. Repeat every one to two weeks as needed to keep bugs away from the garden.
Pepper
Pepper also emits a strong taste odor that bugs do not enjoy. Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or chili pepper all work effectively to repel bugs. Either sprinkle any of these powders around plants or mix a spray-on solution. For a spray-on repellent, mix 2 cups of water, 5 tablespoons of any of the above powder and 10 drops of liquid dish detergent. Spray onto plant leaves, and repeat as necessary to keep bugs at bay.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus also works to repel insects, making it the perfect bug repellent. In a spray bottle, simply mix a solution of 1 cup water and 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil, and spray directly onto plant leaves. Add an optional cup of rubbing alcohol, which can be found in any grocery store or drugstore, as well as 10 drops of liquid dish detergent to create an adhesive spray that will easily stick to plant leaves.
Tags: plant leaves, dish detergent, drops liquid, drops liquid dish, liquid dish, liquid dish detergent, onto plant