Thrips are tiny insects that damage plants sap, transmit viruses and diseases, and are difficult to control with conventional pesticides due to their resistance. Homemade, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and plant-safe sprays can help eliminate thrips and prevent their return. Here are the top 10 homemade thrip sprays to try.
Top 10 Homemade Sprays for Thrips
Cinnamon Spray
Cinnamon is a spice that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can also repel thrips and other pests by disrupting their nervous systems and interfering with their feeding. To make a cinnamon spray, you will need.
- One tablespoon of cinnamon powder
- 4 cups of water
- A spray bottle
Mix the cinnamon powder and water in a bowl and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, then strain it and let it cool down. Before usage, transfer the prepared liquid into a spray bottle and give it a good shake. Spray your plants thoroughly, covering all the surfaces, especially the undersides of the leaves. Repeat every few days until you see no signs of thrips.
Tobacco Spray
Tobacco is another natural repellent for thrips and other insects. It contains nicotine, which is toxic to many pests. To make a tobacco spray, you will need.
- 1 cup of tobacco leaves or 1/4 cup of chewing tobacco
- 4 cups of water
- A spray bottle
Soak the tobacco leaves or chewing tobacco in water for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray your plants generously, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies where thrips may hide. Repeat every week or as needed.
Epsom Salt Spray
Epsom salt is a kind of mineral that includes important elements such as magnesium and sulfur. It can boost the growth and health of your plants by providing essential nutrients. It can also deter thrips and other pests by creating an unfavorable environment for them. To make an Epsom salt spray, you will need.
- Two tablespoons of Epsom salt
- 1 gallon of water
- A spray bottle
Dissolve the Epsom salt in water and stir well. Fill a spray bottle with the prepared liquid and spray your plants thoroughly once a week. This will not only repel thrips but also improve both the quality and quantity of your harvest.
Basil Leaf Spray
Basil is an aromatic herb that has many culinary and medicinal uses. It also has insecticidal and repellent properties that can help you control thrips and other pests in your garden. To make a basil leaf spray, you will need.
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups of water
- A blender
- A cheesecloth or a fine strainer
- A spray bottle
Blend the basil leaves and water in a blender until smooth. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine strainer and discard the solids. Pour the liquid mixture into a spray bottle and spray your plants liberally every few days or as needed.
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Lemon Peel Spray
Lemon peel is super rich in citric acid and limonene, which are natural insecticides that can kill or repel thrips and other pests. To make a lemon peel spray, you will need.
- The peel of one lemon
- 2 cups of water
- A pot
- A spray bottle
Cut the lemon peel into small pieces and place them in a pot with water. Please bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let it cool down completely, then strain it and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray your plants thoroughly once or twice a week.
Cornstarch Spray
Cornstarch is a common ingredient in many recipes, but it can also be used as a natural remedy for thrips. Cornstarch can coat the bodies of thrips and suffocate them by blocking their breathing pores. It can also make the leaves slippery and difficult for them to cling to. To make a cornstarch spray, you will need.
- Two tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 quart of water
- A spray bottle
Mix the cornstarch and water in a bowl until well combined. Before usage, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and give it a good shake.
Spray your plants generously every few days, making sure to cover all the affected areas.
Canola Oil Spray
Canola oil is an edible oil that can smother and kill thrips and other pests by clogging their spiracles (the openings through which they breathe). It can also disrupt their life cycle by preventing them from laying eggs. To make a canola oil spray, you will need.
- 1/4 cup of canola oil
- Two teaspoons of liquid soap
- 1 gallon of water
- A spray bottle
Mix the canola oil and liquid soap in a bowl and stir well. Add the water and mix again. Pour the prepared liquid into a spray bottle and spray your plants thoroughly once a week or as needed.
Rosemary Oil Spray
Rosemary oil is an important essential oil that has a strong scent that can repel thrips and other pests. It can also interfere with their nervous system and reduce their feeding and reproduction. To make a rosemary oil spray, you will need.
- Ten drops of rosemary oil
- 2 cups of water
- A spray bottle
Mix the rosemary oil and water in a spray bottle and shake well before using. Spray your plants lightly every few days or as needed.
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Onion Spray
Onion is a vegetable that has a pungent smell and taste that can deter thrips and other pests. It also contains sulfur compounds that can kill or repel insects by irritating their skin and eyes. To make an onion spray, you will need.
- One onion
- Four cups of water
- A blender
- A cheesecloth or a fine strainer
- A spray bottle
Peel and chop the onion and place it in a blender with water. Mix well until smooth, then strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine strainer and discard the solids. Pour the prepared liquid into a spray bottle and spray your plants thoroughly once or twice a week.
Chamomile Tea Spray
Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion that has soothing effects on humans, but it can also be used as a natural remedy for thrips. Chamomile tea contains compounds that can repel thrips and other pests by altering their behavior and making them less active. To make a chamomile tea spray, you will need.
- Four chamomile tea bags
- Four cups of boiling water
- A spray bottle
Dip the chamomile tea bags in boiling water for 15 minutes, then remove them and let the tea cool down completely. Pour the prepared liquid into a spray bottle and spray your plants lightly every few days or as needed.
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Conclusion
Gardening enthusiasts seeking natural remedies for thrips can turn to these easy DIY solutions for effective and eco-friendly pest control. From cinnamon to chamomile, these homemade thrips treatments not only help eradicate thrips but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of your plants. Embrace the power of nature in your garden, and say goodbye to thrips the natural way.
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