Homemade Garlic Spray for Pests

Some insects and related pests seem to react to the pungent smell of garlic just as some people do—they hate it. So garlic is helpful in several ways, both in the garden and yard.

Making garlic spray for plants is cheap and easy. It also works great for controlling mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies, slugs, and bugs.

Below, you will learn how to use garlic for pest control.

Garden Benefits

• Garlic spray is a natural remedy for treating general pest problems that affect garden plants.
• Mice, rabbits, moles, and deer are discouraged by the scent of the solution. As a result, they will avoid coming near.
• Garlic juice can also help fight some plant diseases. It is effective against downy mildew and Phytophthora leaf blight of tomato [1]. You can also use it to prevent powdery mildew on plants and other fungal diseases.
• Moreover, garlic water spray will not hurt your plants or the environment. If used correctly, it is also safe to use around children and pets.

This home remedy is entirely natural and is a suitable alternative to repelling or eliminating pests in the garden.

Garden Pests That Garlic Repels

Garlic contains sulfur compounds, a natural repellent for harmful insects and pests in your home and garden [2]. Insects and related pests that garlic pesticide repels include:

• Aphids
• Caterpillars
• Mosquitoes
• Mites
• Whiteflies
• Carrot flies
• Bugs
• Ants
• Beetles
• Cutworms
• Slugs
• Borers
• House flies
• Termites
• Fruit flies
• Spider mites
• Cabbage worms

One downside is that it may also repel some beneficial insects and pollinators. So, do not apply right before or during pollination.

How to Make Garlic Spray for the Garden

Commercial garlic sprays can be purchased from the garden store or online. But homemade ones are easy to handle, cheap, and far more satisfying to prepare.

Many DIY garlic insecticide spray recipe variations are online, but the simplest ones are below.

Basic Garlic Pesticide Recipe

To use garlic as a pesticide, separate four or five cloves (there is no need to peel them) and put them into a blender. Next, blend well with two cups of water plus a few drops of organic liquid soap.

When ready to use, strain the liquid to avoid chunks of garlic clogging the spray container. To remove all the pieces, strain through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer.

Next, use it immediately, as the longer it stays, the less potent it becomes. This homemade spray works on mosquitoes, aphids, mites, flies, beetles, worms, and other pests.

Another Recipe

Mince 4 garlic cloves and add them to a tablespoon of mineral oil. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours.

Afterward, strain the garlic oil and add it to a pint of water with one teaspoon of liquid soap. However, you will need to dilute it before applying it.

Make a solution by combining two tablespoons of the concentrated garlic mixture with a pint of water. Next, pour it into a spray bottle and coat the affected plants.

If the pest infestation is severe, add other organic pesticides, like neem oil, to the mixture. Some gardeners even add hot peppers or mint to the solution.

How to Use

Apply the solution in the early evening so the sun does not dry it out. Start using it as soon as the pests are noticed to minimize damage and infestations.

Spray plants, covering all surfaces, including under the leaves. You can also apply it directly to garden pests you see lurking around.

You can also spray your garlic repellent on the soil around crops and ornamental plants to deter harmful insects and related pests.

Reapply after rain or heavy watering and continue spraying at 1-2 week intervals until the pests leave.

You can also grow garlic as a companion plant around crops to protect against other creatures like deer and rabbits. It grows well with cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots.

However, some food crops do not respond well to garlic, which may result in stunted growth. Avoid planting near strawberries, beans, asparagus, and peas.

Furthermore, some herbs, such as sage and parsley, do not thrive when grown near garlic.

Precautions

As with all pesticides, even organic ones, caution is advisable.

Use protective gear while preparing and using the spray, and wash your hands after mixing the solution.

Although garlic is natural, its strong, concentrated juice may affect sensitive skin or eyes. To avoid allergic reactions, wash your hands to remove any residue.

Plants, too, may be sensitive. Before widespread use, it is wise to test the spray on a few leaves first to see if garlic suits that particular plant.

Additionally, the solution should be stored securely away from children and pets. For edible crops, avoid spraying too close to harvest and wash produce to minimize any garlicky taste.

Takeaway

Garlic has long been used as a natural pesticide to control garden pests. It is even more effective when combined with organic liquid soap.

The powerful scent of garlic also makes it an effective repellent for deer, rodents, rabbits, and other animals. Finally, this natural pest control remedy is safe to use around the family.