How to help control insects and bugsUpdated 4 months ago

Above shows a plant attacked by caterpillar and can have devastating effects in a very short period of time. Notice the black stuff on the Salad Table lid? That is caterpillar poop and is a classic sign they have visited... Looks like this plant copped it from all directions as there is also a grass hopper in the top of the photo.

This plant is being attacked by sap sucking aphids. If left they will spread quite fast eventually killing your plants.

We have complied a list of natural pest control spray recipes below. This is not an extensive list by any means and there is no guarantee that your plants will be totally bug free after application. For most natural / organic sprays, you may have to apply several times to get good results.

Scale and Mealybugs: An oil based spray can be very effective on these bugs as it will literally suffocate them when applied quite heavily. Mix 60ml (4 tbl spoons) of dishwashing detergent into one cup of vegetable oil. Use 1 part of this solution to about 20 parts water in your sprayer and spray directly on to affected plants.

Aphids, Caterpillars + Various Insects: Use two tablespoons of soap flakes (such as Lux) to one litre of warm water. Mix or shake thoroughly until completely dissolved and spray directly on to your plants. Reapply whenever these pests are visible.

Natural Insecticidal Spray: This mix should deal a blow to many types of insects. I suggest giving yourself a day or 2 before consuming your produce that has been sprayed, otherwise everything will taste like eye watering hot garlic.... Finely chop 3 cloves of garlic, 3 large onions and 3 hot chillies. Add to a large bowl of soapy water and mix in thoroughly, let sit overnight then strain off the liquid the next day. Mix your brew into about 3 litres of water (I use a 3L milk container marked poison) This can then be sprayed directly on to your plants.

If you find that your homemade sprays are not working very well, there are many products available through retail outlets that contain stronger and more effective ingredients. Be aware that many of these products are not classed as organic or natural and may have withholding periods... for example, products with a 3 day withholding period should not be consumed for 3 days after application. This may also be the case with some registered organic sprays so be sure to read the instructions carefully.