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Natural Pest Control For Houseplants

by Susan Walsh

Most of the time houseplants are pest free, but sometimes the worst happens and they end up with aphids, mealy bugs, white flies, and other insect pests. Fortunately there are a few natural ways to control them!

To prevent pests, try adding a clove of garlic to the pot. Bugs of all kinds hate the smell and will stay away. If it happens to sprout, move it to the vegetable garden.

If the bugs have already moved in, sometimes simply giving the plant a good rinse under the tap or shower is enough to send them packing. If not, you can whip up a homemade insect spray. Simply mix together a gallon of lukewarm water, a teaspoon of vegetable or mineral oil, and a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap(like Dawn). Another equally affective recipe subsitutes rubbing alcohol for the oil. (And here’s another quick hint-add a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to a gallon of lukewarm water and you have a great homemade fungacide!) Mix well, and spray. Be sure to keep the plants out of direct sunlight until the leaves are dry.

Gardening Pic of the Day:

newplants1.jpg

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Posted in General on September 14th, 2007

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