Natural Control-Herbal Insecticides
Brandon and Destiny at the koi pond
Microsphaea alni is the white, powdery fungus that grows in a cobwebbed pattern over the top of the leaves, stems and flowers. This fungus is likely to occur during hot, humid conditions experienced in mid to late summer and is common in crowded plantings and damp shaded areas where air circulation is poor. If left untreated, the leaves will curl, turn yellow, wilt and die
within a few days. Sometimes, the plant will try to survive by sending
new shoots and leaves, but that new growth will generally be stunted.
Overall, the plant’s life will be shortened. While spraying with a
fungicide is an option, we recommend using a natural form of fungus
and pest control.
To keep the fungus from spreading to other plants you may;
Insecticidal Mixture Base
1-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1-1/2 teaspoon of dish-washing soap, (or Castile soap) to 1 gallon of water. In the event that there is an uninvited guest (insect), I try to eradicate it immediately. Calculations are for minimum usage. You can enhance the dosage by extra spraying until the problem is conquered.
Table 1: Approximate mix to produce various dilute soap sprays.
Percent dilution desired:
Approximate amount of soap to add to water to produce:
To keep the fungus from spreading to other plants you may;
- Avoid overhead watering to help reduce the relative humidity.
- Remove and destroy all infected plant parts (leaves, etc.). For infected vegetables and other annuals, remove as much of the plant and its debris in the fall as possible. This decreases the ability of the fungus to survive the winter.
Do not compost infected plant debris. Temperatures in the compost bin are not hot enough to kill fungus.
- Selectively prune overcrowded plant material to help increase air circulation. This will help reduce relative humidity and infection.
Insecticidal Mixture Base
1-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1-1/2 teaspoon of dish-washing soap, (or Castile soap) to 1 gallon of water. In the event that there is an uninvited guest (insect), I try to eradicate it immediately. Calculations are for minimum usage. You can enhance the dosage by extra spraying until the problem is conquered.
Table 1: Approximate mix to produce various dilute soap sprays.
Percent dilution desired:
Approximate amount of soap to add to water to produce:
|
Pint
1tsp(+) 2 tsp (+) 1Tbsp (+) 4 tsp (+) |
(+) Will produce a solution of slightly higher concentration than indicated.
(-) Will produce a solution of slightly lower concentration than indicated.
Environmental factors also affect the use of soaps. Natural soaps are affected by the presence of minerals found in hard water which results in chemical changes producing insoluble soaps (soap scum). Insecticidal soaps may also be more effective if drying time is not rapid, such as early or late in the day. Soaps can offer a relatively safe and easy means to control many insect pests. All recommendations below are measured for efficiency. As with all pesticides, there are limitations and hazards associated with their use, so read the labels.
Neem oil
Dilute 1 teaspoon of oil into 1 gallon of Insecticidal Mixture Base; Use when plants are small or when mildew is just starting. If more is needed, then add up to 1 tablespoon.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is a mild, effective fungicide. Steep 2 tablespoons of herb in 8 ounces of water for 10 minutes, strain, cool and add to 1/2 gallon of water. Spray tea on herbs and vegetables.
Skim milk
The effectiveness of cow’s 2% milk against powdery mildew was scientifically tested in 1999. Recommended concentration is about 10%: 1 part milk to 9 parts water.
Garlic spray
Garlic can be useful in controlling caterpillars and aphids. Soak 2 bulbs of finely chopped garlic in 2 tbsp of olive oil for 3 days. Dissolve 2 cups of soap flakes (Ivory) or 1 cup dish soap in 1 quart of water and add garlic mixture. Let stand for 2 additional days. Strain and store in glass jars. Add 1/4 cup of the garlic concentrate to 1 gallon of water for application.
* Garlic may be planted under fruit trees as a deterrent to curly leaf and black spot.
Garlic and Red Pepper Spray
Cut 1 unpeeled onion, 1 unpeeled head of garlic and add 1 heaping tablespoon of red pepper to 1 quart of water in a saucepan. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat. Strain, cool and store in glass jars. It will keep in the refrigerator over 1 month. When ready to use, add 8 tablespoon per gallon of water and 1/4 cup of Ivory Snow or 1/4 cup dish soap; soap will increase the effectiveness (soapy water is a good natural pest control by itself if sprayed directly on the insect.)
Chili Spray
Chili spray may be useful for the control of chewing insects and aphids when sprayed directly onto the insect. It may also be used to deter feeding predators. Blend 40 fresh chili peppers in 1pint of water, let sit for 2 days. Strain and add mixture to 1 gallon of water and 1/4 cup of pure soap flakes. Apply as required undiluted.
Rabbit Deterrent
Chili spray may be used for the control of rabbit. Pepper sprinkled on the ground around your plants or bath powder with talc is also considered a deterrent. Consider a wire fence around the perimeter of your garden. That may save you the frustration of having all your leafy greens become gourmet rabbit food.
Geranium
Plant it near grapes and corn to repel cabbage worms and red spider mites.
Horseradish
Deterrent to potato bugs in many root plants.
Hyssop
Plant hyssop in the vegetable and flower gardens as an insect repellent, particularly good against white butterfly. It is recommended as a good companion planting for cabbages and grapes. Does not like radishes.
Lavender and Lavender Bags
Helps to deter mice, ticks and moths. Attracts butterflies.
Mint
Prolific spreader and can be invasive, so keep it contained. It deters fleas, ants, mice and cabbage butterfly. Does not like parsley.
Oregano
Repellent to cabbage butterfly and cucumber beetle. Plant near cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber and grape vine.
Rue
Repels flies, deters dogs and cats. Rue will repel insects when planted near strawberries and fig trees.
Tansy
Works to repel ants, flies, fleas and moths, especially near fruit trees. To repel fleas on your pet, crush the leaves and rub it your pets fur.
Thyme
A deterrent to cabbage worm when planted near cole crops, cabbage, collard, broccoli, etc.
Wormwood
This plant can be made into an effective herbal insecticide spray against slugs, snails and caterpillars. Simmer 1 ounce of woodworm leaves in 1 quart of water. Strain, cool and store in glass jars. You may add 1 tablespoon of soapy water to the quart to increase effectiveness.
(-) Will produce a solution of slightly lower concentration than indicated.
Environmental factors also affect the use of soaps. Natural soaps are affected by the presence of minerals found in hard water which results in chemical changes producing insoluble soaps (soap scum). Insecticidal soaps may also be more effective if drying time is not rapid, such as early or late in the day. Soaps can offer a relatively safe and easy means to control many insect pests. All recommendations below are measured for efficiency. As with all pesticides, there are limitations and hazards associated with their use, so read the labels.
Neem oil
Dilute 1 teaspoon of oil into 1 gallon of Insecticidal Mixture Base; Use when plants are small or when mildew is just starting. If more is needed, then add up to 1 tablespoon.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is a mild, effective fungicide. Steep 2 tablespoons of herb in 8 ounces of water for 10 minutes, strain, cool and add to 1/2 gallon of water. Spray tea on herbs and vegetables.
Skim milk
The effectiveness of cow’s 2% milk against powdery mildew was scientifically tested in 1999. Recommended concentration is about 10%: 1 part milk to 9 parts water.
Garlic spray
Garlic can be useful in controlling caterpillars and aphids. Soak 2 bulbs of finely chopped garlic in 2 tbsp of olive oil for 3 days. Dissolve 2 cups of soap flakes (Ivory) or 1 cup dish soap in 1 quart of water and add garlic mixture. Let stand for 2 additional days. Strain and store in glass jars. Add 1/4 cup of the garlic concentrate to 1 gallon of water for application.
* Garlic may be planted under fruit trees as a deterrent to curly leaf and black spot.
Garlic and Red Pepper Spray
Cut 1 unpeeled onion, 1 unpeeled head of garlic and add 1 heaping tablespoon of red pepper to 1 quart of water in a saucepan. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat. Strain, cool and store in glass jars. It will keep in the refrigerator over 1 month. When ready to use, add 8 tablespoon per gallon of water and 1/4 cup of Ivory Snow or 1/4 cup dish soap; soap will increase the effectiveness (soapy water is a good natural pest control by itself if sprayed directly on the insect.)
Chili Spray
Chili spray may be useful for the control of chewing insects and aphids when sprayed directly onto the insect. It may also be used to deter feeding predators. Blend 40 fresh chili peppers in 1pint of water, let sit for 2 days. Strain and add mixture to 1 gallon of water and 1/4 cup of pure soap flakes. Apply as required undiluted.
Rabbit Deterrent
Chili spray may be used for the control of rabbit. Pepper sprinkled on the ground around your plants or bath powder with talc is also considered a deterrent. Consider a wire fence around the perimeter of your garden. That may save you the frustration of having all your leafy greens become gourmet rabbit food.
Geranium
Plant it near grapes and corn to repel cabbage worms and red spider mites.
Horseradish
Deterrent to potato bugs in many root plants.
Hyssop
Plant hyssop in the vegetable and flower gardens as an insect repellent, particularly good against white butterfly. It is recommended as a good companion planting for cabbages and grapes. Does not like radishes.
Lavender and Lavender Bags
Helps to deter mice, ticks and moths. Attracts butterflies.
Mint
Prolific spreader and can be invasive, so keep it contained. It deters fleas, ants, mice and cabbage butterfly. Does not like parsley.
Oregano
Repellent to cabbage butterfly and cucumber beetle. Plant near cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber and grape vine.
Rue
Repels flies, deters dogs and cats. Rue will repel insects when planted near strawberries and fig trees.
Tansy
Works to repel ants, flies, fleas and moths, especially near fruit trees. To repel fleas on your pet, crush the leaves and rub it your pets fur.
Thyme
A deterrent to cabbage worm when planted near cole crops, cabbage, collard, broccoli, etc.
Wormwood
This plant can be made into an effective herbal insecticide spray against slugs, snails and caterpillars. Simmer 1 ounce of woodworm leaves in 1 quart of water. Strain, cool and store in glass jars. You may add 1 tablespoon of soapy water to the quart to increase effectiveness.
