Get rid of teeny garden pests with this Homemade Aphid Spray! This spray is quick, chemical-free, and effective!
How to Repel Aphids
Are your roses getting munched? Are your dahlias getting crunched? Aphids love flowering plants to feed on. Sap from flower stems and leaves is their favorite food. These mini green bugs are very difficult to detect, measuring at an 1/8 inch or smaller. So, it’s more likely you’ll see the signs of aphids before spotting the insects themselves! If you start to notice curling or yellowing leaves on your plants, aphids may be the culprits.
Aphids are one of the most common types of garden bug – and one of the most pesky! They like to hide on the underside of leaves where they are harder to see, but they can still access sap to sip. Though not harmful to humans, they can wreak havoc on the greenery you dedicated so much effort to growing. As soon as you see potential signs of aphid damage, act quickly with a homemade aphid spray. Unchecked, an aphid population can skyrocket and cause irreparable injury to your plants.
Store bought aphid sprays were created to remove these micro bugs, but they usually contain chemicals that leech into the soil. Finding eco-friendly alternatives will be better for your garden (and the earth!) in the long run. Attracting aphid-eating ladybugs, planting fragrant herbs, and using a homemade aphid spray are all excellent options to rid plants of the tiny pests. Our homemade aphid spray contains three common, non-toxic ingredients that won’t harm your plants and can be found at your local grocery store. In less than five minutes, you can have a clean and effective repellent to save your blooms!
Ingredients
Water – Use whatever water you have. Because this recipe is not being ingested by humans or pets, there is little difference in the effect of water varieties. The main purpose is to be a carrier for the other ingredients to work their power.
Liquid Castile soap – Castile soap is made from 100% plant-based oils, unlike conventional soap that uses animal by-products. The fatty acids from the plant-based oils smothers the aphids without harming the actual plants.
Peppermint Essential Oil – Aphids do not like minty or herbal scents, like peppermint and lavender. Mixing such fragrances into homemade aphid spray adds more repelling ability! If you’re able to find peppermint scented liquid Castile soap, omit the peppermint essential oil from the recipe.
How to Make Homemade Aphid Spray
Step One: Add water, liquid Castile soap, and peppermint essential oil in a 16oz spray bottle and shake to combine.
Step Two: Spray your plants liberally with the mixture. Use every day for the best effect. Stop use when there are no further signs of aphids.
Note – If you need to water your plants, water first, then use the homemade aphid spray.
FAQ
The best homemade aphid spray is a mixture of water, liquid Castile soap, and peppermint essential oil.
Liquid Castile soap is better for deterring aphids from your plants. Vinegar is naturally acidic and may damage your plants.
A mixture of water, liquid Castile soap, and peppermint oil is the best natural repellent for aphids.
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Homemade Aphid Spray
Get rid of teeny pests with this Homemade Aphid Spray! This spray is quick, chemical-free, and effective!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 teaspoon liquid Castile soap
10 drops peppermint essential oil (if using peppermint liquid Castile soap, omit the oil)
Instructions
Add all ingredients in a 16oz spray bottle and shake to combine.
Spray your plants liberally with the mixture. Use every day for the best effect. Stop use when there are no longer any signs of aphids.
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