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    Home » Blog » Organic Gardening » Gardening Tips

    August 6, 2014 | By Jami

    Homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray (that really works!!)

    Jump to Tutorial

    Easy to make and use, homemade garlic-mint garden insect spray was tested on badly attacked basil plants & a flowering vine and worked with only 2 applications! This bug spray has continued to work in my garden as well as many reader's gardens, too.

    Homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray

    Welcome to one of AOC's popular gardening DIYs: how to make a natural garlic-mint insect spray easily from pantry ingredients- that actually works! Be sure to check out these other resources for more information on this spray:

    • a follow-up video showing how to make it, apply it, and how it worked on green beans, too.
    • a Frequently Asked Questions page with answers to most questions I've gotten, plus reader testimonials about how this has worked in their gardens - both good and bad.

    Okay guys, I'm excited to finally share with you the results of the get-rid-of-nasty-garden-bug experiment I've been conducting on my poor, bug-eaten basil plants and trumpet vine that I've shared a bit about before. I know I've teased you with my testing for long enough - we all deal with bugs, so I know you'll be as happy to see the results as I was!

    The background to this experiment is a tale known to many organic gardeners (and maybe even would-be gardeners who gave up when faced with seemingly destroyed plants?): years of either ignoring it (and losing plants or living with damaged plants) or trying many different remedies from diatomaceous earth (works on many things though tedious to apply, sometimes hard to find, needs a lot of reapplication, may kill good bugs) to soap and water (this never really did much in my garden).

    And for some reason, while I don't have much of a problem beyond cucumber beetles in our large, main garden (and most years I don't lose plants to them), our herb garden hosts something(s) that have eaten the basil every year since we added it to our backyard. I created this spray last year (adapted from a Keeper of the Home article) to use on them, but didn't really keep track of it, although I do remember that it worked.

    So this year when our basil was hit particularly hard as well as some marigolds I planted among the herbs and the trumpet vine growing up the gazebo across the path, I mixed up a new batch, wrote it down and documented in pictures so if it really did work, I could share it with you.

    And you're not going to believe how well it worked - in fact, as I was putting this together I was thinking I was going to have to add disclaimers on the photos like "I promise these really are the same plants" or something, so you'll believe me!

    The Natural DIY Garden Insect Spray Experiment

    Bug-Eaten Basil Before and After homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray

    So I'm pinky-swearing or whatever you need from me: the three photos in the collage above really, honestly are the same plant from beginning to four weeks later. I know, can you believe it?

    And also honestly: even after 20 years of growing things, seeing stunted, bug-eaten plants like my poor basil makes me want to throw in the towel sometimes. It's just...ugh. These were three basil plants that I grew from seed, nurturing them along and to see them look like this in just a few weeks after planting out? It's hard.

    And so I sprayed my homemade garlic-mint spray all over that poor plant, but I didn't really think it was much for this world. It had only one growing tip left, but seriously, look at it (above left) - who would give that guy a chance?

    Well, I started seeing results within days - new growth! After a week I still was a bit skeptical - was that old bug-bitten leaves or new? But by week 2, I knew we had a winner and I snapped a picture before applying one more light spraying and then waiting another 2 weeks.

    Bug-Eaten Basil After homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray

    Look at this beautiful, healthy basil plant! There's a bug-bite here and there, but I can live with that (and we organic gardeners do, often, a-hem), but most of the new growth is blemish-free and I've started harvesting and making our not-so-secret-ingredient frugal pesto to freeze.

    Most Bug-Eaten Basil Before and After homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray

    Now, I had to share this with you as well, even though the photos were not taken in great light. This plant on the left was the worst of the three basils - stunted beyond anything I had seen with every growing tip eaten off and the remaining leaves were hard and leathery.

    It was so bad I did dig it up and was just about to drop it in the compost (which I probably would've done if I hadn't been planning on sharing this with you all), but at the last minute I planted it in an empty spot out in the main garden, spraying it with the garlic-mint spray. And while it took longer to rebound (duh, I would, too!), I took the photo on the right just a few days ago, hardly believing what I was seeing.

    Is this stuff a miracle worker, or what? I should probably mention, too, that when I applied it the first time, we got a ton of rain the following week and I was sure it wasn't going to work.  Garden M-I-R-A-C-L-E.

    Trumpet Vine Insect Damage

    And, you can probably see where this is going (should I have saved all the afters for the end? I was just too excited to share with you!) but here we have a reminder of the trumpet vine damage. This insect (I still don't know what - I've never seen anything so it must be nocturnal) ate leaves like other bugs, but seemed to zero in on the new growing tips, which is a sure way to kill a plant.

    Trumpet Vine After Garlic-Mint Spray

    And now the vine is growing like trumpet vines are supposed to (that would be out-of-control, for those not familiar with trumpet vines, ha!), full of lovely leaves and new growing tips. I think this thing has grown 3 feet in just a couple weeks, that's how much the insects had stunted it.

    Homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray

    So, are you dying to know what is in the spray and how to make it? It's super easy and uses easy-to-find (or grow) ingredients - I created it up by combining a couple of sources, none of which had a clear 'recipe' (I credited one source above) so I'm writing it out for you so you can make it whenever you need it.

    I'm so happy to gift this to your garden, because I think you're going to love it as much as I do. Oh, and the mint? It makes this smell good - no yucky concoction here for you to suffer through.

    Don't forget to read the Testimonials & FAQ where you'll find answers to the most common asked questions as well as results from those who've used it!

    Homemade Garlic-Mint Natural Garden Insect Spray - An Oregon Cottage
    Print Pin
    4.54 from 71 votes

    DIY Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray

    An all-natural homemade garden bug spray for vegetable and flower gardens that is quick to make and easy to use - and really works!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Additional Time1 d
    Total Time1 d 10 mins
    Makes: 12 cups
    Author: Jami Boys
    Cost: $2

    Tools

    • Food Processor
    • Large Stockpot
    • Strainer
    • Spray Bottles

    Materials

    • 2 whole HEADS garlic, cloves separated and peeled
    • 3 cups mint leaves and stems, too – I just throw it all in now
    • 2 teaspoons dry cayenne pepper
    • 12 cups water
    • 2 small squirts of biodegradable dishwashing liquid

    Instructions

    • Add the garlic and mint to a food processor and pulse for a few seconds.
    • Transfer mixture to a large pot and add the cayenne and 12c. water.
    • Bring to a boil; remove from heat and let sit overnight.
    • Strain into a couple spray bottles (or gallon garden sprayer) and add the two small squirts of dish soap.
    • To Use:
    • Shake well before each use.
    • Spray all the leaves on affected plants, including the undersides – preferably on a cloudy day so as not to burn the plants.
    • Wait a few days to see the effect and then apply more if needed (many times I’ve only needed to do one application)

    Video

    Notes

    – This is like a pepper spray, so you should protect your skin and eyes like you would when using any hot peppers, although the potency is less because it only uses dried cayenne.
    – Wait a few days to harvest after using so there isn’t any spicy residuals (I only used 2 applications the whole summer, so there never was any taste to the produce).
    – This spray works mainly  by repelling bugs, though if they rub against it, it may kill them.
    – The scent keeps bugs away, but I still had plenty of ladybugs and bees in my garden, maybe because I only used the spray a few times.
    Get more answers to questions AND see how it's working in other's gardens on the Garden Spray FAQs.
    Did you make this?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!

    Looking for more easy gardening ideas? Those are my favorite kind:

    • How to Plant a Garden the Easy Way
    • Organic Vegetable Gardening 101
    • Easy Organic Weed Control

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    About Jami

    Since 2009 Jami Boys has been helping readers live a simple homemade life through whole food recipes, doable gardening, and easy DIY projects on An Oregon Cottage. From baking bread, to creating a floor from paper, to growing and preserving food, Jami shares the easiest ways to get things done. She's been featured in Cottages and Bungalows, Old House Journal, and First for Women magazines as well as numerous sites like Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post, and Apartment Therapy.

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. nancy says

      August 30, 2021 at 1:37 am

      2 stars
      Didn't really see any good results. Maybe I need to spray more or less? Not sure.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        August 30, 2021 at 3:22 pm

        It may not work on the bugs you have, Nancy.

        Reply
    2. Thelma Tolentino says

      June 19, 2021 at 6:33 am

      can I use dried mint?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        June 21, 2021 at 12:46 pm

        It's not as strong smelling, so you may have to add more. Just be sure you can actually smell it (along with the garlic, that is!).

        Reply
    3. Lizzie says

      May 25, 2021 at 6:57 am

      Hi!
      I having trouble getting my hands on caenne pepper at this moment.
      I have malaguetas at home (similar hot chilli pepper, different species of capsicum), would it work the same?
      thank you?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        May 27, 2021 at 10:57 am

        It should, Lizzie, as long as it is a hot pepper variety.

        Reply
    4. Kimberli says

      May 09, 2021 at 1:36 pm

      Question, if i dont have food processor or blender, can i just smash up mint in bowl and can i use already minced garlic i got at store in jar, maybe just less of it?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        May 11, 2021 at 12:22 pm

        Yes, as long as it's broken up enough to steep well, that's fine. I'd actually use more of jarred garlic since it's not as strong smelling as fresh and it's the smell we're wanting to keep the bugs away.

        Reply
    5. Michelle Brooks says

      February 02, 2021 at 2:39 am

      I couldn't believe the photos that you shared are the same bug eaten plants. I have the same problems with my garden. But after reading this. Now I can get rid of those bugs. Wait lady bugs! until I made this garlic mint spray. Thank you for sharing this to us. Definitely will try this.

      Reply
    6. Lauren says

      November 17, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      My indoor wax plant / hoya was outside this summer and now has some yellow aphids.
      You think your garlic mint spray will do the trick with out harming the plant? Need to spray under side as well, right? How many spray do you use per application? Then wait and see?
      THX!

      Lauren

      Reply
      • Jami says

        November 17, 2020 at 5:45 pm

        Hmm, I've never seen it hurt a plant, but not sure if aphids would care about this. Usually you can just use a good spray of water to get aphids off. I would take the plant outside and spray it well to knock them off and then bring it inside.

        Reply
    7. Terri says

      November 15, 2020 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      I made and sprayed this over the summer and it worked REALLY well at keeping bugs at bay. Thank you. 🙂 Wondering if there are any plants that this should NOT be used on? (anything react negatively to peppermint or garlic?)

      Reply
      • Jami says

        November 18, 2020 at 9:13 am

        Glad this worked for you, Terri! I personally haven't found anything it hurts, but I've had a couple readers tell me it has burned some of their plants (have you checked out the FAQs and testimonials?).

        Reply
    8. Stephanie says

      October 30, 2020 at 11:58 pm

      I've got a pot on the stove as im writing this, this year my garden is infested with small slugs snails tiger slugs due to the very wet weather at present they really are having a field day in my garden have been trying alsorts I mean alsorts, im really looking forward to trying this and hope I can save many plants and seedlings will let you know how I get on.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        November 02, 2020 at 3:24 pm

        Well, let me know how it goes - I haven't had much success with this on slugs because they don't care about the smell. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Tam says

      October 19, 2020 at 5:40 pm

      Hi there. I can’t spare 3 cups of mint. I wonder if this would work without it?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        October 20, 2020 at 9:00 pm

        Probably not as good. If you can get mint extract, it may work.

        Reply
    10. Melissa says

      October 13, 2020 at 6:07 am

      I sprayed recipe on my basil plants at night so it would not burn in the sun but in the morning they are covered in brown patches. Do you know what would have caused that?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        October 20, 2020 at 9:13 pm

        No, as you can see from the photos, my plants didn't do that. Where are you located? Basil right now in northern areas are starting to brown from the weather... could that be it?

        Reply
        • Melissa says

          October 21, 2020 at 8:01 am

          I’m in South Florida so actually we are at the beginning of our garden season. Summer months are too hot to start plants. Maybe 2 “squirts” was too much squirt on my part??

          Reply
          • Jami says

            October 26, 2020 at 10:45 am

            Maybe for your area.

            Reply
          • Karen says

            July 11, 2021 at 4:18 pm

            I also used this on my roses waiting to see but they look better. Do we need to respray when it rains

            Reply
            • Jami says

              July 12, 2021 at 12:10 pm

              Yes, it would need to be reapplied if there is still damage from bugs.

    11. Helen Mackenzie says

      September 19, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      Thankyou so much Jami. This will fix my problem of basil and other herbs getting chewed by predatory bugs. I am hoping that it also keeps fruit fly out of my yard. Thanks again Helen mackenzie Australia.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 21, 2020 at 9:29 am

        Yes, hopefully it will work on your bugs there like it did on mine!

        Reply
    12. Wendy says

      August 07, 2020 at 10:44 am

      Can I use something other then the biodegradable dishwashing liquid

      Reply
      • Jami says

        August 10, 2020 at 8:07 pm

        No, it needs to be dishwashing liquid to help the spray stick to the leaves and I'd only use biodegradable for plants we want to eat.

        Reply
    13. dawn says

      July 28, 2020 at 8:16 am

      Thanks for the recipe! I did try it! I have a question: do you store it in room temperature, or in the fridge? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 28, 2020 at 11:58 am

        Room temp is okay for a few days, but for longer storage refrigerating might keep the potency longer.

        Reply
    14. Deb Sansom says

      July 21, 2020 at 10:24 am

      I just sprayed a homemade Neem oil spray on my garden. I've been invaded by cutworms and leafhoppers. However, I did mix some of this Garlic Mint insect spray and will try it in a few days. The Neem oil hasn't worked very well for me so I'm hoping this garlic mint spray will do the trick! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 23, 2020 at 11:19 am

        Gosh, hope this works for you Deb!

        Reply
    15. Paul says

      July 17, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      I am trying a soap, veg oil, mint, cayenne, garlic (power) mix tonight.

      I hope it works

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 17, 2020 at 5:36 pm

        Hmm, I haven't tried the oil - let us know if it works!

        Reply
    16. Behzad Jamshidi says

      July 17, 2020 at 5:39 am

      That is great, how often should I spray my cucumber plants so the beetles do not destroy the plants.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 17, 2020 at 5:40 pm

        You just need to do it once, see what happens after a few days and spray again as needed, always waiting to see.

        Reply
    17. Emee says

      July 13, 2020 at 10:34 pm

      I have a plague of earwigs this year, they are eating everything! I am going to give this a try! Thank-you so much for posting it, I will let you know how it goes. 😊

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 17, 2020 at 7:29 pm

        Hopefully this will work for those pests, Emee!

        Reply
    18. Ling says

      July 12, 2020 at 4:00 pm

      Thank you, it looks very doable and nice to see something without oil, even cold pressed Neem Oil.
      1, Will this work on tomatoes? I kept seeing tiny hols on my leaves but no bugs, and now I see tiny tiny green bugs and teensy white things (eggs?) on the leaves, very minimally - I'm hoping to use on my edible container garden plants which are in close proximity to each other.
      2. Is dry cayenne better than fresh small chili peppers?

      Thank you again!
      Ling

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 13, 2020 at 11:04 am

        If it's whiteflies or flea beetles, this should work for the tomatoes. If it's tomato hornworm, I'm not sure. I've only used the cayenne since it was easier to get and the heat is consistent.

        Reply
    19. Allison says

      July 10, 2020 at 3:44 pm

      Trying your recipe this weekend. Something has enjoyed my black eyed Susan's all the way to the stem. I live in Richmond, Va. Hoping for the same results you had! Thanks for posting.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 13, 2020 at 11:27 am

        Fingers crossed - let us know how it does!

        Reply
    20. Elsie says

      July 07, 2020 at 5:57 pm

      Can you use this recipe on diseases Rose's and other flowers?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 10, 2020 at 12:38 pm

        No, it's not for diseases, just for repelling insects.

        Reply
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