Homemade Insecticide for a Garden

Overview

An insect infestation in your garden can quickly become a serious problem. But avoid turning to commercial pesticides. Many contain toxic chemicals that may leach into your skin when you work in the garden, or find their way into any food that you are growing. Homemade insecticides like clove oil spray are much more effective as insects cannot develop an immunity to it. Insects have a natural aversion to the smell and flavor of cloves and are smothered when they come into contact with the oil.

Step 1

Grind 2 tbsp. of cloves with a mortar and pestle and put them in the saucepan.

Step 2

Add 1/2 cup of canola oil and heat the mixture on low for one hour.

Step 3

Strain the mixture into the spray bottle.

Step 4

Add one quart of water and shake well.

Step 5

Spray affected plants in the early morning or late afternoon. Pay special attention to the tops and undersides of the plant's leaves.

Step 6

Make a fresh batch of clove oil spray and apply once a week and after a rain.