What are natural insecticides for indoor plants?

Having plants in our houses and offices is always a peaceful, satisfactory feeling. Having plants beside us during work always helps us to relax and feel like we are close to nature all the time. But good things sometimes come with something bad or irritating.

When some small bug bothers your little plants, it becomes irritating for us too. These creepy pests are not only bothersome for plants and us but they also become a barrier in plant growth and eradicate their beauty and eventually plants.

Some people even avoid bringing plants indoors because of these troublemaker pests and solutions as costly and toxic chemicals.

We usually think that pesticides are the only solution to put an end to these bugs. Yes you are right we have to use pesticides but we don’t need to buy pesticides that accommodate chemicals in it. Instead, we can use other approaches that will end bugs and will not be harmful to us too.

Why natural insecticides not chemical-based?

Some may know and don’t that how powerful chemicals, insecticides comprises in it to kill insects or pests. And who wants to spray these toxic pesticides in homes and offices. These toxic chemicals not only put a question mark on our healthy life but also our pets and family.

These pesticides are available at a very high range too which not everyone can afford. And these chemicals can sometimes be risky for our plants' long life. Tons of alternatives are available for these pesticides that are safe for us and our family health too, why not use them.

(Related - Pest Control Exposure Effect on Human Health)

Homemade pesticides solutions

You might be thinking what do you mean by homemade pesticides? It’s simple as name describe homemade pesticides are solutions made by an object present at our home and kill pests just as pesticides do. You can easily make your pesticides by using objects present at your home.

(Related - What is natural pest control)

Soapy water spray

Soap kills pests when coming in contact with them. Soap spray is the cheapest and most effective way to kill these little annoying bugs. Spraying soap water on plants will end aphids and mites by dehydrating them, and completely safer for your plants.

How to make soap spray

Dilute 2 tablespoons of mild liquid soap with 1-gallon water. Spray the solution on infested plants. Use this solution every seventh day until the problem is completely gone.

Note: Do a spot test before spraying soapy water on the complete plant, to see how the plant reacts against it.

Garlic and hot pepper spray

If you are not allergic to a strong smell this might be the right choice for you. Garlic’s strong smell halts aphides to eat on your lovely plant leaves and is not harmful to your plant as well.

How to make garlic and hot pepper spray

Put 2 to 3 garlic cloves and 6 large chilies in a blender and make a fine paste. Sieve the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle to spray on the plants.

Note: Make sure to do a spot test by spraying the mixture on a little spot to check how the plant reacts to the spray.

Essential Oil as an insecticide for indoor plants

Essential oils are gaining popularity everywhere and now as insecticides too. Some essential oils work exceptional as pesticides. Also essential to have a fresh aroma of plants which is always so relaxing.

Eucalyptus essential oil

Eucalyptus essential oil has a minty smell in it which works as a freshener as well for your office and home besides as a pesticide. Eucalyptus is the best option to protect your plants from wasps, bees, and flies. 

How to make eucalyptus essential oil spray

The essential oil comes in a highly concentrated form only ½ teaspoon eucalyptus oil is enough for 500 ml water. Dilute ½ teaspoon of eucalyptus essential oil with 500 ml and spray the solution to affected plants. Use the solution every 7 to 14 days according to infestation until all bugs are gone.

Note: Try spraying this solution on a small part of the plant to test how the plant reacts to it.

Neem oil spray

Neem oil is completely organic made by plants using the distillation process and is as natural as diatomaceous earth. Neem oil is effective in making bugs confuse about eating or not and not let them reproducing and eventually kill them. It doesn’t end insects right away but takes time to terminate these annoying pests.

How to make neem oil spray

Dilute 1 tablespoon of neem oil in 1 liter of water, and spray it on plants. Don’t overspray this solution on leaves. For getting the best result you can spray this solution every 15 days. You can add mild liquid soap too in this spray.

Herbal water spray

Essential oils of sage, thyme, rosemary, mint, basil, and lavender to name a few works as a great insect repellent. These essential oils are completely safe for your respiratory system and keep the bugs away from your plant.

How to make herbal water spray

Dilute the little quantity of essential oil in water and fill it in a spray bottle, to spray on the plants. Make sure to add a very little amount of essential oil (1/2 teaspoon in 500 ml for your idea) as they are the concentrated solution.

Note: Test the solution before applying it to know how the plant reacts to it, and do not spray too much.

Organic insecticide at store

If you don’t have much time to make homemade solutions but looking for an organic solution then this method is for you. Looking forward to the increasing trend of using the organic product, many organic treatments are also available at stores.

Pai’s Plant Protector

Pai’s plant protector is completely organic made with a special formula to protect your plant from insects and bugs. It protects the plant from aphids, snails, and all leave-eating insects.

How to use plant protector

It comes in powder form all you need to do is sprinkle this powder in your plant, and then the plant protector will do the rest.

Besides the use of pesticides to protect your plant you can also use good quality fertilizer (try Pai's Vermicompost), and soil booster to boost the growth of your plant. And make sure to use good quality soil as well to protect your plant from insects and bugs.