Insects become pesty when they start to take over your garden and yard.
Insects are a constant during warm months. Most insects serve an important purpose in the ecosystem, but when their population becomes large and invasive, nature's helpers can become pests. Many commercial products are available to kill and repel insects in your garden, on your pets and on you. While these products are effective, they introduce poison chemicals into the environment as well as to you and your pets. Natural methods are just as effective in killing insects, and they save you money and chemical exposure. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Insects in the Garden
1. A spray bottle makes it easier to apply your insecticide directly to the site of the insects.
Pour 2 tbsp. liquid hand soap into a spray bottle. Add 1 quart water and shake the spray bottle to mix.
2. Spray the soapy solution on any flowers, vegetables or trees where insects are being destructive. Check the undersides of leaves, flowers and vegetation to make sure you haven't missed any insects. The soapy spray affects the insects' cell membrane, causing them to dehydrate and die.
3. Apply your soapy insecticide at least once a month to control the insect population in your garden. Rinse vegetables and fruits thoroughly with cool water before cooking or eating them so all the soap is removed.
Insects on Your Pets or You
4. Lemons are a natural insect repellent.
Create an all-natural insect killer to use on your pets and family. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Add six lemons, sliced in half, to the boiling water; then allow the lemons to sit in the cooling liquid for several hours or overnight.
5. Hold a strainer over a spray bottle and pour the lemon liquid through the strainer, into the bottle. Discard the lemon halves.
6. Spray your dog or cat's fur with the lemon liquid and rub in with your hands. Avoid spraying the spray near the dog or cat's face. Instead, spray some lemon insect repellent on your hands and rub it onto the fur around your pet's face, avoiding the eyes.
7. Spritz the lemon insect repellent onto your skin, clothing and hair to repel fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. This is especially effective when you're going to be in the woods or outdoors for long periods of time.
Tags: spray bottle, insect repellent, your garden, your pets, lemon insect, lemon insect repellent, lemon liquid