Pictured above are the ingredients you need to make this natural pesticide spray. Note that insecticidal soap is best but castile soap could be substituted.
Here is a recipe for a natural, safe, organic pesticide garden spray that is very simple to make. Neem oil comes from the Neem tree. Neem oil affects insects in ways similar to hormones. Insects have been reported to "forget" to eat after they've been in contact with even traces of neem oil. The smell of neem oil is also a deterrent.
Here is what you will need
>A clean plastic spray bottle
>100% Pure neem oil (do not get a blend, must be pure Neem oil, health food stores often carry it in the supplement aisle, make sure you select raw, cold pressed Neem oil, extracts do not have a high concentration of the insecticidal ingredient Azadirachtin and heat can also detroy this compound. If the oil does not say it was cold pressed, heat or solvents may have been used to extract the oil.
Insecticidal soap (preferred soap, this is just very pure soap made from animal fats, it is called insecticidal but it contains no pesticides or other chemicals, it can be purchased at garden supply stores or online, it is important to use only pure soap so you will not harm your plants)
OR
Pure castile soap (this kind of soap is pure but is made from vegetable fats, it will work but the insecticidal soap is recommended over this kind, you can find castile soap at health food stores and even GNC’s)
Water
Measuring devices (your bottle should have markings on the sides
Neem Oil Insect Spray Recipe
•5 ml neem oil (or about 1 teaspoon)
•12ml insecticidal soap or other detergent (or about 2 teaspoons)
•1 liter warm water
Always test a small area of your plants before spraying the entire plant. If the soap is too strong it can burn the leaves. Be aware that Neem oil has a strong pungent odor, you may want to be careful not to spray it on yourself of get it on your hands. It is not toxic to humans and is very safe. Some people though do want to have the odor on them. Neem oil make take a little time to work but it will have long lasting effects since it acts as a systemic insecticide. This means that the Neem will be absorbed by the plant and not just get washed off. The reason for using the soap is to quickly kill any existing pests that are presently on the plant and to help emulsify the water and Neem oil. The soap will wash off and does not become part of the plant. Since Neem is used a health supplement, there is no danger in ingesting it or having traces of it in your plants. Neem has long been considered to have many health benefits. Neem is non toxic for beneficial insects mainly because the beneficial insects are not the type that eat your plants. I have made this spray and used it in my garden with great results. I used it for aphid problems I had early in the season and I have not had a problem since. I look forward to hearing about your experiences with Neem oil.
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