Natural Pesticides

While commercial pesticides are often considered the most effective and fast-acting, natural pesticides can work just as well. Whether you’re trying to protect your pets or beneficial insects/wildlife, or if you’re just looking to save some money, many of these options are a good way to accomplish that.

→ Diatomaceous Earth – Fossilized algae powder that kills soft-bodied insects such as aphids, spider mites, thrips, slugs and ants. Antifungal. Use a fine mesh strainer to sprinkle lightly over leaves and soil. Mix into soil to strengthen plants. Mix 1c powder with ½ gallon water to make liquid pesticide (will leave a white cast on leaves but can be cleaned off).

→ Neem Oil - Good as a routine preventative or a treatment. Disrupts reproduction, kills larvae & pests, fights fungal infections.

→ Insecticidal Soap - Great for soft-bodied insects like mealy bugs, thrips and aphids

→ Peppermint Spray - 10-15 drops per 1 cup water. Repels gnats, flies and spiders

→ Dr Bronner’s Peppermint Castile Soap - 1 tbsp soap per 1 quart water. Can be used with neem oil and isopropyl alcohol as a treatment and preventative.

→ Hydrogen Peroxide - 1 part peroxide to 4 parts water as an insecticide for aphids, mealy bugs and fungus gnats, as well as for larvae. Can damage soil microbiome, so use sparingly.

→ Isopropyl Alcohol - When diluted in a 1:1 ratio, can be used to clean mealy bugs off of leaves

→ Mosquito Bits - Contain a natural bacterium that targets fungus gnat larvae. Safe for people, pets and beneficial insects like bees.