Fertilizers, insecticides or pesticides are ingredients that your plants may need at one point
in time. However, if you are not an expert regarding the treatment, you should apply them
carefully and keep in mind a few simple rules.
How to use a pesticide
The use of pesticides should be done in a balanced way. On one hand you want to
permanently get rid of pesky plant pests, but on the other hand, you must be careful in
order to avoid a product that will not only harm the plant ,but also banish or kill helpful
insects .
So, first of all, you should get the opinion of an expert. Go to an engineer in the field of
pharmacy ,that deals with the preparation of protecting plants against pests and explain
the problem of your plant. Give as many details as possible and don’t be shy in asking for
more information.
If possible collect a sample such as a sick leaf from your plant or an infected piece that
contains insects or fungus and take it to the expert.
After purchasing a recommended product , it is better not to use it for the first time as
directed. For starters, a small amount of product should be diluted and applied on a few
infected leaves , and the final result should be written down .
If the leaves are suffering from the treatment, it means that the insecticide is way too
potent and that it does damage to the plant. In this case, you’d better go back to the store
and purchase a weaker product or try diluting your product more and retaking the test .
However if the final results are good you should use the product on the entire surface of the
plant , during mornings or evenings.
How to make an effective pesticide at home
If your beloved plants are under the perpetual attack of insects and you do not have a
good product to get rid of this problem quickly, you can create your own pesticide with
household ingredients . In just a few moments you can make a simple yet effective
pesticide. Here are the best ingredients you can use.
Lemon juice
Squeeze a lemon, strain the juice and mix it well with 200 ml of water. Add the product
into a spray tube and spread it all over the plant with problems. It is highly
recommended to repeat this process on a daily basis, until the insects are removed
completely.
Garlic
Crush 5 small cloves of garlic and then powder them in a small bowl. When the garlic
starts resembling a paste, add water slowly until you have poured about 250 ml. Strain
the liquid solution until it’s free of pulp, add the mixture into a spray bottle and then
spray the plant once or twice a day.
This mixture is very effective and fit for pesky pests .
Garlic acts as an antibacterial and antimicrobial, so your problem will be solved in no
time.
Paprika
Just as the garlic based mixture, hot pepper solution is also potent ,and it also gradually
decreases the survival chances of pests .
Add a teaspoon of paprika in 300 ml of boiled water, let it brew , and after it cools down
, sprinkle the plant with the solution . Repeat the process daily until the insects
disappear.
Tobacco
Tobacco has been used for thousands of years as a natural pesticide. Nicotine is a toxic
substance for a wide range of pests and therefore it can be effectively used .
Put two tablespoons of dried tobacco in 500 ml of warm water. Cover the bowl for 24
hours, then pour the mixture into a spray tube , and use it daily until the pests go away.
This mixture can also be used preventively every month or so
Using pesticides safely
A pesticide is a substance that keeps away pests and insects that damage plants,
crops, gardens and even homes. However, pesticides can be toxic to human beings, so
they must be used with caution. Here are some tips you might need to take into account
when using pesticides.
Read the instructions
Spend time reading everything written on the label carefully , especially the instructions
regarding the ways of using the product . Follow the instructions and don’t forget to
take into account the recommended dose in order to achieve the best results.
Here are the basic rules you have to follow when using pesticides or insecticides
1.Never use a pesticide in bad weather conditions. For example the wind can scatter the
product and this may lead to inhalation. Also rain can partially remove it and thus there will not
be the desired effect.
2 Do not mix pesticides with other cleaning products or even products of the same
range. The effect will be extremely toxic and it can have extremely unpleasant results
3 Avoid using the product around an open fire or even smoke. Pesticides can only be
used in well ventilated areas away from heat, sparks and other similar dangers.
Pesticides contain petroleum distillate that can be extremely flammable
4 Pesticides are spread with special sprayers and afterwards the sprayers/containers
cannot be used for household / food.
5 When using pesticides, it is highly recommended to use protective equipment
consisting of gloves, goggles and masks in order to avoid the contact with skin, eyes or
respiratory tract. Also, long rubber boots and long sleeve shirts are recommended.
6 When using pesticides do not eat, drink or smoke. Also, children and animals should
be kept at a large distance.
7 One must keep in mind that when it is spread over the plants, they will absorb a part of
the pesticides, fruits and vegetables being highly affected. In order to avoid absorption
of toxic substances, try using natural products specifically designed for this purpose.
8 All equipment will be washed thoroughly after use and stored in places where animals
and children do not have access
9 The pesticide will no longer be used after the expiration date on the package
10 Try going for the most eco friendly type of pesticide and not for strongest type