You can control common household and garden pests with safe, non-toxic pesticides that you can make from common household ingredients.
Pests in the garden and home are a problem common to all of us. While chemical pesticides are one answer, many people try to avoid them out of concern for the environment, their family and pets and their budget. If you would like to use safer more natural pest control methods you can. By concocting natural pesticides from common household ingredients you will be saving yourself money, preserving the environment and ensuring the saftey of your family and pets.
GARDEN PEST CONTROL
Mites and aphids:
In a blender combine 1/8 cup chopped garlic, 1/8 cup chopped hot peppers, 1/8 cup chopped onion, 3/4 cup water. When completely blended strain through a sieve. Add 1/4 cup wood ash 1/8 cup hydrated lime. Place in spray bottle. Spray all surfaces of plant leaves. Do not water immediately following application.
Deer repellant:
Using a common household cheese grater, grate up Irish Spring Soap. Place shavings in an old pair of pantyhose and hang from bushes where deer are foraging.
Cut Worm Deterrent:
Cut worms are caterpillars that often attack newly transplated vegetables, cutting them off at the top. A simple ring made from light cardboard cut in three-inch wide strips placed around each seedling will protect them from this pest. Place the collar so that one inch is below the surface of the soil and make it wide enough so that it clears the plant by at least 1/2 and inch.
More Aphid Control:
Dip leaves of affected plants in soapy water.
or
Plant nasturtiums. Nasturtiums repel aphids from neighboring plants and add a splash of color to your garden as well.
Slugs:
Place shallow saucers of beer around garden. Slugs love beer and will drown.
or
Put salt on the slugs.
HOME PEST CONTROL
Fly Paper:
Boil 2 cups milk, 3 Tbs. pepper, 4 tablespoon sugar for 5 minutes. Cut a brown paper bag
into strips about 2 inches wide and 3 feet long. Roll up strips. Let coils soak in mixture until wet through. Let dry on cutting board. When dry, hang from where ever you have flies.
Fly eliminator beverage:
Simmer 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar and 2 Tablespoons pepper for 15 minutes. Pour into shallow saucers. Flies will drink it up and soon die.
Roach Killer:
Combine 1 cup of borax with 1/4 cup of white sugar. Place in shallow containers such as inverted jar lids in areas where you have roaches.
Roaches tend to like high places so be sure to place on top of cabinets as well.
Black Ant Killer:
Use the same recipe as for roaches.
Moths:
Place mint tea bags in your closet or drawers. Mint repels the moths. Cedar chips work well too.
Fleas:
Place an aluminum pie pan filled with water and a few drops of soap near pet's bedding. Suspend a light or place a gooseneck lamp about 6 inches above over the pan of water. Fleas will be attracted to the light, hop off your pet and drown. The soap prevents the fleas from hopping across the surface of the water and returning to your pet. It also helps to vacuum frequently (vacuum your pets too if they will let you).
These suggestions should help you get a good start on controlling pests in your home and garden. Remember: the health and saftey of your family and your world is important. However, we don't need to suffer needlessly from unwanted visitors in and around our homes.
