How to Make Organic Pest Spray

easyGardening15 minutes6 steps

Safety Warnings

Avoid using toxic chemicals like cyanide, arsenic, or lead-based arsenates mentioned in older texts; stick to organic alternatives.

Spray bottle — Handheld pump or trigger spray

Mixing container — Clean bowl or jug

Whale-oil soap — Liquid or bar form(As needed for emulsion)

Water — Clean, filtered(6 to 15 parts per part soap)

Kerosene — For emulsion (use with caution)(As needed)

Select your base material, such as whale-oil soap or a kerosene emulsion.

Tip: Whale-oil soap is noted as being effective for white-flies.

Dilute the organic emulsion with water.

Tip: Use a ratio of 10-15 parts water for general plant-lice, or a stronger 6 parts water for stubborn pests like the cherry-leaf louse.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a container before pouring into a spray bottle.

Apply the spray directly to the plant foliage.

Tip: Be sure to hit the underside of the leaves where lice and nymphs usually congregate.

Time the application for when leaves have not yet curled to ensure the spray reaches the pests.

Tip: Apply before the pests are protected by curled leaves.

Repeat the spray application every 7 to 10 days if the infestation persists.

Encourage the presence of lady-birds, as they naturally destroy large numbers of plant-lice.
For aphids and spider mites, a hard stream of water can be used as a non-chemical alternative to remove pests from plants early in the day.

Synthesized from 10 verified sources:

Cornell ExtensionView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Cornell ExtensionView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →