Bug Out!

Jun 28, 2010 · written by Mom · Mondays with MomOutdoor

There are good bugs (ladybugs are my favorite) and bad bugs (it’s a rather long list). Ants and aphids top my list of unwelcome critters in my house and garden. Several years ago a friend gave me a recipe for Organic Plant Insecticide that really works. The ingredients are common household items, and are nontoxic to people and pets, besides being environmentally safe. For this photo I decided my recycled Glass Plus bottle (with label permanently afixed) was not acceptable for HNWN so I invested $1 in a new spray bottle at Dollar General. Whether you use an empty bottle or get a new one, just be sure it holds about 32 ounces. I used a decorative label to write the recipe in permanent marker and stuck it on the bottle. Organic Plant Insecticide

1 32 oz. spray bottle

1 c. brewed tea

1/4 c. distilled vinegar

1/8 c. dish detergent (not the degreaser kind)

2 c. water

Pour all into bottle. Screw on sprayer top and shake to mix. Spray on plant and soil. After a few minutes spray plant foliage with water. Great on rose bushes and safe on vegetables. (I don’t think this concoction will work on fire ants. Those beasts need the really toxic stuff like Ambro.) {Note from Amy: Mom, can you also share a recipe for some magic spray that keeps plants alive through drought and neglect? Mine would love you for it.}

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6 Comments

  • Marcia Bowlin Jun 28, 2010
    Drought and Neglect Resistant Plants: try metal ornamental decor! See the pink flower to the right of the vinegar bottle? That's what I'm talkin' about! Maybe I should do a post about my metal decor....
  • Amy Jun 29, 2010
    Omigosh I can't wait to try this concoction! We have a major ant invasion going on in our house and the diatomaceous earth is just not cutting it. But with two dogs and a hesitancy to use chemicals...well...this recipe couldn't be more perfectly timed! Thanks for sharing.
    • Marcia Bowlin Jun 29, 2010
      Good luck! Sure hope you win the battle. I'm wondering, what kind of pests do you think you have?
  • Nicole Jun 29, 2010
    I was wondering why you say to spray with water after you have sprayed with the solution. I have a bunch of blueberries and raspberries that the bugs are attacking and the hose is not close enough to spray this off. Could you not leave this on the plant? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! :)
    • Marcia Bowlin Jun 29, 2010
      If left on rose bushes and impatiens the solution can damage the foliage, doesn't kill the plant - just makes it look bad for a while...so I lightly spray it off with a water bottle after a few minutes. Your berry leaves may be hardy enough to endure more than roses. Let me know, I just started growing blackberries.
      • Nicole Jul 13, 2010
        I put it out on the blueberries and the japanese beetles did move off a little bit. But I wasn't sure how often I could spray this, probably only after rain? Well it didn't work as good as I hoped but I will keep trying maybe it will work on other bugs. I just didn't want to burn the plants. Thanks for something to try Marcia!