how to use neem leaves as pesticide
Neem leaves have long been used as a natural pesticide due to their insecticidal properties. Neem contains compounds that repel and disrupt the life cycles of many pests, making it an effective and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Here's how you can use neem leaves as a pesticide.
Neem Leaf Spray
Ingredients:
- Neem leaves (dried or fresh)
- Water
Steps:
- Collect neem leaves and let them dry in the shade, if you're using fresh leaves.
- Crush or grind the dried neem leaves to create a neem powder.
- Boil water and add the neem powder to it. Use about 100 grams of neem powder per liter of water.
- Let the mixture steep overnight.
- Strain the solution through a fine cloth or sieve to remove any solid particles.
- Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle.
- Spray the neem leaf solution on the affected plants, targeting both the upper and lower sides of the leaves.
Neem Leaf Paste
Ingredients:
- Neem leaves (fresh)
- Water
Steps:
- Blend or grind fresh neem leaves to create a paste.
- Add a small amount of water to the paste to make it more spreadable.
- Apply the neem leaf paste directly onto the leaves of affected plants.
- Allow the paste to dry before rinsing it off with water.
Neem Oil Spray (Optional)
You can also make neem oil by mixing neem leaf extract with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or vegetable oil). Neem oil has additional pesticidal properties and can enhance the effectiveness of your pesticide.
Tips
- Apply neem leaf solutions during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to prevent sunburn on the plants.
- Test the neem solution on a small portion of the plant before applying it to the entire plant to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
- For the best results, apply neem-based pesticides at regular intervals, especially after rain or heavy watering, as they may get washed off.
Published on: Sep 01, 2023, 12:57 AM