7 Homemade Sawfly Sprays

Sawflies can cause damage to the plants in your garden. However, their larvae cause the most damage [1].

Fortunately, you don’t have to buy commercial pest control sprays. You can take a natural and homemade approach to dealing with these pests.

Best Homemade Sprays for Sawfly Control

Here’s how to create DIY sawfly sprays to protect your plants.

1. Soap Sprays

One of the easiest homemade sawfly sprays is made with liquid dish soap and water.

To make this spray, combine 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap with 1 gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and pour it into a spray bottle.

It works on gooseberry sawflies, rose sawflies, and others. When sprayed directly on sawfly larvae, the solution can help kill them on contact.

For best results, hand-picked larvae can also be dropped into a bucket of soapy water.

2. Diatomaceous Earth Spray

Diatomaceous earth is commonly used against sawfly larvae and many other garden pests. It works by damaging the insect’s protective outer layer, causing it to lose moisture and die.

While DE is typically used as a dry powder, it can be made into a spray by mixing it with water.

Combine 2 tablespoons of food-grade DE with 1 quart of water, then mix well. Finally, spray it onto your plants’ leaves and stems.

When the solution dries, it becomes effective. Reapply after rain or heavy watering to ensure continued effectiveness.

3. Neem Oil

Neem oil is an excellent organic insecticide. It disrupts the life cycle of many pests, including sawflies.

Mix one teaspoon of neem oil with one quart of water and a few drops of soap as an emulsifier to make a neem oil spray. Shake well and spray the mixture directly onto infested plants.

Neem oil may help suppress young sawfly larvae when applied regularly. However, severe infestations often require additional control methods to manage effectively.

4. Horticultural Oil

Horticultural oils are another excellent option for combating sawflies. These oils work by smothering pests and disrupting their respiratory systems.

You can purchase ready-made horticultural oils.

You can also make a homemade sawfly killer spray. Mix a lightweight oil, such as canola or mineral oil, with liquid soap.

Combine one tablespoon of oil with one quart of water for the recipe. Add one teaspoon of liquid soap to help emulsify the oil. Then, shake it thoroughly.

Spray the mixture on infested plants, focusing on areas where larvae are most active. However, avoid applying oil sprays during hot weather or on drought-stressed plants, as they can sometimes cause leaf burn.

5. Hose Them

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. A strong blast of water from your garden hose can dislodge sawfly larvae from your plants.

Target areas with heavy infestations. Spray the undersides of leaves where larvae often hide.

After spraying, you may notice larvae falling to the ground. You can leave them for birds to eat.

Alternatively, you can drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

Check plants again after a day or two, as some larvae may crawl back onto the foliage.

For smaller infestations, you can also remove sawfly larvae by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. This simple method can be highly effective when combined with spraying.

6. Vinegar Spray

Some gardeners use diluted vinegar as a pest deterrent. However, evidence for its effectiveness against sawfly larvae is limited.

To give it a try, mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water in a spray bottle. This makes a simple DIY vinegar spray for sawflies.

Also, add a few drops of soap to help the solution adhere to the leaves and larvae. Finally, spray the mixture directly onto the pests and the surrounding foliage.

Note: Because vinegar can damage plant tissue, use it cautiously and test it on a small area first.

7. Garlic Spray

Garlic spray may help repel some garden pests due to its strong odor.

To make a garlic spray, blend five cloves of garlic with 2 cups of water. Next, strain the mixture and add a few drops of liquid soap.

Finally, spray this home remedy on your plants. Be sure to spray the tops and undersides of the leaves.

Most plants can safely use garlic spray, but you may need to reapply it after rain. Regular use may help keep sawflies and other garden pests at bay.

Commercial Sprays

If making sprays at home feels too time-consuming, commercial options are available. Two standout products that we find effective are Monterey Garden Insect Spray and AzaGuard.

Monterey Garden Insect Spray

Monterey Garden Insect Spray contains spinosad. This is a substance produced by soil bacteria that is toxic to insects.

Spinosad targets a wide range of pests, including sawflies.

This spray is commonly used in organic gardening. It is also a handy solution for trees and shrubs in your yard.

Follow the label instructions for application. Also, avoid spraying spinosad when bees are actively foraging, as it can be harmful to pollinators while wet.

AzaGuard

AzaGuard is another excellent organic product for controlling sawflies.

It contains azadirachtin, the same active ingredient in neem oil [2]. But it is in a more concentrated form.

Neem itself repels insects, while azadirachtin disrupts molting and growth.

This professional-grade insecticide provides long-lasting control. AzaGuard is also versatile and can be used on a variety of plants.

Sawfly Larvae vs. Caterpillars

Sawfly larvae resemble caterpillars but usually have six or more pairs of fleshy prolegs. Caterpillars typically have five or fewer pairs [3].

Correct identification is important because some insecticides used against caterpillars are less effective against sawfly larvae.

Takeaway

Sawfly larvae can be a nuisance, but you can reclaim your garden with the right approach. Homemade sprays offer effective, natural solutions that are easy to make and apply.

From soap sprays to garlic mixes, these remedies may help reduce sawfly activity while protecting your plants without harsh chemicals.

For those who prefer ready-made options, try Monterey Garden Insect Spray or AzaGuard. They work well with little effort.

Whether you DIY or go commercial, you’ll be ready to keep sawflies at bay. This can help protect your plants and keep your garden thriving.