7 Best Natural Pest Repellents for Plants of Home Garden

Welcome to the world of Gardenholic, where the beauty of nature is at your fingertips. One of the challenges that every gardener faces is dealing with pests that can harm or even destroy their precious plants. But worry not, as nature itself provides us with solutions. This is where natural pest repellent come into play.

Natural pest repellents are substances derived from natural sources that can deter pests. They offer a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, which can harm the environment and the health of both plants and humans. These natural solutions can help you maintain a healthy and thriving garden by keeping harmful pests at bay.

In this blog post, we will delve into the best natural pest repellents for home gardens, exploring their benefits, how they work, and how you can use them to protect your plants. So, let’s embark on this journey to create a pest-free, green space in your home.

The importance of these natural pest repellents lies in their ability to control pests without causing harm to the environment or the health of the plants and humans. They are safe yet effective for helping rid your garden of pests. 

Moreover, they can naturally help you to disrupt the entire life cycle of bugs. It is important to note that just because these are “natural” or homemade insecticides, that does not imply that they cannot harm your soil, your garden, or your person. Therefore, it is always recommended to do a patch test before applying these repellents to the entire garden

II. The Problem with Pests

Here are some common pests that you might encounter in home gardens:

1. Snails and Slugs: These slimy creatures love to munch on young seedlings and leaves, leaving behind tell-tale holes in their wake.

2. Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves of plants, causing them to wilt and turn yellow.

3. Mealybugs: These small, white insects feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing and stunted growth.

4. Scales: These small, armoured insects feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing and stunted growth.

5. Whiteflies: These tiny white insects feed on the sap of leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth.

6. Thrips: These tiny, slender insects feed on the sap of leaves, causing silvery streaks and distorted growth.

7. Japanese Beetles: These iridescent insects can quickly defoliate a plant, leaving behind only the skeletons of leaves.

8. Ticks: While ticks do not cause any damage to plants and are nearly undetectable in the garden, they are a huge nuisance to people. They prefer moist or damp wooded areas, but they also love to live on grass such as a front lawn.

Each of these pests can cause significant damage to your garden if left unchecked. Therefore, it’s important to regularly monitor your plants for signs of these pests and take action as soon as possible to mitigate their effects.

III. The Importance of Natural Pest Repellents

Benefits of Natural pest repellents

1. Environmentally Friendly: Natural pest repellents are typically made from plants and other natural materials, making them biodegradable and less likely to contribute to pollution.

2. Non-Toxic: Unlike many chemical pesticides, natural pest repellents are generally non-toxic to humans and pets, making them a safer choice for home gardens.

3. Beneficial Insects Safe: Natural pest repellents are often less harmful to beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs, which play a crucial role in pollination and natural pest control.

4. Resistance Prevention: Pests are less likely to develop resistance to natural pest repellents compared to chemical pesticides.

5. Cost-Effective: Many natural pest repellents can be made at home using common household ingredients, making them a cost-effective solution.

6. Improved Soil Health: Natural pest repellents can help improve soil health by not introducing harmful chemicals into the soil.

Using natural pest repellents is a sustainable and safe method of pest control that can benefit not only your garden but also the environment.

Why Natural pest repellents are safer for the environment and the health of plants

1. Environmentally Friendly: Natural pest repellents are typically made from plants and other natural materials, making them biodegradable and less likely to contribute to pollution. They break down more quickly in the environment, reducing the risk of long-term contamination that can harm wildlife and ecosystems.

2. Non-Toxic to Beneficial Organisms: Many natural pest repellents are selective, targeting specific pests while leaving beneficial organisms unharmed. This contrasts with many synthetic pesticides that can harm beneficial insects, earthworms, and other organisms that contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem.

3. Plant Health: Natural pest repellents are generally gentler on plants. Some synthetic pesticides can cause harm to plants by burning foliage or disrupting growth, whereas natural repellents are less likely to cause such damage.

4. Human and Animal Health: Many natural pest repellents are safer for humans and pets. They are less likely to cause harm if ingested or come into contact with the skin. Some synthetic pesticides can be harmful or fatal if ingested and can cause irritation or other health issues upon contact.

5. Prevents Chemical Resistance: Overuse of synthetic pesticides can lead to pests developing resistance, which makes pest control more difficult over time. This is less likely with natural pest repellents.

In conclusion, natural pest repellents offer a safer alternative for pest management in home gardens, promoting a healthier environment for plants, humans, and beneficial garden organisms.

IV. Top Natural Pest Repellents

Here are some of the best natural pest repellents for home gardens

Neem Oil:

Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in seeds from the neem tree. It has a wide range of uses, but one of the most popular uses for neem oil is as a natural insecticide and repellent. The oil is yellow or brown and smells of garlic or sulphur.

How it works: The active ingredient in neem oil is azadirachtin, which repels and kills pests. It reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent. It also interferes with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs. Azadirachtin can also repel and reduce the feeding of nematodes.

How to use: You can make a neem oil insect repellent as an oil or spray. For a repellent oil, combine 4 tablespoons of neem seed oil with 4 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil. Apply several drops of the mixture on exposed areas of skin and rub in gently.

For a spray solution, fill a large 24–32 ounce spray bottle with warm water, then add 3 teaspoons of neem oil, and 1 teaspoon of unscented castile soap. Spray this solution on your plants and garden in the early morning or later afternoon or evening.

Pros:

• Neem oil is a safe and effective pesticide that can be used both indoors and out.
• It is considered safe for humans and pets.
• It has very low toxicity to beneficial organisms, such as bees, birds, and mammals.
• It is an effective pest control treatment for over 200 types of insect pests.
• It is a bio fungicide.
• It is safe for use all the way up to harvest day.

Cons:

• Neem oil does not mix well with water.
• The fatty acids in the oil, called triglycerides, have insecticidal properties, but they can also irritate skin and sensitive areas like the eyes and lungs.
• Adding too much neem oil to your mixture may cause leaves to burn if they are in direct, harsh sunlight most of the day.
• Avoid spraying new seedlings with neem, or they could also burn.
• Neem oil should not be used on herbs such as basil, caraway, cilantro, dill, oregano, parsley, or thyme because they have the potential to harm the plant.
• Because spraying neem oil on delicate or wispy leaves, such as arugula, lettuce, peas, and spinach, can cause foliage burns, you should avoid using it on delicate or wispy leaves.

Garlic Spray:

Garlic spray is a natural and effective method to deter a wide range of small flying or crawling insects. It is typically extremely effective as the smell of garlic, or more specifically, the allicin in garlic, is unpleasant to many insects.

How it works: When garlic is applied to the plants you want to protect, the plant absorbs the scent of the garlic. The scent is faint enough that humans typically can’t detect it after application, but insects can.

Although garlic won’t kill any insects that persist and take a bite, the scent is enough of a deterrent in most cases. Garlic spray can kill some soft-bodied insects, but only if it’s sprayed directly on them.

How to use: To make a garlic spray, first, make a concentrate garlic extract. Crush four or five garlic cloves in a food processor, blender, or with a mortar and pestle. Add to this, one quart of water and four or five drops of dishwashing soap, preferably a natural, biodegradable soap.

Strain the mixture through some cheesecloth two times to remove any bits of garlic that may clog the spray bottle. Store the concentrated garlic in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. To make the garlic spray, just dilute your concentrate with water at a 1:10 ratio (i.e., 1/4 cup concentrate per 2 ½ cups of water, or 60ml/600ml).

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or pressure sprayer and you are ready to do some damage. To apply the garlic spray, spray the plant once a week to protect against pests or twice a week if rain is in abundance.

Do not spray when it is getting close to harvest time unless you want your vegetables to taste garlicky. Also, garlic spray is a broad-spectrum pesticide, so only spray the parts of the plants that are infested so you lessen the risk of harming any beneficial insects.

Pros:

• Garlic spray is organic.
• It is safe for people and pets.
• It is easy and inexpensive to make.
• It is effective against a wide range of pests.

Cons:

• Garlic spray is ineffective against burrowing pests.
• It can cause mild skin and eye irritation.
• The strong smell of garlic can potentially overpower your garden’s aroma or cause discomfort to your household occupants.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in seeds from the eucalyptus tree. It has a wide range of uses, but one of the most popular uses for eucalyptus oil is as a natural insecticide and repellent.

How it works: The strong smell of eucalyptus oil is what repels many insects. Many insects such as ants and gnats will avoid strong, sharp smells as potential hazards.

Eucalyptus not only has a strong aroma – in most areas of the country it is also something unfamiliar and so perceived as possibly hazardous. Scale insects such as aphids, whiteflies, mites, and earwigs are killed on contact with eucalyptus oil.

How to use: You can use eucalyptus oil in a diffuser to keep insects out of the house. This scent will help to repel insects and keep them away from your home. You can also make a homemade spray by adding 1/4 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil to one cup of water in a spray bottle.

Shake well to mix, and apply to plants or other areas of the garden where insects have been seen. The oil will separate from water, so shake before each application. Spray should be reapplied every three days. This dilution can also be used as an insect repellent on people and pets.

Pros:

• Eucalyptus oil is a safe and effective pesticide that can be used both indoors and out.
• It is considered safe for humans and pets.
• It has very low toxicity to beneficial organisms, such as bees, birds, and mammals.
• It is an effective pest control treatment for over 200 types of insect pests.

Cons:

• Direct contact with undiluted oil can cause skin irritation.
• Ingested in high doses, eucalyptus oil can be toxic.
• Use care to handle the oil properly and prevent children or pets from ingesting either the oil or the spray used in the garden.
• Additionally, eucalyptus oil is highly flammable and should not be used near open flames or heat sources that might ignite the oil.
• Eucalyptus contains compounds that are poisonous to most animals.

Hot Pepper Spray

Hot pepper spray is a natural and effective method to deter a wide range of pests. It’s typically extremely effective as the smell of hot pepper, or more specifically, the capsaicin in hot pepper, is unpleasant to many insects.

How it works: Hot pepper spray works as a natural deterrent by coating plants in a blistering coating of heat. It is applied as a liquid spray to the foliage of plants in gardens and flowerbeds. As the hot residue dries, it coats the leaves in a spicy hot layer of heat.

And when pests begin to dine on the foliage, it is anything but appealing to their taste buds! In fact, it usually sends them scurrying far away. For most pests, hot pepper spray is a deterrent and not an insecticide.

But there are applications where the liquid will not only repel insects, but kill them off. Two of the best examples are spider mites and cabbage worms. When applied to plants affected by these two pests, it can stop them in their tracks by killing them off.

How to use: Hot pepper spray can be applied to specific plants or small areas with a simple hand-held spray bottle. For larger applications (entire gardens / large trees & shrubs) you can spray with a large tank or backpack sprayer.

The key to using hot pepper spray is to keep the plants consistently covered in the spicy coating. Unfortunately, when it rains or when you water, it will lose its effectiveness.

In addition, heavy dew each morning can dilute and wash off the coating as well after a few days. That means you will need to re-apply every three to four days to protect plants. And of course, after every time it rains or you water.

Pros:

• Hot pepper spray has been used for decades by organic farms and gardeners as a natural solution for repelling pests.
• It’s 100 percent organic.
• It can be made quite easily from readily found ingredients.
• It’s quite inexpensive.
• It’s an all-natural and safer alternative to spraying pesticides.
• Pesticides can not only be harmful when ingested or inhaled, but can also kill off many beneficial insects like bees and butterflies that are needed for pollination.

Cons:

• When it rains or when you water, it will lose its effectiveness.
• Heavy dew each morning can dilute and wash off the coating as well after a few days.
• That means you will need to re-apply every three to four days to protect plants.
• And of course, after every time it rains or you water.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring pesticide found in the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. It is a soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is very old and gets crumbled into a very fine powder or granule.

How it works: Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating insects’ exoskeletons. When pests come into contact with diatomaceous earth, their exoskeletons adhere to it and creates abrasions that affect a pest’s ability to breathe properly. Diatomaceous earth will kill insects, but it may take some time. It also prevents insects from staying hydrated by absorbing moisture and fluids.

How to use: To use diatomaceous earth for pest control, you can sprinkle it directly on the ground where slugs are most likely to reproduce. Or, you can apply a light dusting to the plants themselves.

Diatomaceous earth must be reapplied after every rain or heavy dew to be effective. It’s important to remember that wet DE does not have the drying, cutting effect that’s needed to work against pests. You can also apply diatomaceous earth to specific plants or small areas with a simple hand-held spray bottle.

For larger applications (entire gardens / large trees & shrubs) you can spray with a large tank or backpack sprayer. The key to using diatomaceous earth is to keep the plants consistently covered in the spicy coating.

Pros:

• Diatomaceous earth is a safe and effective pesticide that can be used both indoors and out.
• It’s considered safe for humans and pets.
• It has very low toxicity to beneficial organisms, such as bees, birds, and mammals.
• It’s an effective pest control treatment for over 200 types of insect pests.
• It’s long-lasting, low Odor, easy to apply, not absorbed into surfaces and is readily picked up by pests.
• If spilled, it can be easily cleaned up.

Cons:

• Diatomaceous earth is easy to misapply, can become airborne and can contaminate non-target surfaces.
• It must be kept dry.
• It can be inhaled by the applicator and a respirator should be worn.
• It can be abrasive and eye protection should be worn.
• If diatomaceous earth or other dusts are applied too heavily, they may become “physically” repellent – the bugs just don’t want to rest on a heavily dusted surface or wade through a barrier of dust material.
• It’s often just applied to the last place someone saw the insects.
• It can cause irritation and shortness of breath.
• It’s not harmful if ingested.

Beneficial Insects

Beneficial insects are any of a number of species of insects that perform valued services like pollination and pest control. They are considered to be the most successful animals on earth in terms of the number of individuals, number of species, and range of habitats. They can be categorized broadly as either predators or parasites.

Both adult and immature stages of insect predators actively search and consume multiple prey items. Predators include lady beetles, green lacewings, and damsel bugs. Parasitic insects (called parasitoids) develop in or on a single host from eggs or larvae deposited by the adult parasitoid. Common parasitoids include tachinid flies and many kinds of wasps.

How they work: Beneficial insects play an essential role in maintaining a healthy, vibrant garden by controlling harmful pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical interventions. They feed on and destroy pest species. In many cases, the activities of these beneficial species can prevent or greatly limit pest problems.

How to use them: To use beneficial insects, you should place an ample amount of insect predators and/or parasites, in good condition, as close as possible to the infested area. You can attract them to your yard, garden, or other landscape by including a variety of native plants to provide a variety of food sources (like nectar) and providing shelter for them.

Pros

They help keep other insect populations down.

• They support the health of plants through either pollination or pest control.
• They can provide long-lasting, positive results.
• They contribute to pest control and native habitat integration.

Cons

• Pesticides make no distinction between helpful and harmful insects. Therefore, their use can have many negative impacts, including a loss of the biodiversity in your garden that is protecting your crop.
• Some beneficial insects can become pests at certain times of the year.
• Some of them, such as many spiders, are generalists that feed on any insect that can be caught including other predators or pollinators.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is a gardening technique where different plant species are grown in proximity so that they can offer identifiable benefits to one another. Sometimes the benefit is one-sided, with one plant offering most of the partnership advantages to the other. In other cases, the benefit is mutual, with each plant enhancing the other’s health or Vigor.

How it works: Companion planting works by repelling pests that would otherwise feed on your crops. Beneficial insects such as lacewings, ladybugs, and assassin bugs love to prey on these pests.

Planting with these beneficials’ favourite foods will help control your garden pests. Some plants can improve the nutrient quality of the soil. Beans, peas, and clover are popular choices because they add nitrogen to the soil. Other species, such as carrots and radishes, can help prevent the soil from getting too compacted.

How to use them: To use companion planting, you should grow the right plants close together for beneficial results. Before you start thinking about companion planting in your garden, make sure that you follow the rules of crop rotation.

Don’t plant the same garden crop in the same spot for consecutive gardening years, as this can lead to pest and disease problems and nutrient imbalances. Depending on the source you consult, information on which plants make good companion plants for each other can vary greatly.

Pros

• Natural pest control.
• Increased yields.
• Maximizing space.
• Better soil fertility.
• Nurse cropping.

Cons

• Not an exact science.
• Some species can have a negative impact on others.
• Results differ from place to place and gardener to gardener.

V. DIY Natural Pest Repellents

Here are some DIY natural pest repellents for plants that you can make at home

Vegetable Oil Spray

A homemade insecticide made from vegetable oil mixed with a mild soap can have a devastating effect on certain troublesome insects, such as aphids, mites, thrips, etc. To make this spray, mix a cup of any type of vegetable oil with a tablespoon of liquid soap and shake well. When ready to apply, add 2 tablespoons of the oil solution to a quart of water.

Neem Oil Spray

Neem oil reduces feeding and disrupts the life cycle of many harmful insects and related pests. To make a basic all-purpose neem oil spray for plants, combine one teaspoon of neem oil with two teaspoons of liquid soap and a liter of water.

Garlic Spray

A homemade bug spray made with garlic can repel aphids and other garden pests. To make this spray, you’ll need 2-5 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup fresh rosemary or peppermint, 1-2 chile peppers (optional), 2-3 cups of water, and 2 teaspoons dish soap (optional).

Soap Spray

This method has a similar effect to the oil spray. However, all that you’ll need are 5 tablespoons of organic liquid soap and a gallon of water. Combine in a spray container and shake well. Next, spray plants and pests. Be sure to coat both the top and underside of the leaves.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is one of the best insecticides for vegetable gardens. The product is abrasive and will cut into the pests’ bodies. This results in dehydration, followed by death.

Remember, even though these are natural or homemade insecticides, they can still potentially harm your soil, your garden, or your person. Therefore, it’s important to use them responsibly.

VI. Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Garden

Preventing pests in your garden is a multi-faceted task that involves several strategies. Here are some tips and best practices:

1. Choose the Right Plants: Some plants are more resistant to pests than others. Do some research to find out which plants are less likely to attract pests in your area.
2. Rotate Your Crops: Crop rotation can help prevent the build up of pests and diseases in the soil. By changing the type of plant in a particular area each year, you can disrupt the life cycle of pests.
3. Keep Your Garden Clean: Regularly remove dead leaves, branches, and other plant debris. These can harbour pests and diseases.
4. Water Wisely: Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, while underwatering can stress plants and make them more susceptible to pests. Water deeply but infrequently, and aim to water in the morning so the leaves have time to dry out during the day.
5. Encourage Beneficial Insects: Not all insects are bad for your garden. Some, like ladybugs and lacewings, prey on harmful pests. You can attract these beneficial insects by planting a variety of plants and providing habitats like insect hotels.
6. Use Natural Pesticides: If you do need to use pesticides, opt for natural or organic options. These are less harmful to the environment and beneficial insects.
7. Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to deal with.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By taking these preventative measures, you can create a healthy, vibrant garden that is less attractive to pests.

3 Steps to Make a Perfect Balcony Garden3 Steps to Make a Perfect Balcony Garden

To recap, we discussed several natural pest repellents that you can make at home, including a vegetable oil spray, neem oil spray, garlic spray, soap spray, and the use of Diatomaceous Earth (DE). These DIY solutions can help control pests in your garden without the use of harsh chemicals.

We also discussed several preventative measures to keep pests at bay. These include choosing the right plants, practicing crop rotation, keeping your garden clean, watering wisely, encouraging beneficial insects, using natural pesticides, and regularly inspecting your plants.

Remember, a healthy garden is the best defence against pests. By taking these preventative measures and using natural pest repellents, you can create a vibrant, healthy garden that both you and the beneficial insects will love.

So why not give these natural pest repellents a try? You might be surprised at how effective they can be. Happy gardening! 🌱

Be a Gardenholic!

Live Better, Plant Better.

VIII. References

The information in this article gathered from the following sources: –

1. en.wikipedia.org

2. treehugger.com

3. krishijagran.com

4. thespruce.com