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Randy's Homemade Insect Killer
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I've been giving out a home made formula on the air for the past several weeks and promised that I would put it out as one of the upcoming email tips. So, without further ado, here is my homemade "organically-based" formula for getting rid of things like aphids and thrips and mealy bugs on potted or patio pots.
WARNING: This formula is a work in progress. I'm sure there are some plants it won't work well on. In fact, it might even burn some leaves of tropical plants… But so far the spray has killed no plant, and in almost all cases the bugs have been eliminated.
Home Made Insect Killer
In a One-Quart Spray Bottle Mix -
1 Tablespoon of Neem Oil
¼ Cup Rubbing Alcohol
3-4 drops of Citrus Oil (D-Limonine)
3-4 drops of Dish Soap
Then fill the rest with Water.
I started using a version of this spray about 2 years ago, when my son got to walking-age. He loved going out on the backyard patio so much, and like any child was just inquisitive enough to pick off any flower or leaf within reach. So, I figured it was time to start use only "organic" products on the patio. I knew citrus oils would work to kill insects, but at the rates that I tried, I burned many of leaf on Hibiscus and potted flowers such as New Guinea Impatiens and even Petunias.
That is how the above formula has evolved. I look at it as the best of many "organic" worlds. We know citrus oil (D- Limonine) works on anything, but at what rate will it cause a phyto-toxic burn? We know Rubbing Alcohol is perfect for mealy bugs, but usually it has to be directly applied. And we know Neem Oil is not only a natural insecticide, but a fungal protection agent too. And finally, we all know (or, need to know) that most of waters are hard here in Southeast Texas, and by adding a bit of dish soap we create a surfactancy that will allow our home made spray to actually stick to things.
Try it, and let me know what you think. I especially need to know what plants it has a phyto-toxic reaction to. Good Luck!
Until next issue, here's to
Great Gardening from the GardenLine, heard
exclusively weekend mornings from 8 to noon
on Talkradio 950 KPRC.
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