A cheap, all-purpose organic pesticide was made for use in the herb and vegetable garden. It can be applied to a variety of insects that live in the soil or on the plants, such as worms, mites, and other parasites.
The pesticide will eventually break down and be reduced to nothing, so herbs or vegetables growing can be consumed safely. Although it is mainly intended for indoor use, it is believed to be effective outdoors as well.
Step 1: Materials
The materials required to make the pesticide are easy to obtain.
The following items will be needed:
- A clean gallon jug (such as a milk jug)
- A spray bottle with a nozzle
- A funnel
- A piece of cloth (e.g., a shirt or bandanna)
- A pot that holds 1 gallon
- Two small onions
- One jalapeño pepper
- One garlic clove
- Dish soap
Begin by placing 1 gallon of warm water in the pot, and the pesticide preparation process can be started.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
The vegetables should be cut into pieces. Since they won’t be eaten, the chopping doesn’t need to be precise.
Chop the two onions, the garlic, and three-quarters of the jalapeño pepper. The seeds can be left intact as they also contribute heat. Blend the chopped vegetables in a blender until a paste is formed. This paste will serve as the base for the pesticide.
It is important to avoid contact with the face and eyes after handling the ingredients, as the pepper can cause irritation.
Step 3: Creating the Mixture
Once the paste is ready, it should be added to the pot of warm water and left to sit for 20 minutes.
During this time, the water will absorb the flavors and odors from the vegetables, forming a potent liquid pesticide.
Step 4: Straining the Mixture
The liquid needs to be strained after it has been infused with the vegetable essence.
A funnel and a cloth can be used to filter out the vegetable particles as the liquid is transferred to the gallon jug. Coffee filters tend to clog, so cloth is recommended. The remaining mush in the cloth can be squeezed to extract more liquid, and any leftovers can be composted or discarded.
Step 5: Adding Dish Soap
Once the liquid has been strained, 2 tablespoons of dish soap should be added.
A vegetable-based dish soap was used to maintain the organic nature of the pesticide. This soap is free of petroleum-based chemicals, dyes, and perfumes, and will biodegrade naturally. If another type of soap is used, it is recommended to reduce the amount to half.
The soap enhances the pesticide’s effectiveness by making the liquid even less appealing to the insects.
Step 6: Using the Pesticide
The spray bottle should be filled using the funnel, and the nozzle set to a light mist.
The remaining liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, and should be shaken before use. The pesticide should be sprayed onto the plants, ensuring the leaves, stems, and soil are coated.
The odor and flavor left behind after the water evaporates will make the plants unpalatable to the insects. The pesticide will not kill them on contact, but they will eventually starve when they stop eating. Treatments should be applied every 4 to 5 days to kill pests and prevent new ones from feeding.
