From the page: Garlic peel has power

Idea 7

Homemade pest repellent

Easy 30 min

Garlic sprays have been used since ancient cultivation to scare off aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs — precisely because of the sulfur that gives garlic its strong smell. That smell confuses insects' sense of smell and hinders their locating of the plant, working as a shield the plant itself cannot produce.

What you need

  • Garlic peels from 5 to 6 heads (you can also use bruised cloves)
  • 1 liter of water
  • A blender or mortar and pestle
  • 1 teaspoon of grated mild soap
  • A clean spray bottle

How to make it

  1. 1

    Blend the peels with half a liter of water until they turn into a pulp — grinding releases far more of the sulfur compounds than just soaking.

  2. 2

    Let this mixture rest in a covered spot overnight, so the extract becomes well concentrated.

  3. 3

    Strain with a fine cloth and mix in the rest of the water along with the mild soap — the soap makes the liquid stick to the leaves instead of running off.

  4. 4

    Pour into the spray bottle and test on a single leaf first, waiting a day, because very sensitive plants may react poorly.

  5. 5

    Spray in the late afternoon, on both sides of the leaves, where the pests hide — strong sun combined with soap can stain the leaves.

Finishing touches

Apply every 5 to 7 days while pests persist, and always after rain, which washes the product away. Store the rest in the fridge for up to a week, well sealed so the smell doesn't take over the fridge.

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