House Plant Repellent for Insects

Creating a DIY natural insect repellent for house plants is a great way to protect your plants from pests without using harsh chemicals. Here are a few effective recipes you can try:

1. **Soap and Water Spray**

**Ingredients:**

• 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap or mild dish soap
• 1 quart of water

**Instructions:**

1. Mix the soap and water in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well to combine.
3. Spray directly onto the affected plants, focusing on the undersides of leaves where pests often hide.
4. Reapply every few days until the pests are gone.

2. **Garlic Spray**

**Ingredients:**

• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1 quart of water
• 1 teaspoon of liquid soap (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Crush the garlic cloves and let them steep in water overnight.
2. Strain the mixture into a spray bottle.
3. Add the liquid soap if desired, and shake well.
4. Spray on plants, especially where you see signs of insect activity.
5. Reapply every week or after rain.

3. **Peppermint Oil Spray**

**Ingredients:**

• 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 quart of water
• 1 teaspoon of liquid soap

**Instructions:**

1. Combine the peppermint oil, water, and liquid soap in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well to mix.
3. Spray on plants to deter pests like aphids and spider mites.
4. Reapply every few days or after watering.

4. **Neem Oil Spray**

**Ingredients:**

• 1-2 teaspoons of neem oil
• 1 quart of water
• 1 teaspoon of liquid soap

**Instructions:**

1. Mix the neem oil, water, and liquid soap in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well to emulsify the oil.
3. Spray on affected plants, ensuring to cover all surfaces.
4. Reapply every 7-14 days as needed.

5. **Cayenne Pepper Spray**

**Ingredients:**

• 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 quart of water
• 1 teaspoon of liquid soap

**Instructions:**

1. Mix the cayenne pepper and water in a spray bottle.
2. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
3. Strain the mixture to remove solid particles.
4. Add the liquid soap and shake well.
5. Spray on plants to deter pests.
6. Reapply every few days.

Tips for Use:

• Always test a small area of the plant first to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
• Apply sprays in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn from the sun.
• Store any unused spray in a cool, dark place and shake well before each use.

By using these natural insect repellents, you can help keep your house plants healthy and pest-free!