All Around Insect Sprays

Nicotine Spray

Place one or two cigarettes in a quart of warm water and let stand over night. The nicotine that is released is a deadly poison to many insects. Strain and place the mixture in a spray bottle and spray directly on problem insects. Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use on tomato plants or roses of any kind.

Hot Pepper Spray

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce or 1 teaspoon crushed cayenne pepper
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 1 quart of warm tap water

Chop garlic very fine and add hot sauce or peppers and water. Mix well and allow to stand for at least 1 hour or over night. Strain and pour into sprayer. Apply mixture on a leaf or two and wait 24 hours to test for possible damage. If the mixture appears to strong, dilute with more water.

Ivory Soap Spray

Mix 4 drops of Ivory liquid soap, half teaspoon hot pepper sauce and 1 crushed garlic clove in 3 cups of warm water. Let steep overnight, strain and pour into sprayer. . Apply mixture on a leaf or two and wait 24 hours to test for possible damage. If the mixture appears to strong, dilute with more water.

Another Ivory Soap Spray

Mix 1 tablespoon Ivory soap and 1 teaspoon canola oil in 1 quart of tap water. Pour into sprayer. Apply mixture on a leaf or two and wait 24 hours to test for possible damage. If the mixture appears to strong, dilute with more water.

Alcohol Spray

Place 2 cups of rubbing alcohol in 1 quart of water and spray the infected plants. Apply mixture on a leaf or two and wait 24 hours to test for possible damage. If the mixture appears to strong, dilute with more water.

Winter and / or Dormant Oils

Many insects hibernate in trees during the winter months. Special winter or dormant oils are heavy oils and should be used when the trees are dormant before spring growth appears. The oils will not harm the trees but will kill the hibernating insects before they can emerge in the spring. Be sure to water the trees well before applying the oils. The oils can be purchased at most nurseries or lawn and garden supply stores.

Summer and / or Superior Oils

These are light weight oils and can be used all year round. They work by smothering the pests and their eggs. Always water the trees well before spraying the oils. The oils can be purchased at most nurseries or lawn and garden supply stores.

Special Oil Spray

  • 2 quarts tap water
  • 1 Teaspoon of horticultural oil
  • 2 Cups of isopropyl alcohol

The alcohol mixed in with the oil will kill the bugs on contact. The oil allows the mixture to stick to the tree long enough to kill off those that missed the initial spraying.

Never use any oils if the outside temperature is over 90 degrees!