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
Could I use peppermint essential oil instead of mint leaves?
You can try, Amanda, but I don’t know the equivalent ratio – do you? I’m thinking should work the same!
Is using this solution safe for most all plants? I’m looking to treat ponytail bonsai infested with root mealy bugs.
I haven’t found it to harm any plant I’ve used it on, Jason, but don’t have that plant. Maybe test a part?
I wonder if this would protect roses from a greedy locust?
It seemed to work on Japanese beetles last year on my roses, Niki – it just may!
It worked greatly on my cantaloupe, Jami! I followed your instruction except for mint. Because I couldn’t find it in market, I replace it by Cuban oregano. Although some leaves were burn slightly, I defeated aphids at undersides and an unknown leaf necrosis. Interestingly, I could control a fungus disease within only infected leaves by your mixture too.
SO great to know this, Khoi – thanks for letting me know!
Saw you on Hometalk–pinned and going to give it a try! Thanks!
Thanks so much for this recipe. I know I’m a little late on this comment board, but I just found this on Pinterest. Mint also repels fireants and garlic is a natural antibiotic. The soap portion is to make sure the mint/garlic/pepper won’t just roll off the plant and into the soil.
In our commercial nursery and chemical store, we sold a product called “Spreader Sticker”, which acted just like the liquid soap does in this recipe. I do know that the soap can make the plants very susceptible to sunburn and/or wind burn. Great recipe!
Debbie… (0;
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Thanks for your comment, Debbie, that’s very helpful to know! It may be a plant-by-plant issue, but I’ve not noticed sunburn on the basil plants.
can this be used on a aquaponic system meaning will it harm the fish?
Sorry, Frank, I know zero about fish and how this would affect them!
Just wondering if your spray is dangerous to beneficial insects such as bees? I’d like to try something for my plants getting nibbled on but I’m afraid to use this since you said it could kill Insects that rub against it.
Thanks!
SB
It mainly repels by smell and I have hives on my property and they haven’t been affected, so I say, yes, it’s okay for beneficials! (I’ve never seen dead bugs, so I don’t know if it is strong enough to kill even if the bug ingests it – which bees do not).
Awesome idea, I have just started a herb/veggie garden and want a organic way to deter pests. I’m in Australia i don’t think we have Dawn soap. If i use a natural/Organic dish soap would this work ?
Hi Sarah! I don’t use Dawn soap either, not sure where you saw that – maybe in the comments? Anyway, I only use a biodegradable soap which is natural/organic so yes, that’s perfect!
I wonder how it would work with my apple tree and cherry trees? has anyone tried fruit baring trees?
I haven’t, Andrea, but I tested it on roses this year and it worked for me.
Thanks, i think its worth a shot. most the apples left are riddled with different creatures lol i saw an earwig crawl out of one the other day.. couldnt hurt to experiment now for next years crop..I was wondering what vinegar would do and am happy I found this recipe 🙂
I’m trying it right now & whew, does it smell!! If you have a bbq with a side burner you’d be better off doing it outside. I started to boil it in the kitchen & went outside & I’m really glad I did!!
Once I’ve tried it, I’ll repost to tell you how it works. Right now it smells so bad I think it will also repel our nosy neighbors!
(right now I’m thinking this will work with my diet! I couldn’t eat anything right now if I had to!)
Hi I have all sorts of herbs. Mint, Basil, even chamomile I. I have things like snow peas, chilli, eggplant, raspberry, strawberries, cos lettuce, English and cherry tomato, . And a few others
Would you say its safe to use this spray on those plants?
Thanks in advance
Yes, I’ve used in on many different plants and it works great.
YOU SAVED MY SQUASH!!!
Seriously this stuff is AMAZING. this is literally my very first year going full bore on a garden (seriously I think I have one of everything haha) and my three acorn squash vines I had grown from seed over many weeks, and we’re now a good 5-6′ each and neatly growing up my trellis as planned.
Then three nights ago I stepped outside or check on things (which o do a lot because it is hot as heck during the day here 100F+) and every single female blossom on my vines was absolutely riddled with baby squash bugs. Things had going so well I never even checked my plants for eggs of any kind) and seemingly overnight, bug-megeddeon. I was freaking out, sifting through tons of articles and how-tos until I came upon this one.
I’ve been very diligent about keeping things 99.9% organic in my garden. I didn’t want to douse it with toxins. But I wasn’t going down without a fight. Quick zip over to the store for a few handfuls of mint (had eveything else on hand, so it only cost me $2.50!) and brewed it up. I will say the smell after boiling lingered for ages, but wasn’t overpowering.
The next day I strained it and sprayed it. And crossed all my fingers.
NOT ONE BUG SINCE. None! Zip! Zero! it’s a miracle! And my vines are already rebounding!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
-Laurie
Awesome!!! So thankful you let us know it works on squash bugs, too, Laurie!
OK I sprayed a couple of days ago. Just did small sections on each plant, till I could see how they reacted. No bad reactions so far. So I sprayed the rest of the plant. Still OK. I saw a Lot of white flies come out from under the leaves. I will say I didn’t use two whole garlic. I had the big elephant garlic. It is to soon to see any new growth. But I have seen the results of it working as a deturant. One unusual reaction, I have Japanese Beatles on my contorted hazelnut, I sprayed them directly and they stopped trying to make babies ( if you know what I mean) LOL. I also only had dawn dish soap to use, which I’ve used before with no problems. Thanx so much for this recipe.
I’ve recently been experimenting with this on Japanese Beetles and I’m seeing less damage on my roses, too, Kim!
Hello! Does anyone know if this spray works for ants? Thanks!
How hard is it to wash off plants (like your basil) before eating the plant leaves?
I just do the normal rinse like usual and haven’t noticed any taste, though I usually wait a week or so to harvest.
Can you use this for ants? They are attacking my tomato plants and hot peppers.
Hi Sasha! Ants won’t harm your plants, they’re more of a nuisance and they ‘farm’ insects like aphids and mealy bugs that WILL harm your plants. All that to say – if there are a lot, you’ll probably want to deter them, but your plants are safe from them. I think it may work, since mint is one of the smells that they don’t seem to like (cinnamon is supposed to be another – it might be worth sprinkling some around the base of your plants after spraying with the mint-garlic). Let us know if it does work!
Jami – does this kill “good bugs” ie. ladybugs?
Thank you.
Mazell
My understanding is that it works by repelling insects with the smell – anything that decides to try and eat it may be harmed by the bit of hot pepper, but that’s not beneficial insects, so No, it shouldn’t kill them. AND I’ve never seen any dead ladybugs and I still have plenty in my garden. 🙂
should the left over spray be refrigerated?
I haven’t, Kyleen, but you can – it may stay fresher, but I haven’t tried it.
This stuff works!!! I have been using it for a little over a month and there isn’t anything crawling or destroying my garden! I have a few ants and some pesky slugs..but other than that my basil, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, green onion, parsley, and some strawberries are going untouched!! Thanks soo much!!
Really happy to know your experience with the spray, Stephanie! Enjoy your bountiful garden. 🙂