This homemade insecticide can be used as a wild card, as it deters many different types of insect pests. Soak the brew for 24 hours, strain and apply the solution with a watering can or a homemade broom. A household pesticide very similar to oil spray is a soap spray, which is also effective in controlling mites, aphids, whiteflies, beetles, and other small hungry insects. To prepare a basic insecticide spray, mix one and a half teaspoons of a mild liquid soap (such as Castile soap) with a quarter of a gallon of water and spray the mixture directly onto infected plant surfaces.
A soap spray insecticide works similar to an oil spray pesticide and can be applied as needed (although it is always recommended NOT to apply it during the hot, sunny part of the day, but rather at night or early in the morning). This natural substance with a somewhat difficult to handle name is made of a sedimentary rock created by fossilized algae (diatoms), and which is a fairly abundant resource (diatomaceous earth is said to constitute 26 percent of the earth's crust by weight). Diatomaceous earth has several uses in and around the home, and acting as a natural insecticide is just one of them. This material does not work by poisoning or suffocating insects, but by virtue of its abrasive qualities and its affinity to absorb lipids (a waxy substance) from the insects' exoskeleton, which then dehydrates them to death.
Diatomaceous earth is often available at garden stores, though often only in large bags, so if you have a small yard, consider dividing it with a neighbor. To apply it, simply sprinkle the soil around your plants, or even sprinkle it over the foliage, where it will help control snails and slugs, as well as other creeping insects. Due to its dry nature, to be an effective natural pesticide, diatomaceous earth needs to be reapplied after each rain. Baby shampoo is gentle and contains few, if any, unnecessary chemicals.
It can also be used as a spray to help control common garden pests on indoor and outdoor plants, including aphids, whiteflies, scales, thrips, and mites. Make a pesticide spray for baby shampoo by combining 2 tablespoons of baby shampoo with 1 gallon of water. Spray the solution well on the vegetable plants and let it sit for several hours before gently removing it with a water hose. Do not use this spray in the sun or on plants with hairy leaves or a wax-like coating, such as pumpkin.
Fortunately, you have tons of options at your disposal when it comes to keeping pests away, while maintaining that special organic quality for your garden. Apply a generous spray of homemade oil spray to vegetables once every seven days to thoroughly control pests. Organic insect spray for plants will kill any insect it comes in contact with, whether it's a pest insect or a beneficial insect.
