HOMEMADE GARLIC-MINT GARDEN INSECT SPRAY

By Lsweetnell

A DIY garden bug spray that is easy to make and use, and really works!
: Organic Garden Bug Spray
Yield: 12 cups

Ingredients

• 2 whole heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 3 c. mint leaves (and stems, too - I just throw it all in now)
• 2 tsp. dry cayenne pepper
• 12 c. water
• 2 small squirts of biodegradable dishwashing liquid

Preparation

Step 1

DIRECTIONS
Add the garlic and mint to a food processor and pulse for a few seconds.
Transfer mixture to a large pot and add the cayenne and 12c. water.
Bring to a boil; remove from heat and let sit overnight.
Strain into a couple spray bottles (or gallon garden sprayer) and add the two small squirts of dish soap.
To Use:
- shake well before each use
- this mainly repels bugs, though if they rub against it, it can kill them.
- spray all the leaves on affected plants, including the undersides - preferably on a cloudy day so as not to burn the plants.
- wait a few days to see the affect and then apply more if needed (many times I’ve only needed to do one application)
NOTES
- This is like a pepper spray, so you can protect your skin and eyes like you would when using any hot peppers, although the potency is less because it only uses dried cayenne.
- Wait a few days to harvest after using so there isn't any spicy residuals (I only used 2 applications the whole summer, so there never was any taste to the produce).
- The scent keeps bugs away, but I still had ladybugs and bees, maybe because I only used the spray a few times.