Organic pesticides

Organic pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill insects, weeds, fungi, bacteria, and other pests. They are widely used in agriculture, gardening, landscaping, and pest control.

Organic pesticides are natural substances that kill pests naturally. They do not harm humans or animals. Organic pesticide is environmentally friendly as well.

Chemical pesticides are used for killing insects, weeds, and other pests. The problem is that they also kill beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and birds. They are also toxic to humans and animals. Some pesticides are banned in some countries, while others are still legal.

Chemical pesticides are often linked to various diseases and cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified some pesticides as carcinogens. This means that these chemicals increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

These include organophosphates, which are commonly found in insecticides and herbicides. Other pesticides, such as pyrethroids, are neurotoxins that affect the nervous system. Some synthetic pesticides can cause allergic reactions, while others can damage the liver or kidneys. These are some of the health impacts. 

Pesticides are chemicals used to kill insects, weeds, fungi, bacteria, and other pests. They are also used to prevent diseases such as malaria and dengue fever from spreading. However, some pesticides may be harmful to humans.

For example, organophosphate pesticides and organochlorine pesticides have been shown to cause nerve damage and even death. Pesticide-related illnesses are common among farmworkers who handle them on a daily basis.

There are several reasons why organic food might be better for you. For example, organic produce of fruits and vegetables contains higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also tend to taste better. But organic growers are limited. The best way is to grow your own veggies.

Organic pesticides don’t harm humans or animals. In fact, most organic pesticides are made up of natural ingredients. They work by breaking down into harmless compounds when exposed to sunlight.

The reason that they taste better is simple: organic farms do not use toxic fertilizers such as chemical herbicides and fungicides.

They're also safer than conventional pesticides. Many organic pesticides are derived from plants (botanical pesticide), so they won't hurt your skin or eyes. These are used as natural pest control. These pesticides from natural sources don't contain toxic chemicals and are good for human health, and animal health as well.

Here is a list of 15 natural pesticides to use in your garden 

Neem oil 

This oil comes from the seeds of the neem tree. It contains tannin and saponin, which help control bugs. Neem oil has been used for centuries to treat insects and pests. The neem tree produces a sticky resin called azadirachtin which kills insects such as mosquitoes, flies, ants, cockroaches, and termites. Neem oil is also used as a natural insecticide against aphids, mites, and whiteflies. It is a very common pesticide.

Neem oil

Garlic 

You can plant garlic around your home to keep away mosquitoes. Garlic is an antibacterial agent that helps protect against disease-causing organisms.

Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural pesticide. The garlic plant produces a volatile oil called allicin when cut or crushed. This chemical compound kills bacteria and fungi. Allicin also helps prevent viruses from replicating.

To use garlic as a pesticide, you need to crush it before applying it to your plants. You can do this by crushing the cloves between two pieces of paper. Alternatively, you can chop the clove and mix it with water.

Garlic

Turmeric

It works as both a fungicide and bactericide. When applied directly to crops, turmeric acts as a natural pesticide. It controls nematodes, fungus, and bacteria. When mixed with water, turmeric makes a paste that can be sprayed onto plants to control pests. 

Turmeric

Oregano Oil 

You can spray oregano oil around your house to repel ants and other insects. The active ingredient in oregano oil is carvacrol, which is known to be effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Oregano oil also contains thymol, which is a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent.

Lemon juice 

To get rid of ants, you can mix lemon juice with water. Then, soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them near where you see ants. Lemon juice contains citric acid which is toxic to insects and fungus.

To deter fruit flies, you can crush lemons or oranges and sprinkle them around your kitchen. Fruit flies dislike citrus smells.

Lemon juice

Peppermint leaves 

Peppermint oil has been used commonly as a natural insecticide. The active ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol, which is toxic to insects. However, peppermint oil should be diluted with water when applied to plants. You can also use peppermint leaves to ward off fleas and ticks. 

Peppermint leaves 

Soapnut solution

Soap nuts are used as pesticides for controlling pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. They are also used as natural insecticides. The sap from soap nuts contains a chemical called cypermethrin which kills insects.

Soapnut solution

Ginger, Garlic, Green Chili spray

Remove the outer skin of 18gm of garlic. Grind the garlic pods into a paste. Grind 9gm of green chilli and 9gm of ginger into a paste. Dissolve all three pastes in 1 liter of water. Stir the mixture well and filter before spraying. The extract should be used immediately after preparation and can be stored for up to 3 days. For a tank with 10 liter capacity, mix 500 ml of the garlic, chilli, and ginger extract with 100 ml of soap solution and 9.4 liters of water. The extract can be used as a spray and the concentration can be increased or decreased depending on the intensity of the pest attack.Ginger, Garlic, Green Chili spray<

Chrysanthemum flower tea 

Tea made from chrysanthemums has been used for centuries as a natural pesticide. The flowers contain a compound called pyrethrin which kills insects. However, the compound also affects humans and animals, causing irritation and burning sensations.

Steep the leaves of Crysanthemum in water overnight. Strain and use the solution. 

Chrysanthemum flower tea

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptol is a natural compound found in eucalyptus leaves that has been used for centuries as a disinfectant, antiseptic, insecticide, and repellent. The active ingredient in eucalyptol is called cineole, which is also found in other essential oils such as peppermint, lemon, rosemary, and tea tree. Cineole is toxic to insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and molds, and it is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, lice, fleas, bedbugs, cockroaches, ants, termites, and flies.

It is used to prevent aphids, whiteflies, and mites. Mix 1 teaspoon of the oil with 2 cups of water and a tiny bit of natural soap nut solution. Shake well and apply.

Eucalyptus oil

Onion spray

The active ingredient in onion spray is thiosulfate which is toxic to insects. The mode of action is that thiosulfate works by inhibiting the enzyme cytochrome oxidase in the insect’s mitochondria, causing respiratory failure and eventually death.

Tomato leaf tea

The leaves contain a chemical called tomatine which kills insects. Tomatine also works against bacteria and fungi.

Steep the tomato leaves in water overnight. Strain and use the solution. 

Onion spray

Milk solution

1 part milk to 9 parts water to control powdery mildew on leaves.

Lantana tea 

Lantana plants are used for pest control, especially against aphids. The leaves contain chemicals called terpenoids that kill insects.

Chilli Spray

Chilli peppers contain capsaicin which has been shown to be effective against pests such as aphids and whiteflies. The capsaicin also acts as a natural insect repellent.

Grind fresh chilli into a fine paste. Cover and let stand overnight. Filter the liquid through cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. Store the liquid in a tightly sealed container until needed. Use within 5 days.

Frequently asked questions

What is the environmental impact of using chemical pesticides?

Chemical pesticides can be harmful to humans and animals. They may cause cancer, birth defects, damage to the nervous system, and other health issues.

How to make organic pesticides?

You can make organic pesticides from plant extracts like tomato, chrysanthemum, ginger, garlic, onion, chilli, turmeric, etc. 

Where to buy organic pesticides?

But your organic pesticide from UrbanMali plant store

Do organic pesticides work?

Yes, organic pesticides work. You might have to use it repeatedly for a few days till your plant is pest-free.

Are organic pesticides effective?

Yes, organic pesticides are effective. 

What are persistent organic pesticides?

Persistent organic pesticides are chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods of time. They can be found in soil, water, plants, animals, and even humans.

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Happy Gardening!

Dr. Vandana K.