Deter Garden Pests Naturally Using An Essential Kitchen Ingredient You Likely Already Have

Sometimes, the biggest problems in your garden aren't the weeds or the weather but tiny, stubborn invaders that seem to have declared war on your plants — aphids clinging to fresh leaves, beetles chewing holes through tender greens, and caterpillars treating your flowers like a buffet. It's frustrating, especially when you've put in hours of work nurturing those plants. And while chemical pesticides can work, they also come with potential harm to pollinators and residue you don't want anywhere near your vegetables. Thankfully, you might not have to look any further than your own kitchen for a safe, effective solution. Garlic, a common pantry staple, is a natural pest deterrent that can be used in your garden and even on your lawn.

Its potent compounds and strong aroma make it unappealing to many insects, creating a natural barrier without the collateral damage caused by synthetic sprays. Plus, it's easy to incorporate into your routine without spending a cent. Whether you grow your own or grab it from the store, garlic is a surprisingly versatile and affordable way to remove pests.

One of the easiest ways to let garlic work its magic is to simply scatter whole cloves throughout different areas of your garden. As they sit in the soil, their strong, lingering scent acts like a warning signal for pests, making them think twice before setting up camp on your plants. If you want something more targeted, turn those cloves into a spray. Blend together cloves from a head of garlic with about two cups of water. Strain out the pulp, and pour the juice into a spray bottle. Lightly mist a small section of your plants and wait 24 hours. This patch test ensures there's no leaf yellowing or browning before you commit to a full application.

For a stronger homemade deterrent, take four or five cloves, blend or crush them, and mix them into soapy water made with a few drops of mild dish detergent. Strain out any solids, then use the concentrated liquid at a ratio of about ¼ cup per 2½ cups of clean water. Apply the spray to leaves, stems, and the soil surface around your plants. The combination of garlic's natural compounds and the soap's ability to stick to leaves creates an unwelcome environment for pests while being gentle on your plants. This simple trick can help you banish some of the worst garden pests, including aphids, flies, beetles, ants, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, mites, moles, and even caterpillars.