Some of the more common plant pests include aphids, whiteflies, slugs and snails. Pests can cause widespread damage to plants, including yellowing and holes.
When plants start to look unhealthy but are properly cared for, it may be due to a pest infestation.
Several pests and insects feed on the plants and will cause them a lot of damage. Yellow or shriveled leaves, sooty mold and holes can all indicate a pest problem.
While it may be tempting to use chemicals to banish pests, these can be toxic to a host of other organisms, including birds and beneficial insects.
Laura Harnett from Seep eco-cleaning products shared how to banish pests “without using harmful chemicals”.
READ MORE: Pest expert shares ‘sweet scent’ that ‘repells flies’ from home
Many kitchen products and foods end up in landfill at end of life. Rather than throwing them away, Laura shared how to turn an item into a “powerful” pesticide.
She said, “The next time you use a hot pepper in your cooking, don’t throw away any tips or seeds you don’t want to include.
“Simply fill your reusable spray bottle with water, add the chili seeds and scraps, let steep for 24 hours and it will create a powerful pesticide that will help protect your plants from insects and flies without using harmful chemicals. ”
The reason chili is a good pesticide is that it contains capsaicin which is a good repellent.
The homemade pesticide can also be used on the leaves of affected plants without damaging them.
Chilli powder can also be used to banish pests by sprinkling it around the base of plants.
This will eliminate true ants, cutworms, slugs and snails as well as any other soil pests.
Alternatively, gardeners could plant chili peppers alongside other plants to repel insects and pests.
When making chilli spray, garlic can also be added to add an antibacterial element and further deter pests.
Chilli sprays can also be used to prevent squirrels from digging up plants and eating from bird feeders.
Squirrels have a low tolerance to capsaicin and will find it unpleasant when foraging for food sources.
Post source: Express