Hey everyone! I'm looking for effective sprays to prevent and eliminate all sorts of pests on my houseplants. I've heard neem oil is great but also questionable because it's supposedly banned in the UK. What other options do I have? I have over 20 plants in a small space, so dealing with a pest infestation would be a nightmare! ? Any recommendations would be appreciated!
2 Answers
You can make a solid homemade spray! Try mixing 1 cup of water with 1ml of Castile peppermint soap, 1ml of apple cider vinegar, and 1ml of vegetable oil. If you want an extra kick, add a bit of garlic powder and crushed red pepper. Just put this all in a spray bottle and you're good to go! This concoction is plant-safe and has kept my plants pest-free for a while now!
A diluted Castile soap solution works wonders! Some people mix in rubbing alcohol or even a bit of peppermint or cayenne pepper for bonus pest-repelling power. Just remember to apply it in the evening to avoid any sunburn on the leaves. I've also heard that neem oil is banned in the UK as a pesticide, but if you find a cold-pressed version that’s safe for skin care, it might be effective for plants too!
Thanks for the tips! Do you think using beauty-grade neem oil is safe for my plants? I'm a little worried about it! ?