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Introduction
If you're struggling with pests in your garden or around your home, garlic might be your secret weapon. This powerful bulb isn’t just for cooking—it also acts as a natural repellent against insects like aphids, mosquitoes, and beetles. Garlic spray is a chemical-free, cost-effective solution that can help protect your plants without harming the environment or beneficial insects. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own garlic pest repellent at home.
Ingredients:
2 large heads of garlic (about 20 cloves)
4 cups of water
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (optional, helps spray stick to plants)
1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (mild, non-antibacterial type)
A fine strainer or cheesecloth
A clean spray bottle
Directions:
Peel and crush the garlic cloves using a mortar and pestle or food processor. Crushing releases the allicin, the compound responsible for garlic’s strong odor and insect-repelling power.
Boil 2 cups of water, then remove from heat. Add the crushed garlic and let it steep for 24 hours.
After steeping, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh to remove solids.
Add the remaining 2 cups of water, along with the dish soap and vegetable oil (if using), and stir well.
Pour the solution into a clean spray bottle, and your homemade garlic pest repellent is ready to use.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Storage: Keep the spray in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use.
Application: Spray directly onto the leaves of plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid leaf burn. Avoid spraying during peak sun hours.
Frequency: Apply every 3-4 days or after rain to maintain effectiveness.
Variations:
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