How to Make Organic Pest Control
by Sarena Fuller, Demand Media
Different organic pest controls can be used for out in the garden and inside the house.
Whether they result in ants in the kitchen, mosquitoes in the backyard or aphids in the garden, pest infestations irritate every homeowner. Before you reach for that can of bug spray, consider that pesticide toxicity is a real danger that causes serious health problems. Long-term exposure significantly increases the risk of developing liver and nerve damage, cancerous tumors and reproductive disorders. One of the most dangerous delivery systems is high-pressure fogging, because you inhale toxic chemicals that are then readily absorbed into your bloodstream. (See References 5, pages 4-5) Organic pest control is an ideal alternative to the poisonous concoctions in commercial pesticides, because natural products are biodegradable and safe to use around children, pets and plants.
Items you will need:
- 16 oz. spray bottle
- Measuring spoons
- Water
- 3 tbs. peppermint-scented liquid castile soap
- 1 1/2 tsp. citrus peels
- 1/2 cup bay leaves
- 1/2 cup peppermint leaves
- Blender
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. diatomaceous earth
- 1 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp. pyrethrum powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- Food processor or mortar and pestle
- 2 glass jars with lids
- 1 lb. neem leaves
- Muslin
- 5-quart container with secure lid
- 3 to 4 quarts water
- 1 tsp. unscented liquid castile soap
- 1 cup borax
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 cup cornmeal
- Bowl
- 1 pint basil leaves
Step 1:
Fill a 16 oz. spray bottle with water and add 3 tbsp. peppermint-scented liquid castile soap. Shake to mix well, and then spray directly on crawling bugs, such as ants, pincher bugs and spiders. (See References 2, page 168)
Step 2:
Blend 1 1/2 tsp. citrus peels, 1/2 cup bay leaves and 1/2 cup peppermint leaves in a blender or food processor until they are finely chopped. Add 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp. diatomaceous earth, 1 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tsp. pyrethrum powder and 1 1/2 tsp. salt. Grind the mixture in the food processor or with a mortar and pestle until you have dust, and then store the powder in a glass jar with a lid. This all-purpose pesticide works on ants, fleas and flies; sprinkle it along baseboards and behind counters. (See References 1, page 245)
Step 3:
Shred 1 lb. neem leaves in a blender, pour in enough water to cover the leaves and let them soak overnight. Strain the liquid through a piece of natural muslin into a 5-quart container, and discard the pulp. Add 3 to 4 quarts water, then drop in 1 tsp. unscented liquid castile soap. Seal the container, and store it in a dark place. Pour some of the solution into a spray bottle, and spray both sides of the leaves of the affected plants to kill aphids and other mites. When working with neem products, use the prepared mixture within three to four days and re-treat plants after seven days. (See References 3, page 478)
Step 4:
Combine 1 cup borax, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar and 1 cup cornmeal in a bowl, and mix until thoroughly blended. Sprinkle this mixture in drawers, under sinks, behind the refrigerator, along baseboards and in cabinets to eliminate roaches. (See References 4, page 57)
Step 5:
Put 1 pint of basil leaves in a glass jar, and cover them with water. Secure the lid, and let the jar sit overnight. Strain the mixture through a piece of muslin, discard the leaves and pour the infusion into a spray bottle. Spray to repel fruit flies and mosquitoes. (See References 1, pages 251-252)
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Warnings
- Always wear protective clothing and gear when making and applying pesticides. This includes masks when working with powders or dust and gloves when handling potential skin irritants, such as cayenne powder and borax.
- Clearly label all your pest-control products, and keep them in a safe place.
- Use a blender reserving specifically for making pesticides; do not use one that is also used for food preparation.
References
- "Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living"; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1999
- "Clean House, Clean Planet"; Karen Logan; 1997
- "The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control"; Barbara W. Ellis, et al.; 1996
- "Healthy Home and Healthy Office"; Reinhard Kanuka-Fuchs; 2001
- University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension; Signs and Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning; Larry D. Schulze, et al.; August 1997
About the Author
Sarena Fuller has been writing professionally since 2003. She has written for e-commerce sites, architectural firms, doctors and fashion companies. Her writing experience varies from technical writing to hair and beauty, alternative medicine and eco-friendly living. Fuller holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arizona.
Photo Credits
- Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
