Natural and Cheap Bug, pest and fungus treatments
I want to share what I use on my plants both indoor and out.
These sprays can be used in unison with the other.
First the alcohol: It will weaken any waxy protective coat the bug will have, and even dry up a few.
Follow up with the cooking oil a few days later it will finish them off.
I do not spray plants that I see natural pest control going on. If you see aphids look close is there a black soft beetle looking thing with red spots? This is a larva to the ladybug and they live off of aphids. Other great helpers you want to keep an eye out for and not spray. Praying mantis, spiders and lace wings.
RUBBING ALCOHOL
1 Spray Bottle
Water
Rubbing Alcohol
Combine 1 cup of rubbing alcohol to 1 quart of water. You may want to spray one leaf and wait a day then check for damage. You can use less alcohol on delicate plants.
KILLER COOKING OIL
1 Spray Bottle
Liquid dish detergent
Vegetable cooking oil
Combine 1 Tablespoon of the detergent 1.5 teaspoons oil with 1 cup of water. Test this as well.
For cabbage, cauliflower and squash use just soap solution as it will burn. (Killer cooking oil is great on houseplants that have spider mites)
ANTS
Are my next target...remember "Kiss my grits?" Well that's exactly what you are going to tell the ants. They don't have a digestive system. The Grits expand and well...they explode.
This is just not a one time deal. You can sprinkle this directly on the mound. Or you can put it in the spreader along with sand. My Son loves doing this.
Or you can send the Ants to War with each other. Take a shovel from one mound and put it on the other. They will start killing each other. Ants have a scent that is totally unique to its colony and they smell each other for recognition. Its a little more technical than that, but you get the idea.
Or you can send the Ants to War with each other. Take a shovel from one mound and put it on the other. They will start killing each other. Ants have a scent that is totally unique to its colony and they smell each other for recognition. Its a little more technical than that, but you get the idea.
FUNGUS AND MOLD
Baking Soda! That's it..just put it in some sort of shaker...the powder sugar shakers are great for this. And put a dusting on the plant. This is very gentle.
