Avocado is a beloved fruit, known for its creamy texture and fresh flavor. But before you toss that avocado pit, consider putting it to use as a homemade insecticide. This natural solution is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is cost-effective, making it perfect for treating large areas of your garden or orchard.
This insecticide works well against various pests, including their eggs, and is gentle on plants since it’s entirely natural. All you need are avocado pits and water. Below, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create this effective and eco-friendly insect repellent.
Ingredients:
- Two or three avocado pits (more if they are small)
- Two liters of water for boiling
- Ten liters of water for diluting
- A sprayer with approximately thirty liters capacity
- A home grater
- A saucepan
- A wooden spoon
- A dishcloth or towel
- A strainer (if your sprayer does not have one)
Procedure:
- Dry the Pits: Begin by placing the avocado pits in the sun for two days to thoroughly dry them out.
- Grate the Pits: Once the pits are dry, use a household grater to shred them. As you grate, you’ll notice the pits changing color from brown to yellow due to oxidation, which is normal.
- Prepare the Infusion: Pour two liters of water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add the grated avocado pits, stirring with a wooden spoon. Let the mixture steep by covering the pot with a dishcloth or towel, allowing it to cool overnight. This process helps the avocado pit’s soluble properties infuse into the water.
- Strain the Mixture: The next day, uncover the pot to find that the water has taken on a deep red hue. Strain the liquid into a sprayer. If your sprayer doesn’t have a built-in strainer, use a kitchen strainer to filter out any solids.
- Dilute the Solution: To avoid harming your plants, it’s crucial to dilute the insecticide. For every two liters of the avocado mixture, add ten liters of water.
Application:
- Spray at Dusk: Apply the insecticide to your plants during the late afternoon or early evening. This timing ensures that sunlight won’t burn the leaves, and it coincides with the period when pests are most active.
- Target Vulnerable Plants: Newly transplanted or young plants are especially vulnerable and should be treated with this insecticide. For more robust plants, consider adding a few drops of organic soap to the mixture to help it adhere better to the foliage.
- Pest Control: This insecticide effectively repels a range of pests, including larvae that create galleries in leaves and lay eggs, as well as aphids and caterpillars that feed on young plants and damage leaves and fruits.
Storage:
Since this insecticide is natural, it doesn’t have a long shelf life. Use it as soon as possible after preparation. If you need to store any, keep it in the refrigerator for up to fifteen days. This method is not only simple and inexpensive but also highly effective.
By utilizing avocado pits, you can create a sustainable and efficient pest control solution for your garden.
