For any farmer or gardener, pesticide plays a crucial part in the growth of the plant and the yield of the products. Nowadays, going organic or going green has come into the limelight, and everyone should follow it as it is one of the ways to save the environment.
Some people think that going organic, no pesticides are utilized, but this isn’t the case. Pesticides are a crucial component of the growing process for farmers and gardeners because they help preserve and protect crops all year. That’s why farmers and gardeners should use pesticides, but these pesticides should be natural.
The main distinction between natural and conventional chemical pesticides is that organic pesticides use naturally occurring compounds rather than synthetically created ones. To cultivate healthy plants, organic gardeners first focus on enriching the soil with natural materials like well-rotted manure or homemade pesticides, organic Fertilizer, and “traditional” fertilizers like bone meal or fish blood and bone. Along with them, one should use natural pesticides too.
What are Natural Pesticides?
In simple words, natural pesticides are pesticides that can quickly decompose into the environment without damaging it. These pesticides are created using natural elements. Opting for these pesticides not only helps you in removing toxins from your food but also helps in the Environmental Management System. You can either get these natural pesticides from the market or even prepare them on your own using scratch items.
Why Should Everyone Use Natural Pesticides?
Food has become necessary and a business in the present world. To get high yields, most farmers use harmful chemical pesticides. These pesticides are very toxic with chemicals, can cause soil pollution, and can kill beneficial organisms like earthworms.
Exposure to synthetic pesticides will cause cardiovascular issues and several other health effects. That’s why everyone should opt for natural pesticides. Using biodegradable natural pesticides can prevent the harmful effects of non-biodegradable waste. Along with crops and gardening, you can also use these natural pesticides for indoor plants.
Numerous organic pesticides exist that have less influence on the environment and pose less risk because they are not created by chemical engineering. Organic pesticides provide several advantages over conventional pesticides, including a narrow target range, a slower mode of action, a brief persistence, low residue levels, and safety during application.
These qualities benefit both customers and the environment, but as with any product, you must use precaution and pay close attention to the timing and approach to management.
Types of Natural Pesticides for Plants
These are the several kinds of natural insecticides for plants.
- Microbial
- Biochemical
- Botanical
- Mineral
- Homemade organic pesticides
Many of these pesticides are prepared from plants or insects, or minerals. So, these will decompose quickly and can be helpful as natural pesticides for indoor plants. Out of all these, there are several types of homemade pesticides, and let us briefly discuss them.
Microbial
Microbial agents are produced by bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses that exist in nature, or protozoans. These either generate a poison, inhibit reproduction, or spread disease to a particular insect population. This kind of organic pesticide includes milky spores.
Biochemical
The simplicity and mischievousness of biochemical pesticides make them attractive. One type that can be produced artificially or naturally is pheromones, and they can regulate insect populations and interfere with mating rituals.
Botanical
Plants are the source of botanical insecticides; for instance, pyrethrin, derived from the chrysanthemum plant, helps flush out grubs and larvae as flying insects.
Mineral
These types of fertilizers are derived from minerals such as lime-sulfur, and these are sprayed directly onto the plant.
Homemade organic pesticides
As the name suggests, these pesticides can be prepared at home. You can also use these types of natural pesticides for indoor plants. Before the invention of chemical pesticides, these homemade pesticides were being used by farmers decades ago.
Seven Homemade Natural Pesticides for Plants
Let us look at seven natural homemade pesticides to prevent your plants from bugs and pests and to have healthy yields.
Neem oil spray
Neem oil spray can be made by mixing one liter of warm water with 14 grams of premium organic neem oil and 1/2 teaspoon of mild organic liquid soap. Stir gradually. Use right away after adding to a spray bottle. This is the most potent, natural, homemade pesticide, which contains more than 50 natural insecticides.
Salt spray
To prepare salt spray, mix two tablespoons of crystal salt into 4 liters of warm water. Shake well. This is very useful in the treatment of plants from spider mites. It would be best if you sprayed this mixture in the affected area.
Mineral oil
One liter of water should be combined with 10 to 30 ml of high-grade organic mineral oil. Add to spray bottle after stirring. This natural pesticide is effective at drying up insects and their eggs.
Water, Orange Citrus Oil, and Soap
Combine three tablespoons of liquid organic Castile soap with 28 grams of orange oil in 4 liters of water to create this natural pesticide. Shake firmly. This can be sprayed directly on ants and cockroaches and is particularly powerful against snails.
Lemon Juice and Cayenne Pepper
Combine 1 cup of warm water, one teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and ten drops of citrus essential oil. Spray on the impacted areas after thoroughly shaking. This is very effective on ants.
Garlic and Onion Spray
Mince one medium organic onion and one organic garlic clove and add it to 1 liter of water. After waiting an hour, add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper and one tablespoon of liquid Castile soap. If kept in the refrigerator, this organic spray’s efficiency will last an entire week.
Spray with tobacco
Tobacco spray is a helpful insecticide for eradicating bugs, caterpillars, and aphids. Add four liters of water with one cup of organic tobacco (ideally an all-natural, organic brand). Set the mixture aside for the night. The mixture ought to be a light brown tint after 24 hours. Add extra water if it’s very dark. You can use this for most plants except those in the solanaceous family, i.e., tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc.
Uses of Natural Pesticides
Everyone should know the importance of environmental protection and include natural pesticides for indoor plants or gardening. Following this have the following benefits.
- As known by everyone, using biodegradable pesticides can prevent the harmful effects of non-biodegradable waste on this earth.
- You may not be the victim of cardiovascular diseases which might affect you by using synthetic pesticides.
- You can save money by going green and organic.
- Many sellers who are selling organic pesticides are providing Eco-friendly packaging. This might feel like a simple issue, but do you know that it can prevent much pollution on this earth?
- You can eat healthy food without any synthetic pesticides on them.
- Healthy food can improve your overall health and make you feel light and active all day.
Conclusion
Pollution is everywhere on our earth. It is destroying everything, and we, humans, are the main reason for it. We are running after yields and growth, forgetting that we are ruining our earth daily. It’s time for us to get up, look about, and follow the ways to save the environment.
Using Natural pesticides is one step toward protecting the soil, environment, and our health, and that’s why everyone should use them.
