Discover eco-friendly and efficient ways to combat armyworm infestations with our guide on the Top 10 Homemade Sprays for Armyworms. From natural remedies and homemade sprays to non-toxic pest control, this comprehensive resource provides easy DIY solutions to safeguard your garden from these pests.
Embrace environmentally safe armyworm management practices, ensuring the health of your plants with effective deterrents and repellents. Learn how to create homemade barriers and follow essential prevention tips for a thriving, armyworm-free garden.
Top 10 Homemade Sprays for Armyworms
Armyworms Characters and Damage Symptoms
Armyworms are caterpillar pests that attack cereal crops such as rice and grass pastures. They cause damage to crops by eating the leaves, stems, and sometimes the seeds. Armyworms can also move in large numbers from one field to another, creating a “marching” effect. Armyworms are usually green, brown, or black, with stripes along their body. They have three pairs of true legs near the head and five pairs of fleshy legs on the abdomen.
They can grow to 1.5 inches long when fully mature. Armyworms feed on the leaves of the plants, creating holes or ragged edges. They can also cut off the stems or ears of the crops, especially corn. Armyworms are most active at night or on cloudy days, and they hide under plant debris or soil during the day. They can cause severe damage to crops in a short time if left unchecked.
Molasses and Water Spray
Molasses is a thick, sweet liquid that is a by-product of sugar production. It contains sugars, minerals, and organic acids that can deter or kill armyworms. To make a molasses spray, mix one cup of molasses with water and spray it on the affected plants. The molasses will coat the armyworms and suffocate them or make them unpalatable to predators.
Vodka and Water Spray
Vodka is a clear alcoholic drink that is made from fermented grains or potatoes. It has a high alcohol content that can dehydrate and kill armyworms. To make a vodka spray, mix one cup of vodka with one gallon of water and spray it on the infested plants. The alcohol will also evaporate quickly, leaving no residue on the plants.
Essential Oil Blend
Essential oils are concentrated extract from plants with aromatic and medicinal properties. Some essential oils that are effective against armyworms are peppermint, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and clove. To make an essential oil blend, mix ten drops of any of these oils with water and one teaspoon of dish soap. The dish soap will help the oil stick to the plant surface and the armyworms. Spray the mixture on the plants and repeat as needed. The essential oils will repel or kill the armyworms with their strong scent and compounds.
Epsom Salt Spray
Epsom salt is a commonly used household product that is used for various purposes such as gardening, health, and beauty. It is composed of magnesium sulfate crystals that can provide nutrients to plants and deter pests. To make an Epsom salt spray, dissolve one spoon of Epsom salt in water and spray it on the plants. The Epsom salt will boost the plant’s immunity and make it less attractive to armyworms.
Baking Soda Spray
Baking soda is a household product that has many uses in gardening. It is a mild alkaline substance that can alter the pH level of the plant surface and make it inhospitable for armyworms. To make a baking soda spray, mix one spoon of baking soda with water and spray it on the plants. The baking soda will also help prevent fungal diseases that may affect the plants after armyworm damage.
Cornstarch Dusting
Cornstarch is a powder made from corn kernels. Used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking, but it can also be used as a natural insecticide for armyworms. To use cornstarch as a dusting agent, sprinkle it generously on the plants and the armyworms. The cornstarch will absorb moisture from the armyworms’ bodies and cause them to dry out and die.
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Tobacco Spray
Tobacco is a plant, contains nicotine, a toxic alkaloid that can affect the nervous system of insects. To make tobacco spray, soak one cup of tobacco leaves or cigarettes in one gallon of water for 24 hours. Strain the liquid and spray it on the plants and the armyworms. The nicotine will paralyze and kill armyworms but be careful not to spray it on beneficial insects or animals.
Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) Spray
Bacillus thuringiensis naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces a toxin that is lethal to armyworms and other caterpillars. It is available as a commercial product in powder or liquid form. To use BT as a spray, follow the instructions on the label and spray it on the plants and the armyworms. The BT toxin will disrupt the armyworms’ digestion, cause them to stop feeding and die. BT is safe for humans, animals, and beneficial insects, but it may affect other caterpillars that are not pests.
Chili Pepper Spray
Chili peppers are spicy fruits that contain capsaicin, a compound that can irritate the skin, eyes, and mouth of insects and animals. To make a chili pepper spray, blend one cup of fresh or dried chili peppers with water and one teaspoon of dish soap. Strain the liquid and spray it on the plants and the armyworms. The capsaicin will burn and repel the armyworms, but be careful not to spray it on yourself or other plants that may be sensitive to it.
Onion and Garlic Mix
Onion and garlic are aromatic vegetables that have strong odors and flavors that can deter armyworms and other pests. To make an onion and garlic mix, chop one onion and one garlic bulb and boil them in one quart of water for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool and strain it. Spray it on the plants and the armyworms. The onion and garlic will mask the scent of the plants and make them less appealing to armyworms.
Armyworm Prevention Tips
- Regularly monitor crops for signs of armyworm damage, especially during peak activity in late summer or early fall.
- Eliminate weeds and plant debris to deprive armyworms of shelter and food sources.
- Foster natural predators like birds, wasps, spiders, and ladybugs to control armyworm populations.
- Employ crop rotation or plant-resistant varieties to deter armyworm infestations.
- Utilize row covers, nets, or fences to shield plants from armyworm migration.
- Prior to planting or after harvesting, till the soil to expose and eliminate armyworm pupae.
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Conclusion
Armed with the Top 10 Homemade Sprays for Armyworms, you have a potent arsenal for effective and eco-friendly control. These DIY solutions, coupled with vigilant monitoring and preventive measures, empower you to thwart armyworm infestations. Safeguard your garden, enjoy a bountiful harvest with these accessible and proven remedies.
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