Sasha CampbellWith their caterpillar-like larvae, sawflies can cause significant damage to your plants. While they aren’t caterpillars, their appetite can be just as destructive [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.
Here’s how to create your own sawfly sprays to protect your plants.
1. Soap Sprays
One of the easiest homemade sawfly sprays involves liquid dish soap and water.
To make this spray, combine one to two tablespoons of liquid dish soap with a gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and pour it into a spray bottle.
This home remedy will kill adult sawflies when sprayed directly on them. It works on gooseberry sawflies, sawflies on roses, and others.
However, you must drop the larvae in the soapy water to kill them.
2. Diatomaceous Earth Spray
Diatomaceous earth is a popular home remedy for sawfly larvae, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied pests. It kills them naturally.
When sawfly larvae touch diatomaceous earth, its sharp particles damage their exoskeletons. This dehydrates and kills them.
While DE is typically used as a dry powder, you can create a spray by mixing it with water.
Combine two tablespoons of food-grade DE with a quart of water and mix well. Finally, spray it onto the leaves and stems of your plants.
The DE will stick to the foliage as the water dries, providing a protective layer. 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.
Regular applications every few days can significantly reduce sawfly populations.
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 lightweight oil, like canola or mineral oil, with liquid soap.
Combine one tablespoon of oil with one quart of water for the recipe. Then, shake it thoroughly.
Spray the mixture on infested plants, focusing on areas where larvae are most active.
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. Or drop them in a vinegar-water solution to ensure they don’t return to your plants.
6. Vinegar Spray
Vinegar’s acidity makes it a natural pest deterrent.
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 leaves and larvae.
Finally, spray the mixture directly onto the pests and the surrounding foliage.
Vinegar spray works well against young larvae. So, early detection and treatment are key.
However, vinegar can harm plants if over-applied or the solution is too strong. So, always test it on a small area before widespread use.
7. Garlic Spray
Garlic spray is also a potent insect repellent. Its strong smell confuses and deters pests like sawflies.
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 the solution 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 can help keep sawflies and other garden pests at bay.
Commercial Sprays
If making your own sprays 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 eco-friendly spray is safe for organic gardening. It is also a handy solution for trees and shrubs in your yard.
Simply follow the label instructions for application.
AzaGuard
AzaGuard is another excellent commercial option for getting rid of 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 is a molting/growth disruptor.
This professional-grade insecticide provides long-lasting control. AzaGuard is also versatile and can be used on a variety of plants.
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 home remedies protect 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. Then, you’ll likely enjoy a thriving garden.
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