How to Make Garlic Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitos are the worst. I think everyone can agree on that. While many bug sprays work well, some people prefer an organic and natural option. This is where garlic mosquito repellent comes in handy. In addition, you can use this garlic mosquito repellent to dissuade bugs from eating your plants. It works great for organic gardening!
In addition to being an effective insecticide, the active sulfur compounds in garlic also eradicate fungus and scare away grazing animals. The best part is that you won’t have to use dangerous pesticides or residues to rid your plants of pests. Now let’s get into how you can use it!
Garlic repels a ton of pests. If you’re interested in exactly what type of animals it deters, read our newest article.
Benefits of Water-Based Garlic Repellent
Vegetables, fruit, ornaments, and houseplants can benefit from a homemade garlic spray.
Natural Insecticide/Pesticide: Garlic, when applied as a foliage spray, is helpful against termites, aphids, whiteflies, bean beetles, Colorado potato beetles, cabbage worms, spider mites, and moths (especially the diamondback moth). Garlic water is a well-known remedy for nematodes and fungus gnats when applied to the soil.
Natural Fungicide: The active sulfur components will eliminate various fungal and mildew infections. For powdery mildew, it is a very efficient treatment and prevention approach.
Natural Deterrent: Garlic is an effective deterrent against mice, rats, rabbits, voles, elk, and deer when combined with chilies.
Warning: Using a garlic water solution on plants successfully requires moderation. While the remedy successfully removes bothersome garden infestations, if applied too frequently, it can also harm helpful soil bacteria.
Garlic Mosquito Repellent
This garlic-based deterrent can also be used as an insecticide/pesticide in your garden.
Makes: 1 Gallon
Costs: $1.00
Ingredients
- 1 small head of garlic; you may try using garlic powder instead, but it might not be as effective because it has been dried and processed. Although I haven’t tried it, I think it won’t taste the same as fresh garlic.
- 2 cups of water
Instructions
- Blend the garlic head in a food processor. Make sure the consistency is as smooth as you can.
- Pulse the blender multiple times after adding two cups of water.
- Place the mixture in a glass container and let it settle in a covered, dark area for one day.
- When it’s time to apply, filter out all the solids and make a solution that is one gallon in volume by dilution with water.
- When not in use, keep it in the refrigerator.
How to Use
Bug Spray: Spray the garlic-based deterrent on your clothing and in the general area where you are staying. You can apply it directly to your skin, although I don’t recommend doing so (unless you love the smell of garlic).
Insecticide: Spray the tops and bottoms of every leaf in the affected region once a week until the issue is resolved. Once a week, thoroughly soak the affected soil to eliminate nematodes and fungus gnats. I use the garlic water once every two weeks or right after it rains when using it as a precautionary treatment.
Want the easy way out? You can buy garlic-based bug spray here.
Garlic-Based Deterrent Recipe
Makes: 1 gallon
Cost: $1.50
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic (small)
- 1 jalapeno (1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper also works)
Instructions
- The head of garlic should be blended to a smooth consistency.
- Blend some more after including the jalapeno or tablespoon of cayenne pepper.
- Pulse the blender a few times after adding two cups of water.
- Place the mixture in a glass container and let it settle in a covered, dark area for one day.
- When it’s time to apply, filter out all the solids and make a solution that is one gallon in volume by dilution with water.
- When not in use, keep it in the refrigerator.
How to Apply
Apply the solution thoroughly once every two weeks or after it rains to the plants that mice, rats, rabbits, deer, and elk prefer to eat.
Pour a barrier of the solution around your garden plants as protection against voles. Make sure your barrier is impenetrable by any holes. Every two weeks, reapply to the soil.
Precautionary Advice
Using a garlic water solution on plants successfully requires moderation. While the remedy successfully removes bothersome garden infestations, if applied too frequently, it can also harm helpful soil bacteria (and friendly snails). It shouldn’t be used more than twice a week as a foliar spray or once a week as a soil treatment, according to my own experiences.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, garlic water works as a remedy! I haven’t caused any harm by applying garlic water to the various house, gardens, and ornamental plants (other than what the insects had already done). Even the most fragile plants exhibited no negative impacts.
Because garlic is not a potent chemical, it shouldn’t hinder the development or vitality of your plants. Overall, employing a handmade, organic, and natural garlic insecticide will greatly benefit you and your plants.
Interested in reading more about organic gardening? Check out our library of free resources.
