Yes, it’s true. Garlic is so powerful that it can even be used as insecticide. The uses of garlic are not just exclusive in cooking and medical field, but also made its presence known in the agricultural world. Pest control is still a big problem for crop growers as well as gardeners. A lot of commercially prepared insecticides were produced, but due to growing expenses, a more natural way of taking care of our crops was thought of. Since garlic was noticeably abundant and easy to grow, researchers took time to do studies and find out if this crop can be used as an insecticide and also to prevent harming the environment.
Garlic is said to contain antibacterial, fungicidal and repellant elements that makes it an effective insecticide. But before we prepare the solution, you must make sure that the one you’re going to use was not grown using commercially and chemically prepared fertilizers, so it is best to use your own home-grown garlic. Having said that this crop contains antibacterial as well as repellant properties, it therefore can also harm other things that you don’t really want to get rid of.
There are various preparations that you can choose from and they are discussed further in the article. It is recommended to use the solution immediately after preparing it. Garlic is said to be efficient against a broad range of insects at various stages in their life cycle, may it be an egg, larvae or an adult.
Soap Spray Insecticide
To make this solution, you need to combine 100 grams of crushed garlic cloves with 500mL of water and 10 grams of a detergent-based soap such as a dishwashing liquid using a blender, after which it should be mixed really well. Filter the solution using a strainer or a fine cloth. Add in another 500mL of water to the same solution and mix well before using. Apply sufficient amount on top and bottom of leaves which may be repeated once a week or after a rain.
Spray Insecticide
Using a blender, add in a whole garlic bulb and two cups water and set it on high speed until the garlic is finely pureed. Place it in a clean container and store for one day. Remove the pulp using and strainer then combine the solution with one gallon of water. Put on the leaves of the plant covering completely both top and bottom areas. This can be repeated once a week or soon after a rain.
Powder Spray
Using dried garlic bulbs, crush and them grind through a blender until it is finely turned into powder. Even without water, it can be applied directly on the affected areas of the plant, but you can choose to add in some water to make it a spray. The amount of water to be added will depend also on the amount of garlic powder produced. This solution is useful against tomato blight, scab, mildew, and bean rust.
Chili Spray
Crush one onion and one garlic using a blender, then add mix in one tablespoon of powdered chili peppers. Combine these ingredients with two liters of hot water and leave the mixture to cool down. To make the solution smooth, remove what is left of the ingredients using a strainer or fine cloth, and then set it aside. Finish up with solution by adding one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and mix well. It is useful against caterpillars in fruit trees.
The use of garlic as a pesticide has been tried and tested by many gardeners and crop growers. Although it may not be 100% as effective as the commercially prepared pesticides, it could be of great help to by minimizing your expenses. You on the other hand, will be able to help with environment preservation. As you keep using these garlic-inspired solutions, I am sure you too will discover ways on how to improve it, thus making it more effective.