Make It: Plant Pest Spray

Quit Buggin'

07.01.2009

The Bite:
Sick of creepy crawlers pestering your indoor plants? Gnat a problem if you use this DIY organic pest spray from local plant doctor Carissa Potenza. Carissa uses neem-oil, a natural insect zapper (no carcinogenic pesticides), to run off aphids (like plant lice), spider mites, ants, and other minisuckers. She's also avail for urban gardening advice. Fly.
I've Got Bugs on My Plants Pest Spray
Makes 1 gallon

What You Need:


Directions:

1. Combine the neem-oil, dish soap, and water in a jug, and mix well.

2. Pour some of the mixture into your spray bottle, and store the rest under your sink for easy refills.

3. Spray the entire plant you're treating (in a well-ventilated area away from floors and furniture), including the underside of the leaves, once every 2–3 weeks until the pests are gone.
Wanna Try: 
Greenspace NYC, call for a consulting estimate (646-337-8318). For supplies, try LifeThyme Natural Market, 410 Ave. of the Americas (212-420-9099). Neem oil, $8/1 ounce.

Map It

Cocktail Fact

Queensland, Australia, is home to Giant Burrowing Cockroaches, which measure 3.5 inches long and weigh up to 1.2 ounces - the same as 3 USB flash drives.

Small Changes Add Up

If 10,000 NY Biters switch to sustainable gardening methods for 1 year, we'll avert the weight of seven riding mowers in pesticides from entering the environment.

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Just a couple of corrections to the above... *The neem oil spray should only be used ONCE every 2-3 weeks (NOT daily. Over-frequent spraying could burn a plant.) *A small number of people have been found to have an allergy to neem, so, as with any pest treatment (organic or not), use with caution. If you get the oil mixture on your skin, wash with soap & water. If you get it in your eyes, flush immediately & consult a doctor. As with all pest treatments, don't eat or inhale. Safety first! *This spray is primarily for outdoor plants. If used indoors, do not inhale, use in a ventilated area, & protect all furniture/flooring/etc., to prevent damage. The neem has a slightly nutty scent, so if you spray indoors, the scent may hang in the air for a while. *Use of this spray for "lice" control is only in reference to plant lice, aka APHIDS. Do not apply this spray to your body to treat lice. :) *Neem has been found to somewhat deter larger bugs like roaches, and can sometimes inhibit breeding, but is, unfortunately, not a guaranteed roach-killer. It's best used on plants affected by spider mites, scale, aphids, & other typical small plant-pests. *If re-using an old spray bottle, be CERTAIN that it is COMPLETELY clean of residue from whatever was in it before. (You don't want to harm your plant by getting old chemicals or what-have-you on it.) *If spraying on vegetable/fruit/herb plants, be sure to wash the foods thoroughly before consuming. *It's not advisable to use this spray (or any type of oil spray) on cacti/jade/other succulent plants. Thanks! Happy gardening! Best, Carissa Potenza, Greenspace NYC www.greenspacenyc.com

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