Homemade Natural Bug Spray for Plants {with Video!}

This natural bug spray for plants will keep your garden pest-free and thriving! Homemade with simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in minutes. The best part is it’s all-natural and non-toxic to humans, and so much healthier than most pest solutions out there.

If you are in the garden-planning stage and wondering where to put all your new pest-free plants, you’ll love this vertical garden solution perfect for decks. Or, try one of these 20 raised garden bed ideas that you can make in a weekend.

The joy of gardening is partly that there are so many options on what to grow! However, whether you are growing fragrant flowers, zesty herbs, or homegrown produce, one fact remains the same: pests in your plants can destroy your efforts!.

At the same time, you don’t want to douse your beautiful plants in chemical-laden, toxic-filled pest sprays. In fact, I work hard to make sure everything that goes into my garden is organic– from compost to soil to seeds. What’s a gardener to do?

Well, I’ll tell you exactly what you can do…whip up a batch of this super easy natural pest spray! Heck, I’ll even show you how with a quick video towards the end of this post.

DIY Natural Bug Spray for Plants

This simple DIY is a concoction that is natural, safe, effective—and easy on the wallet. You may even already have some of the supplies around your house.

Note: Before you read any further, please note that this post is about a DIY bug repellent for your plants only! No matter how “earthy” you are, you probably don’t want to douse yourself in a spray concocted of garlic and cayenne pepper. Well, maybe around Halloween, if you’re concerned about vampires. 😉

For a natural bug spray suitable (and effective) for humans, check out this homemade bug spray recipe.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 head of garlic, peeled and separated into cloves
• 1.5 cups fresh mint (use both stems and leaves)
• 1 teaspoon dried cayenne pepper
• 6 cups water
• 1 squirt of biodegradable dish soap

Additional Materials Needed:

• Food processor
• Large saucepan
• Strainer
• Spray bottle
• Label

Step by Step Directions for Making DIY Garden Pest Repellent

This pest repellent is so easy to put together! Here’s all you need to do:

1. Add garlic and mint to a food processor and pulse for a few seconds.
2. Add water to the pan and stir in the garlic/mint mixture and cayenne.
3. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit overnight.
4. Strain into a couple of spray bottles (or gallon garden sprayer) and add the dish soap.
5. Shake before each use.

How to Use the Natural Pest Spray

First, make sure to check out the weather forecast. Ideally, you want to use this spray in your garden on a cloudy (but not rainy!) day.

Make sure you shake well before each use. There is some separation of ingredients naturally, so just grab and shake until homogenous. Spray all the leaves on the affected plants, including the undersides.

Wait a few days and see how the plant is doing. If there is still evidence of pests, repeat the entire cycle and spray again.

If you use this spray on edible plants like herbs or produce, wait at least 2-3 days to harvest, so you don’t taste the spray.

How to Store Leftover Spray

If you have any leftover repellent, you’ll want to store it in the refrigerator to extend its life (since we didn’t use any unnatural preservatives!) You can store it for 2-4 weeks. Once you’ve made the spray, any necessary reapplications are a cinch.

Is this natural bug spray for plants considered safe for animals?

If you have pets, you’ll need to take special considerations. Garlic is considered to be toxic for dogs and cats, so you will need to keep household pets separated from the areas you treat. I would think that an animal’s natural instinct would keep them away, but it’s better safe than sorry!

Video: How to Make DIY Garden Insect Repellent Spray

Find handy tools for making this homemade spray right here:

If you’re looking to get your hands on those CUTE labels on the bottles, I’ve got you boo. Just click the box below and they’ll be delivered right to your inbox.

Let me know how well this homemade pest deterrent works for your yard and garden!

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