Do you feel annoyed spending hours nurturing your beloved plants, only to have them ravaged by pesky pests? If so, you’ve come to the right boat! We understand the frustration and in this section, we’ve gathered all the best garden insecticides, from natural repellents to all-natural, non-chemical pesticides to help you combat those sneaky intruders. Check them out!
Table of Contents
Best Garden Insecticide For Outdoor and Indoor Use
Neem Oil
Must Try Product: Neem Bliss Pure Neem Oil
Neem oil, derived from the seeds of a neem tree, is one of the best vegetable garden insecticides that can be used effectively for any kind of plant. The secret effectiveness of neem oil lies in its core chemical compounds known as azadirachtin, which help disrupt the life cycle of pests such as aphids, mites, white flies, and mealybugs. Aside from its affordability and availability, neem oil is also a remarkable pest control that would not harm your garden’s ecosystem.
Spinosad
Must Try Product: Natural Guard Spinosad Soap
What makes this best garden insecticide unique is the natural main compound, which is made from the fermentation of bacteria known as Saccharopolyspora spinosa. When it comes to pest control, spinosad acts as a formidable force that targets the nervous system of pests, causing paralysis that leads them to death. Similar to neem oil, spinosad is also an eco-friendly pest repellent that would remain gentle on your plants and environments.
Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt)
Must Try Product: Bonide Captain Jack’s Bacillus thuringiensis Bt
Another pest control solution that is naturally made from the bacterium is Bacillus thuringiensis. This natural insecticide helps you battle outdoor and indoor pests by producing toxic crystal proteins for these invaders’ larvae. Bacillus thuringiensis is generally adequate for pests such as caterpillars and other larvae that love to munch on your plant’s leave, but that’s not all, as this natural best garden insecticide is also able to control mosquitoes, gnats, and any other flying pests!
Insecticidal Soap
Must Try Product: Bonide Insecticidal Soap
Typically made from fatty acid or plant oil, insecticidal soap is the garden hero that effortlessly helps you combat those annoying pests but is still gentle to your plants. Insecticidal soap works as a dehydrating agent upon contact with stubborn pests, effectively suffocating the pests. Another best part about insecticidal soap is that it’s easy to find on both online and offline marketplaces, with an affordable price that would not hurt your wallet.
Diatomaceous Earth
Must Try Product: Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade
Perhaps, this is your first time hearing about this effective and best garden insecticide, but this powdery-white pest control is the true life-saver for your plants. Made from skeletal remains of marine organisms known as diatoms, ultimately vanishes unwanted pests, insects, and even non-plant-related problems such as bed bugs and fleas! We love diatomaceous Earth as it also gets rid of ants in the yard, is safe for pets, and is fairly easy to get. However, diatomaceous Earth is not the type of water-soluble pest control.
Garlic Oil
Must Try Product: Garlic Barrier Insect Repellent White
Who says garlic oil only belongs to the culinary world? Garlic oil, as the name indicates, is derived from garlic that can be highly effective in repelling pests by causing olfactory-related problems and intoxication symptoms in the larva, pupa, and adult pests–mainly the sneaky mealworm beetle. The accessibility, availability, and affordability of garlic oil make it the best vegetable garden insecticide that is worth the investment!
Best Natural Insecticide For Any Garden
Yellow and Blue Sticky Traps
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of troublesome pests without using any chemical compounds, yellow and blue sticky traps are your best bets. Unlike most insecticides and any other pest control solutions, yellow and blue sticky traps are 100% free of chemical compounds to eliminate pests. They rely on the adhesive, super sticky surface to trap pests, making them unable to escape. Blue sticky traps are mainly used to control thrips while yellow sticky traps can be used to control broader types of pests and insects.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Yes, apple cider vinegar is not only good for your health but is also the best garden insecticide with minimal chemical compounds. Derived from the fermented juice of apples, apple cider vinegar works using its enticing aroma to attract a wide range of pests such as fruit flies, gnats, and ants. The price is incredibly affordable and is also extremely easy to find, but it might be not effective to repel fungi and any other pests such as spider mites, depending on the severity.
Tanglefoot Insect Barrier
If you have large trees or bigger shrubs in your garden, a tanglefoot insect barrier would be your plant saver. Similar to sticky traps, this non-chemical insecticide relies on its super sticky adhesive compound, made from castor oil, vegetable waxes, and natural gum to control pests and prevent the pests from reaching further and damaging your plants.
Best Homemade Insecticide For Vegetable Garden
Soap Spray
Running out of money and want to maximize the use of your bathroom products to combat pests? You can take advantage of soap spray and change them into the best garden insecticide that is easy to make! The effectiveness of soap spray, which is simply made by mixing mild soap with water, lies in its ability to disrupt the pests’ respiratory system, causing dehydration and lack of oxygen, and thus, leading them to their death. Ensure to always use mild liquid soap that is gentle for your plants.
Eucalyptus Oil Spray
Eucalyptus is not just mosquito-repellent and its famous forest scent. With some eucalyptus oil spray in your hand, you can say goodbye to all the maddening insects. Creating eucalyptus oil spray is just as easy as creating soap spray. All you need is to mix pure eucalyptus oil with water and spray the formula gently on your plants.
Tomato Leaf Spray
Next time you buy fresh tomatoes, do not throw away the leaves! You can make the best garden insecticide by taking advantage of the natural anti-pest ingredient in it. Tomato leaves work by releasing glycoalkaloids that are toxic to insects but are harmless to humans and the plants themselves. But first, you need to boil the tomato leaves, about a handful, for 30 to 35 minutes. Once done, let the mixture cool, strain the leaves, and move the liquid to a spray bottle.
Gardening Tips: How To Prevent Pests On Plants?
Most of the time, no matter what the best garden insecticide you have used and no matter how many bucks you have spent to cure your plants, those annoying pests and insects keep coming back. So how do you prevent these little burglars from hurting your plants?
First and foremost, you need to maintain proper plant requirements. Each plant has specific watering, light, humidity, temperature, and nutrient needs, so you need to keep an eye out for this. To add, never overcrowd your plants, and make sure the growing space is neat and away from dirt. Next, regularly check the signs of pests, such as chewed leaves, holes, wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing or browning leaves.
Wind Up
Having effective pest control is a must for any gardener to protect their precious plants. From the most well-known neem oil to the easy-to-make tomato leaf spray, there is a plethora of the best garden insecticides ready to help you fight those pests and insects. Keep in mind that overall hygiene and proper plant management are also crucial when it comes to controlling both pests and diseases.
New author in the hood. Loves gardening and flowers are my spirit animals (yes I know they are not animals but I insist). I will be covering most of the flowers’ topics here and occasionally random though as well.
