DIY Homemade Bug Spray for Outdoor Plants

Protecting Your Garden Naturally

Are you tired of seeing your beautiful garden being destroyed by pests? Are you hesitant to use chemical sprays on your plants? Don't worry! There's a natural solution to this problem - homemade bug spray for outdoor plants.

Chemical pesticides may kill the bugs, but they can also harm beneficial insects and even pose a risk to human health. In contrast, homemade bug spray made from natural ingredients is safe and effective. Plus, it's easy to make and much cheaper than buying commercial products.

In this article, we'll show you how to create your own bug spray using simple ingredients found in your kitchen or garden. Let's get ed!

Ingredients and Supplies You Need

Before you making your bug spray, you need to gather the necessary ingredients and supplies. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• Garlic cloves
• Cayenne pepper
• Liquid dish soap
• Vegetable oil
• Neem oil
• Vinegar (white or apple cider)
• Lemon juice
• Mint leaves
• Basil leaves
• Water

Supplies:

• A blender or food processor
• A strainer or cheesecloth
• A spray bottle
• A funnel

Recipes for Homemade Bug Spray

There are several different recipes you can use to create your own homemade bug spray. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Garlic and Cayenne Pepper Bug Spray

Garlic and cayenne pepper are natural insect repellents that can help keep bugs away from your plants. To make this spray, follow these steps:

1. Blend 10-12 garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper in a blender or food processor.
2. Add 1 quart of water and blend again until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture through a strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle using a funnel.

To use this spray, simply shake the bottle well and spray it directly on your plants. Be sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves. You can reapply the spray every few days or after it rains.

Neem Oil Bug Spray

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can kill or repel a wide range of pests. To make this spray, follow these steps:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap in a container.
2. Add 1 quart of warm water and stir well.
3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle using a funnel.

To use this spray, shake the bottle well and spray it directly on your plants. Be sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves. You can reapply the spray every few days or after it rains.

Vinegar and Lemon Juice Bug Spray

Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and can help repel insects from your plants. To make this spray, follow these steps:

1. Mix 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water in a container.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle using a funnel.

To use this spray, shake the bottle well and spray it directly on your plants. Be sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves. You can reapply the spray every few days or after it rains.

Mint and Basil Bug Spray

Mint and basil are fragrant herbs that can repel insects from your garden. To make this spray, follow these steps:

1. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot.
2. Add 1 cup of fresh mint leaves and 1 cup of fresh basil leaves to the pot.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let it steep for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through a strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and mix well.
6. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle using a funnel.

To use this spray, shake the bottle well and spray it directly on your plants. Be sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves. You can reapply the spray every few days or after it rains.

Tips for Using Homemade Bug Spray

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your homemade bug spray:

Test a Small Area First

Before applying your bug spray to your entire garden, test it on a small area first. This will ensure that the spray doesn't harm your plants and is effective against the pests in your area.

Apply the Spray Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening

The best time to apply bug spray is early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun isn't too hot. This will prevent the spray from evaporating too quickly and allow it to be more effective.

Reapply After Rain

If it rains after you've applied your bug spray, you may need to reapply it. Rain can wash away the spray, reducing its effectiveness.

Store Your Spray Properly

Homemade bug spray should be stored in a cool, dry place. Be sure to label the bottle so you know what's inside and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

FAQs

Q: Is homemade bug spray safe?

A: Yes, homemade bug spray made from natural ingredients is safe for both your plants and the environment. However, you should always test a small area first before applying it to your entire garden.

Q: How often should I apply bug spray to my plants?

A: You should reapply your bug spray every few days or after it rains. This will help keep pests away from your plants.

Q: Can I use any type of soap in my bug spray?

A: Liquid dish soap is the best type of soap to use in homemade bug spray. It helps the spray stick to the plants and can also kill some insects.

Q: Can I use essential oils in my bug spray?

A: Yes, you can add a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus to your bug spray to make it more fragrant and effective.

Q: How long does homemade bug spray last?

A: Homemade bug spray can last up to two weeks if stored properly. However, you should always shake the bottle well before using it again.


Homemade bug spray for outdoor plants is a safe, effective, and affordable way to protect your garden from pests. By following the recipes and tips outlined in this article, you can create your own bug spray using natural ingredients found in your kitchen or garden. Remember to test a small area first, apply the spray early in the morning or late in the evening, and reapply after rain. Happy gardening!