- Homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray {that really works!!}
- Homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray {that really works!!} - Page 2 of 2
INGREDIENTS
2 whole heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
3 cup. mint leaves (and stems, too - I just throw it all in now)
2 tsp. dry cayenne pepper
12 cup. water
2 small squirts of biodegradable dishwashing liquid
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.