Natural Insect Spray For Plants (A DIY That Really Works!!)
Tired of pesky pests taking over your plants? Check out this amazing all natural insect spray for plants, made with all-natural ingredients like garlic and mint. Easy to make and use, this homemade garden garden spray was tested on badly attacked basil plants & a flowering vine and worked with only 2 applications! Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and hello to a healthier, greener garden.
“SIX Stars!! Oh my goodness…..this is the BEST insect plant spray I have come across!!! I was so tired of grasshoppers (or something) eating and destroying my dwarf cantas! They were still trying to bloom, but they looked awful! Mixed this and sprayed. THREE days later, my cantas have new, shiny, beautiful leaves again!! This stuff is AMAZING!” -Cheryl B.
Welcome to one of my most popular gardening DIYs: how to make a natural insect spray easily from pantry ingredients like garlic and mint – that actually works! Be sure to check out these other resources for more information on this bug repellent:
- 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, I’m SO excited to finally share with you the results of a get-rid-of-nasty-garden-bug experiment I’ve been conducting on my poor, bug-eaten basil plants and trumpet vine. 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 the issue (and losing plants or living with damaged plants).
- 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.
Because of this I created a spray (adapted from a Keeper of the Home article) to use on the basil, but didn’t really keep track of it (because I wasn’t sure it would work…), although I do remember that it did, in fact, work.
So the following year when our basil was hit particularly hard, as well as some marigolds I planted among the herbs and a trumpet vine growing up the gazebo nearby, I mixed up a batch, wrote it down this time 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!
DIY Natural Insect Spray For Plants: The Experiment
1. Bug Eaten Basil
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.
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.
2. Almost Dead Basil
Now, I had to share this with you as well, even though the photos were not taken in great light. The plant on the left, above, 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 actually 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, ha!), 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, 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.
3. Trump Vine 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.
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.
All Natural Insect Spray Video (with even more examples)
How to Make A Natural Insect Spray for Plants
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 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 (see recipe card below for exact measurements).
- Use a food processor or blender to grind up fresh mint and a LOT of garlic.
- Transfer the mixture to a large stockpot with 12 cups of water and some cayenne.
- Boil, remove from heat and let sit overnight.
- STRAIN with a fine-mesh strainer into a couple spray bottles or large gallon garden sprayer – add a couple squirts of biodegradable dish soap.
That’s it! Shake well before using and spray all over and under the plant’s leaves one time. See how the plant responds after a week or two and reapply if needed (I only need a couple applications before the plant is strong enough to withstand the bugs).
I’m so happy to share this with you 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 (Update: some commenters have said the garlic-pepper part did bother them, so when you’re boiling, use adequate ventilation.)
Testimonials and FAQs
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!
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Natural Insect Spray for Plants Recipe
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
Definitely going to make this and try it this year. Thanks!
I have an orchard of apple, pear, peach and cherry trees…being a bit new to the fruit harvesting do you think this would be an effective spray for these trees?
I don’t know that much about fruit trees (I have some, but woefully neglect them!), so I can’t answer this, Andrea. Sorry!
Do you mean 2 cloves or 2 whole bulbs of many cloves of garlic?
“2 whole HEADS garlic, cloves separated and peeled” – heads = bulbs in your question, Cheryl. 🙂
Has anyone tried this with mint essential oil instead of real mint?
I know I haven’t, Katie, but it’s worth a try to see how it works. Maybe just mix up a small amt. and do a test somewhere?
The Day Lilies, at our newly constructed home, became infested with aphids – so much so, the leaves were dropping and dying at warped speed. I truly felt that they were “done for” and needed to be removed. As a last attempt, and an experiment, I used your spray. HOLY MOSES..after only a couple of days, any and all aphids that came into contact with the spray, died. I couldn’t believe it! This stuff works, and I can’t wait to use it on our up and coming spring veggie garden. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Oh, MAN – yeah!! Score another for this amazing stuff – and THANK YOU for sharing so we know one more thing to use it for, Sandra. 🙂
We have the “Shield bug” here too…I think it’s called “stink bug” in US. Used the spray 4 or 5 days ago, with none seen again until this evening, did a re spray. Must admit, I failed to add the dishwashing liquid so maybe it didn’t “stick” to the leaves etc. will adjust tomorrow, but thought I’d say a big thank you from Melbourne Australia.
Thanks for letting us know how it’s working for you, Chris, and against what type of bug – that’s super helpful!
A quick update on the use of “Mint/garlic” spray. No more sightings of the pests, and had a thought on the remains of making the concoction…. I hate wasting anything, so thought I’d use the sifted remains and spread them around the base of the plants amongst the mulch… Can’t see it doing any harm…. Except to the bugs!
Awesome to hear about your results, Chris! Good idea about the sifted remains, too.
I had a horrible infestation of squash bugs last year. They would lay their little eggs on the backside of the leaves and everyday I would go searching for them and destroy them, yet the bugs won and just when my beautiful zucchini starting producing, they destroyed the plants one by one. Do you think it would work on them or have you any answers what to do with squash bugs? They look like stink bugs and after the zucchini was gone they started eating on the beans and tomatoes. I too do organic so I don’t want to spray anything I don’t have to on the garden as my 8 year old granddaughter runs through and eats it all raw and loves it, which is wonderful. Thanks for any input. Founds your website by accident and I love it. Will sign up for the emails. I live in cold Indiana!
Sorry for the comment delay, Jean, it was awaiting moderation by me. 🙂 I’ve heard many horror stories like yours from squash bugs – they are terrible, you’re right!! I haven’t dealt with them yet (I hope never…), but I do have bad cucumber beetles every year and while I didn’t do the test with my pole beans like I did with the basil for this post, I did talk about it in the video – it seemed to help and my beans were the best they’ve looked in years! So I would try it and hope that it works for you – and let us know, too, so we can get the word out on what it works on (if you remember)!
Thanks Jami,
I will definitely give it a try and let you know how it does. Happy Gardening!
how about tiny garden snails? do you think it will work on them, too? do you have any DIY recipes for getting rid of garden snails? Thanks!
I’m not sure if the smell would work on snails, Cindy, but you could try! I’ve had luck using diatomaceous earth (dusting on plants and ground around), crushed eggshells (encircling the plant or area), and trapping the snails/slugs with beer in tuna cans.
Salt or baking soda – sprinkled on snails and slugs dries them out
Copper tape – around base of plant or pot. Creates small electric shock to snails and slugs (don’t die)
Crushed egg shells – heavily applied throught your garden bed or around the outside.
Coffee in a spray bottle – spray directly onto slug/snail
Coffee grinds thought your garden
100% pureCaffeine powder in water solution – spray direct ontosnails and slugs. Speeds up their hearts and kills them, like coffee products
My grandparents used to put them in a bucket with salt
Hi, I just read this yesterday (so I can’t say that it works) You place slices and peelings of cucumber in aluminum pie pans (or anything aluminum) and place them in your garden to get rid of slugs and snails. Something about the way the cucumber reacts with the aluminum creates a smell that they can’t stand, but is undetectable to us. As I said, I haven’t tried it, but what have you got to lose ?? A few disposable pie tins & a couple cucumbers 🙂 And if it works,–Wow !! Good luck & if you try, let the rest of us know !! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Jami, looks like you had flea beetles. They are as small as a sesame seed, black, and jump away as soon as you get near, so they’re tough to diagnose. They have in the past eaten my basil and marigolds, like you. Then also they love kale, bok choi, radish and spicy lettuces like mesclun mix, or mustard. They inhabit the soil every year, and only proliferate IF you have something planted early during the egg hatch that they can feed and multiply on. And WHO DOESN’T have their lettuces planted early right?! Most people will notice a rebound in any surviving crops at the end of growing season, once the beetles go back down into the soil when it’s too cold.
Good thought, Tami, and it may have been, although the damage didn’t resemble the flea beetle damage in my main garden (lots of tiny holes instead of completely chewed leaves…). I’m just glad this worked and I’ll start earlier this season with it to try and head off any damage. :0
Okay so this year is going to be my first year to actually stick with gardening…the bugs drive me crazy, I get discouraged and quit. But I like the sound of this spray, can it be used as a preventative as well?
If you know you have a problem beforehand, Sarah, I don’t see why not since it didn’t seem to affect the plants at all. Let us know if that works!
But with watering my garden everyday would’nt it rinse the the spray off? Just wonering Thanks Virgina..
I mainly water at the base with soakers, Virginia, but it did rain and it seems to still be working! (Oh, and deeper, less frequent watering is supposed to create stronger roots and plants…)
How I wish I had kept up with my reading this summer – finding this might have saved me so much grief! Something – not sure what – devastated my okra, beans and several other crops. I know the hornworms got my tomatoes, but I never saw what got the rest 🙁
However, since I am in Florida, and the Fall and winter garden season is just getting underway, I shall be making up a batch of this ASAP to protect my new crops! If it works I will let you know 😉
Great, Sylvia – I hope you do remember to let us know, I really do want to know how it works for others since I was so amazed at the difference it made in my garden. 🙂
In your recipe you use (c), what measurement is this? Difference between American and English…sorry.
An American cup is an 8 oz. measurement but dry is a bit different. This doesn’t need to be exact for our purposes, so just use any medium sized mug or cup to measure your mint (or even just a large handful!). Hope that helps you, Evelyn!
Oh no problem Jami, I should have said dry lol. But thank you again, you’ve been very helpful. 🙂
Honestly I thought there was a difference since tea leaves look like they’ve been dehydrated, but thank you for answering my question. 🙂
Oh, dried mint leaves for tea! I didn’t get the dry part, Aida. 🙂 I think they are the same mint leaves and so should work fine, since you’ll be rehydrating them in the recipe.
Hi Jami, silly question but had to ask…. is itpossible to substitute crushed red pepper for cayenne and also mint tea leaves for the mint, just curious thanks. 🙂
I would think that would work, Aida, since it’s all boiled and steeped together. What’s the difference between mint and mint tea leaves, do you know? I always thought they were the same…
I have to say that since my mint patch is what I need the stuff for that this wouldn’t work for grasshoppers. They are devastating it. I am trying a hot pepper/garlic spray. Done it a couple of times, but not working. Any ideas?
Oh, those little buggers are hard to deal with, Cynthia! I don’t have anything yet for them, as they aren’t horrible for me yet. Sorry!
thanks anyway Jami. If I am left any mint, I will have to try this on other little critters in my garden.
Is it safe to assume that this will not harm my dog? I would like to have her spend more time outside but she seems to invite small flying insects which are causing a terrible rash. I was hoping to spray down her doghouse and the area in which eats and plays. At the present time I am using a combination of witch hazel and essential oils with only a modicum of success.
It would just be the smell of garlic and mint, Lexine, so it’s not harmful to dogs. I just don’t know if it will work on whatever’s bothering your dog – or if she would want to go into her house if it smelled – it might repel her like it does the bugs. 🙂
Try skin so soft from avon, I remember we used this on my dog when I was younger for the same reason and it worked like a charm.
Would you share the recipe and process?
Garlic is not recommended for dogs. I’d suppose that since your dog is not ingesting it it is probably ok but I would check with your vet before making any moves, just in case.
Hmm…..I’m curious if this would work on my oak trees and plants that have some sort of bug that comes along and contributes to the creation of black fungus. When the wind blows I end up with all this black soot on my patio. Serious pain having to sweep and wipe down everything on the regular. I tried the soapy water this past weekend and waiting to see results. But it rains quite a bit here in fl, especially during the summer months; worried that could of already been wiped out. This is worth a try.
It may be worth it for you, Geri, since I commenter (I think on Hometalk) said that the garlic is systemic, making it hold up better in rain than just soap, I’d guess.
Ty for this! Used on honeysuckle , sunflower, and Hausta!
Could you be more specific on how much two squirts of dish soap to use in the recipie? Thanks
It doesn’t have to be exact – I just press the bottle twice. If I were to guess it would maybe equal 1/2 tsp.?