How to use garlic to control pests in your garden, according to an expert

Whether your garden has an invisible pest running rampant or you’ve caught some insects, you’re probably looking for ways to keep them at bay.

If organic and easy are two words you want to incorporate into your home pest control plan, then garlic spray is just what you need. With a few household ingredients and a spray bottle, you can make your own spray that will keep a large number of pests at bay.

We spoke to an expert who showed you how to make garlic spray, what pests it can repel, and other tips for protecting your garden.

What pests don’t like garlic?

This ingredient is a pretty powerful insect repellent. Shannon Harlow-Ellis of Mosquito Joe lists a number of critters that don’t like the smell or taste of garlic.

Garlic can help repel insects like aphids, ants, spider mites, beetles, caterpillars, snails, slugs, and mosquitoes, she tells us. The main reason these insects and bugs stay away is because of its smell.

Garlic’s strong odor masks the odor that attracts pests to plants. Even better, she points out, the solution is also harmless to plants.

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How to Make Garlic Spray to Kill Pests

Making your own garlic spray is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it, according to Harlow-Ellis:

1. Prepare materials: You will need water, garlic, and any ingredients like dish soap and vegetable oil. The amount will depend on how much spray you want to create, but typically 3 to 5 cloves of garlic will be enough.
2. Crush and mix the ingredients well: Crush the garlic cloves and mix with water until smooth.
3. Give it a rest: Let the mixture sit overnight, then strain through cheesecloth to remove any residue. If desired, homeowners can add a tablespoon of dish soap and vegetable oil, she said.
4. Add to water and spray: You will want the concentration to be 1 part solution to 10 parts water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray around your garden, paying special attention to plants that are big targets for pests.

3 Ways to Customize Your Spray

• For an extra layer of defense, chilli is a great way to customize your garlic insecticide spray. Many insects will not like the taste or smell of it, but they are not the only ones. Deer, squirrels, rabbits and all will stay away from it.
• Another option is onion. Like garlic, this allium repels bugs and can be easily added to recipes. Just chop or crush it as you would garlic.
• Finally, Harlow-Ellis notes you can Add dish soap and vegetable oil. This will help the ingredients blend better together and make the flavor less appealing to pests.

5 Additional Pest Control Tips for Your Garden

In addition to spraying garlic for pesticides, here are some other ways to control and prevent garden pests:

• Plant additional intercropping: Harlow-Ellis notes that intercropping is a great way to help repel unwanted insects. She recommends marigolds, basil, and mint.
• Be careful with water: Standing water can be a big insect magnet, especially for mosquitoes and termites. Water management practices are good to avoid overwatering, which can attract pests, Harlow-Ellis says.
• Try these other homemade, non-toxic solutions: Some commercial pesticides and repellents can be harmful to pollinators, wildlife, pets, and people. Look into other DIY options before resorting to harsher chemicals.
• Apply pest control methods appropriate to the type of pest: Not all repellents work on all pests. Figure out what pests are eating or destroying your plants and start there.
• Seek professional help: If pests become too much, it is better to call a professional instead of leaving it alone or trying to prevent it yourself. Harlow-Ellis says homeowners should consider professional outdoor pest management to ensure the health of their gardens.