Sasha CampbellTry an onion spray if you want a natural way to repel harmful bugs and plant pests. Onion spray is easy to use and has powerful effects in the garden.
Let’s explore how you can make and use it in your garden.
Garden Pests that Onion Repels
The ability of onion spray to repel pests is one of the main reasons gardeners use it [1].
Onions’ strong smell repels many garden pests, like carrot flies and potato bugs. It can also deter larger animals, such as rabbits, voles, and deer [2].
Moreover, onion juice spray effectively repels soft-bodied insects, such as aphids and caterpillars.
Below is a list of garden and house pests that onion water may repel:
- Mosquitoes
- Aphids
- Ants
- Caterpillars
- Cucumber bugs
- Beetles
- Rabbits
- Voles
- Mice
- Mealybugs
- Rats
- Carrot rust flies
- Deer
- Slugs and snails
- Spider mites
- Cats
- Snakes
- Moths
How to Make Onion Spray for the Garden
It’s easy to make your own onion pesticide. There are a few different recipes, depending on what you need it for.
Other recipes include natural ingredients such as garlic to give them an added punch. Below are three recipes that you can try.
Recipe 1
The first recipe, which is easy and simple, requires only water, onions, and patience.
To begin, chop one medium-sized onion into small pieces. Removing the skin is unnecessary since you will strain pieces later.
Next, blend the chopped onion in some water. For every cup of water, use one medium onion.
Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. Use this onion water insecticide on both indoor and outdoor plants.
Recipe 2
This second recipe is for those who want to make a more powerful onion-repellent spray. It uses the onion bulb’s skins and a little dish soap. This boosts the natural repellent properties.
To begin, peel three large onions and collect the skins. Next, place the onion skins in a pot with a liter of water.
Let it boil for about three to five minutes. Afterward, let it cool, strain, and store the solution in a glass bottle until ready to use.
When ready to use, dilute the concentrated onion liquid with pure water. Use one glass of onion liquid with two glasses of water.
Finally, pour the liquid into a sprayer and add a few drops of liquid soap. This is an excellent DIY bug spray recipe for larger infestations of insect pests.
Recipe 3: Onion and Garlic Spray
You can also combine onion and garlic for an extra layer of protection. Garlic also has pest-repellent properties.
Combined, onion and garlic are a powerful deterrent to various plant pests.
For this spray, you will need one head of garlic, a small onion, one tablespoon of liquid soap, and four cups of water.
Next, chop the onion and garlic into fine pieces and place them in a saucepan. Add the water and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Finally, remove from heat and let it steep for about 12 hours. Once you steep the mixture, strain it, pour the liquid into a spray bottle, and add the liquid soap.
Onion-garlic spray is a strong deterrent for ants, whiteflies, and aphids. It works on many other pests, too.
How to Use Onion Spray
It’s now time to use your homemade onion spray for pests. Apply this home remedy to the leaves and stems of your plant.
Spray during cooler times of the day. This can be either in the early morning or the late afternoon.
Also, spray the underside and top of the leaves, where some pests tend to hide. If you have pests in the soil, you can also apply the spray there.
You may only need to spray this spray a few times a week if you use it for general pest control. However, spraying every 2 to 3 days may be necessary if you have an active infestation.
Remember that the onion smell may be strong initially but will diminish as it dries.
You should also test the mixture on a small area of plants to ensure no adverse reactions.
Precautions
It is also essential to apply onion and garlic sprays with caution. They may irritate your eyes.
Onion juice may also irritate people with sensitive skin [3].
It’s also essential to use the spray in moderation. Though natural, too much spray may harm sensitive plants and bees.
Finally, consider the weather. Spraying plants right before heavy rain can wash the solution away before it has time to do its job.
Takeaway
This DIY onion spray can protect your plants from some pests. It’s a great, eco-friendly option.
Try an onion-repellent spray for pests like aphids or caterpillars in your garden. It can help keep them away.
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