If you’ve noticed tiny insects nibbling on your garden plants, you may have heard about using garlic water as a homemade pest spray. It’s an inexpensive, easy-to-make option that many home gardeners like to try before reaching for stronger products.
While garlic spray isn’t a guaranteed solution for every pest, it can help discourage some insects because of its strong smell. Results vary depending on the type of pest, the plant, and how often the spray is applied.
Why Garlic?
Garlic contains natural sulfur-containing compounds that produce its distinctive aroma. Many gardeners believe this scent can make plants less attractive to certain insects, such as aphids, whiteflies, and some beetles.
Keep in mind that garlic spray is more of a deterrent than a pesticide, and severe infestations may require other pest management methods.
Homemade Garlic Water Spray
Ingredients
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 4 cups water
- 1 spray bottle
- Fine strainer or cheesecloth
Directions
Peel the garlic cloves and crush or blend them.
Bring the water to a boil, remove it from the heat, and add the crushed garlic.
Let the mixture steep until completely cool, then strain out the garlic pieces.
Pour the liquid into a clean spray bottle.
How to Use It
- Spray the tops and undersides of leaves where insects tend to gather.
- Apply in the early morning or late evening to reduce the chance of leaf damage in strong sunlight.
- Reapply after heavy rain.
- Test the spray on a small section of the plant first and wait 24 hours to make sure it doesn’t cause leaf spotting or damage.
Helpful Tips
- Remove heavily damaged leaves to reduce pest populations.
- Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which naturally feed on common garden pests.
- Inspect plants regularly so you can address problems before they become severe.
The Bottom Line
Garlic water is a simple, low-cost homemade garden spray that may help discourage certain insect pests, but it isn’t a miracle solution and won’t work against every infestation. Used alongside good gardening practices, it can be one useful tool for keeping your plants healthy throughout the growing season.
For more fantastic homemade concoctions, take a look at Why This Mixture Is Not a Substitute for Aspirin, I Started Making This Ginger and Honey Mixture Every Week… Now I Never Skip It, or discover A Refreshing Drink You Can Make at Home.
