Not Just Mint: The Two-Ingredient Spray That Keeps Bugs Away

Even though they're an important part of the natural world, none of us like to see bugs destroying the plants we've spent so much time nurturing. One remedy that seems to help repel bugs naturally for some gardeners involves making a two-ingredient spray that uses both mint and garlic. Interestingly, mint and garlic aren't friendly plants in the garden, but they do appear to work well together as a pest repellent.

There's very little scientific evidence available when it comes to homemade bug deterrents. All we've really got is seasoned gardeners saying they've tried it and it works. However, in a study conducted by Brian P. Baker and Jennifer A. Grant at New York State Integrated Pest Management, Cornell University, it was concluded that garlic can be effective in insect control and does act as a deterrent, especially for pests like aphids. The same scientists, along with Raksha Malakar-Kuenen, also completed a study on the benefits of peppermint and its oil and agreed that it does have insect-deterring properties. So, even though there's no proof that putting the two together works more effectively, if you come across a formula that a few other gardeners swear by, why not give it a try?

While there are a few ways to make this bug-repellent spray, here's a simple starting point: You want to take two whole garlic bulbs, separate them into cloves, and remove the outer skins. Place these into a food processor or blender and add three cups of mint, including the leaves and stems. Pulse this mixture for a few seconds until the garlic cloves are mostly chopped up. 

The next step is to transfer the mixture to a large pot and add 2 teaspoons of dry cayenne pepper and 12 cups of water. Bring the whole thing to a boil, turn off the heat, and let it sit until the next day. When you get back to it, strain off the liquid for, discarding the solids. Add two squirts of dish soap, and pour it into a spray bottle. The dish soap helps the liquid stick to the leaves.

Now it's time to go out and spray your plants. Shake the bottle first, then spray your most bug-eaten plants all over. Be sure to get the undersides of the leaves as well. You want to do this either early in the morning or when there's a bit of cloud cover so you don't end up burning the leaves. Wait a few days after application to see whether your plants are now fine, then reapply if you see any more pest damage. Other gardeners have added even more power to this basic recipe by mincing in a couple of onions, as well, or adding lavender essential oil. Incidentally, there are quite a few pests you can naturally deter with lavender, too.