If you’re tired of pests invading your plants but want to avoid harsh chemicals, making your own DIY natural pest spray with garlic and soap is a powerful and eco-friendly solution. This simple, affordable recipe helps deter insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies while being safe for your plants, pets, and the environment.
Why Use Garlic and Soap for Pest Control?
- Garlic contains sulfur compounds that naturally repel many common garden pests
- Soap breaks down the outer coating of soft-bodied insects and enhances spray adhesion
- It’s non-toxic, cost-effective, and easy to make with items you already have at home
This natural solution is ideal for indoor plants, herbs, vegetables, and even ornamentals.
What You’ll Need
- 1 full garlic bulb (about 10 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap (or unscented dish soap)
- 2 cups of water (plus more for dilution)
- Blender or food processor
- Fine strainer or cheesecloth
- Spray bottle (clean and empty)
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Garlic Soap Pest Spray
1. Prepare the Garlic Base
- Peel and crush or blend the garlic cloves with 2 cups of water
- Let the mixture sit for 6–12 hours to enhance potency
2. Strain the Solution
- Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all garlic solids
- Discard solids or compost them
3. Add Soap and Dilute
- Add 1 tablespoon of liquid soap to the garlic water
- Dilute with 1 liter (about 4 cups) of clean water
- Mix gently and pour into a spray bottle
4. Apply to Affected Plants
- Spray directly on leaves (top and underside), stems, and soil surface
- Use in the early morning or late afternoon—never during full sun
- Reapply every 3–5 days or after heavy rain
Tips for Safe and Effective Use
- Always test on one leaf before spraying the whole plant
- Don’t overapply—this can stress delicate leaves
- Store unused spray in the fridge for up to 1 week
- Clean spray bottle thoroughly after each batch
What Pests It Helps Control
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
- Thrips
- Leafhoppers
- Fungus gnats (when applied to soil)
When to Avoid Use
- Avoid spraying during direct sunlight or high heat to prevent leaf burn
- Not recommended for very young seedlings or fuzzy-leafed plants like African violets
- Do not use scented or antibacterial soaps—they may harm your plants
If you’re also looking to protect your plants from mold, check out our guide on How to Prevent Mold and Fungus in Plant Pots.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own DIY natural pest spray with garlic and soap is a safe, smart, and sustainable way to protect your plants from pests. With just a few common ingredients and consistent use, you can maintain a healthier, chemical-free garden and enjoy thriving, pest-free plants year-round.
You can buy castile soap and spray bottles perfect for this natural pest spray here on Amazon.