Homemade Garlic-Mint Insect Spray: Real Garden Testimonials & FAQs for Organic Pest Control

Welcome to the definitive resource for our highly acclaimed homemade garlic-mint insect spray! Here, you’ll explore an inspiring collection of all-natural insect spray testimonials from gardeners who have successfully used it in their own plots. Beyond personal stories, we’ve compiled answers to all your most pressing questions, covering everything from precise measurements to the specific types of garden pests this potent spray can deter. If you’re seeking an effective, eco-friendly solution for plant protection, you’ve come to the right place.

Back in 2014, I first shared the journey of creating and testing my unique homemade garlic-mint insect spray. The excitement was palpable because, to my delight, it actually worked! This discovery was a game-changer for my garden, and the subsequent follow-up video demonstrating its preparation and application quickly gained traction. I knew fellow gardeners, tired of ineffective or chemical-laden store-bought alternatives, would welcome a natural, potent solution.

And I was absolutely right! This simple yet powerful DIY garden spray has consistently been one of my most popular posts, standing alongside other cherished projects like the charming bench made from old chairs, the innovative paper floors, the incredibly delicious roasted cabbage recipe, and the effortless method for freezing green beans without blanching. Its popularity is a testament to the widespread need for effective, organic pest control solutions.

Over the years, the homemade garlic-mint spray has generated an incredible amount of engagement, leading to countless comments and questions. It became clear that a dedicated resource was necessary after receiving an email from a reader with astounding before-and-after photos of her kale plants, which had been decimated by pests. This, coupled with repeatedly answering the same questions via email and comments, solidified the need for a comprehensive, go-to page. This page serves as a central hub for all the information you need regarding this remarkable DIY garden insect spray.

Here, you will find a curated collection of both reader experiences and frequently asked questions, designed to provide a complete overview. We start with the inspiring testimonials – but if you’re specifically looking for answers to common queries, feel free to scroll directly to the FAQ section below. Delve into the details of this natural pest repellent and discover how it can transform your gardening efforts.

In this extensive guide, you’ll uncover a wealth of information, including:

• Inspiring examples of how the spray has successfully protected various plants in diverse garden settings.
• Insights into instances where the spray may not have worked as expected, alongside potential reasons and considerations.
• Clear and concise answers to common questions about ingredient measurements and conversions, making preparation straightforward.
• A detailed breakdown of the specific garden pests and insects that appear to be deterred by this powerful natural solution.
• Essential details about the ingredients used, including substitutes and recommendations for optimal results.
• Practical tips on application techniques, storage, and how to maximize the spray’s effectiveness for a thriving, organic garden.

Homemade Garlic-Mint Insect Spray Video Tutorial

For a visual guide on how to prepare and apply this amazing natural insect spray, be sure to watch our comprehensive video tutorial. It walks you through each step, ensuring you have all the information needed to get started.

Inspiring Reader Garden Insect Spray Testimonials

The true measure of any garden solution lies in its real-world application. Below, we’ve gathered heartfelt testimonials from gardeners just like you, showcasing the transformative impact of the homemade garlic-mint insect spray on their plants and their peace of mind.

Transforming Kale: An Email with Before & After Photos

“Thanks so much for sharing your incredible recipe. My husband and I decided to try your garlic-mint spray recipe last summer (2015), and the results were simply amazing. The attached pictures illustrate the state of our baby kale plants from that summer, which were being severely consumed by pests. As newcomers to gardening, we couldn’t identify the specific bugs causing the havoc, but whatever it was, it was eating our kale to the point where we genuinely doubted it would ever recover.”

“My husband stumbled upon your garlic and mint spray recipe on YouTube. We decided to give it a try as a last resort and were incredibly pleased with the outcome. This year, we’re confidently spraying almost all our plants with it to ensure they stay pest-free and healthy!” – Tracy H.

More Success Stories: Emails & Comments on Spray Effectiveness

The feedback poured in, demonstrating the spray’s versatility and widespread success across various garden challenges:

Momo + Frank: “I just wanted to express our profound gratitude for sharing this absolutely amazing bug spray recipe. It truly works like pure magic! After just one application, all our plants became noticeably healthier, stronger, and significantly bigger. It’s nothing short of a miracle! Thank you so much!”

Maimuna: “I decided to test it out on my bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and my Moringa trees, both of which had been severely infested with bugs. The impact on the bitter leaf was miraculous – within a matter of weeks, new, beautiful leaves emerged. The moringa trees also responded positively. Thank you for sharing such a valuable solution.”

Thisguy (responding to a query about aphids on tomatoes and roses): “It absolutely will work! I faced the exact same problem, and my plants looked almost dead. This spray brought them back to life like magic.”

Lindsay (on Pinterest) – effective against snails, beetles, and even squirrels: “I’ve successfully used this spray in my pumpkin patch to deter snails, beetles, and surprisingly, even squirrels. My primary goal was to prevent squirrels from scratching my pumpkins. While I did need to re-apply after watering, it has consistently kept the critters away so far! Thanks for sharing this fantastic recipe!”

Jan R. (email from Sydney, Australia): “Just wanted to let you know how wonderfully your organic spray worked. I prepared a batch to combat whatever was devouring my silverbeet here in Sydney, Australia. It smelled surprisingly good (if you appreciate garlic!). Coincidentally, I had a cold at the time and thought it couldn’t hurt to try a bit myself. I ended up taking about 25ml four or five times a day for several days, and I genuinely believe it helped alleviate the worst of my cold symptoms.

(Yes, I divided the batch – half for the garden with detergent, and half for me, without detergent!) It’s been ten days now, and my silverbeet is flourishing, and I’m feeling much better too. Thank you immensely for posting this invaluable information.”

Laurie – a lifesaver for squash bugs: “YOU SAVED MY SQUASH!!! Seriously, this concoction is absolutely AMAZING. This is literally my very first year committing fully to a garden (I think I have one of everything, haha!), and my three acorn squash vines, meticulously grown from seed over many weeks, had reached a healthy 5-6 feet each and were gracefully climbing my trellis exactly as planned.

Then, three nights ago, I stepped outside to check on my plants (something I do frequently due to the scorching 100°F+ daytime temperatures here), and every single female blossom on my vines was absolutely teeming with baby squash bugs. Things had been progressing so smoothly that I hadn’t even thought to check for eggs, and seemingly overnight, it was a bug-megeddon. I was in a panic, sifting through countless articles and ‘how-tos’ until I stumbled upon this one.

I’ve been very diligent about maintaining a 99.9% organic garden and was desperate to avoid dousing it with toxins. But I wasn’t going to surrender without a fight. A quick trip to the store for a few handfuls of mint (I had everything else on hand, so it only cost me $2.50!) and I brewed it up. I must admit, the smell after boiling lingered for ages, but it wasn’t overpowering.

The next day, I strained it and applied the spray, crossing all my fingers. The result? NOT ONE BUG SINCE. None! Zip! Zero! It’s an absolute miracle! And my vines are already vigorously rebounding!”

Stephanie: “This stuff truly works! I’ve been using it for a little over a month now, and there isn’t anything crawling or destroying my garden! I still have a few ants and some pesky slugs, but aside from that, my basil, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, green onions, parsley, and even some strawberries are going untouched and thriving! Thanks so much for this incredible recipe!!”

Ali – effective for keeping ticks out of the yard: “I spray this mixture (along with rosemary and lavender oils) on my hedges. It has been incredibly effective at keeping ticks out of my yard, allowing my dogs to relax in the shade peacefully. It also means I can confidently plant my flower beds along the hedge row without getting the ‘heeby jeebies’ about ticks.”

Sandra F. – a miracle for aphids: “Our Day Lilies, located at our newly constructed home, became severely infested with aphids – so much so that their leaves were dropping and dying at an alarming rate. I honestly felt they were ‘done for’ and needed to be removed. As a final, experimental attempt, I decided to use your spray. HOLY MOSES… after only a couple of days, every single aphid that came into contact with the spray was dead. I couldn’t believe it! This stuff really works, and I’m incredibly excited to use it on our upcoming spring vegetable garden. Thank you for generously sharing this recipe!”

Chris – tackling shield bugs/stink bugs in Australia: “We contend with the ‘Shield bug’ here in Australia, which I believe is known as the ‘stink bug’ in the US. I applied your spray about 4 or 5 days ago, and didn’t see any more until this evening, which prompted a re-spray. I must confess, I initially forgot to add the dishwashing liquid, so perhaps it didn’t ‘stick’ to the leaves as effectively. I’ll correct that tomorrow. But I wanted to extend a huge thank you from Melbourne, Australia, for this brilliant solution.”

A month later, Chris provided an encouraging update: “A quick update on the use of the ‘Mint/Garlic’ spray. Absolutely no more sightings of the pests! It’s been incredibly effective.”

Souper Girl – keeps deer off roses, an unexpected bonus!: “I discovered this recipe two years ago and now consider it an absolute essential for every spring and summer. As promised, it works wonders at keeping bugs away from my herbs. However, its most important use for me is protecting my roses. Last year, I lost 50% or more of my roses to deer damage. Then I learned that deer have an aversion to mint and garlic. Now, I spray this solution diligently on all my new rose buds and the surrounding leaves. The result? The buds survive to maturity, blossoming into beautiful flowers. I haven’t lost a single flower to deer since I started using it last year and so far this year. For roses, I do find it necessary to spray regularly, especially after a good rain. But it is absolutely worth the effort! I particularly love that I don’t have to worry about the scent when smelling my roses, either on the plant or brought into the house, because the solution is all-natural and doesn’t impact their natural fragrance at all. I highly recommend this solution to any gardener battling deer or other garden pests.”

Understanding Reader Issues & Potential Challenges with the Spray

While the garlic-mint spray has been overwhelmingly successful for many, it’s important to acknowledge that gardening conditions and pest types vary, and not every solution works universally. Here are some experiences where readers faced challenges or unexpected outcomes:

Shannon – reported the spray didn’t work as expected: “I actually encountered some difficulties with the solution on my basil and other plants. It didn’t perform as effectively as I had hoped. I tried my best to follow your directions and the recipe closely, but for some reason, it didn’t seem to offer much help. The leaves didn’t revive or grow beautifully new like they did in your pictures. And the little bugs/flies survived even after I pretty much drenched them in it! Weird, right? I even found the strength of the spray itself quite intense for me when I applied it! Hmm… So, I’m unsure if it just wasn’t appropriate for my specific pest problems, or if I inadvertently did something wrong during preparation or application.”

(Our note: Different pests react differently, and application consistency can be key. Testing on a small area first is always recommended.)

Michelle – experienced harm to her flowers: “I used this exact spray on my zinnias and wildflowers, following the recipe precisely. The very next day, not only were my flowers still being eaten, but they were also wilted and shriveled.”

(Our note: While generally safe, some delicate plants can be sensitive. Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the plant and wait 24-48 hours before full application. Applying during the cooler parts of the day can also reduce stress.)

Sue – commented on the strong lingering smell: “I can’t believe that after reading through all these comments, not one person mentioned the smell! My entire house still stinks. I made this yesterday morning, and it continues to smell strongly of garlic and mint. My husband even complained about it. I washed the pans in the dishwasher, and they, along with the dishwasher itself, still carry the scent! I certainly hope this works on my plants. I just sprayed it on them and will observe their progress. I suppose if it keeps the bugs away, it will ultimately be worth the temporary aroma!”

(Our note: The powerful aroma is a natural consequence of using strong ingredients like garlic and mint, which is precisely what makes it an effective repellent! Preparing it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area can help, and the scent dissipates over time, especially outdoors.)

Homemade Garden Insect Spray: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To provide even more clarity and support, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the homemade garlic-mint insect spray. This section aims to address common concerns and offer practical advice for maximizing its effectiveness in your organic garden.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have any concerns about how this spray might affect your specific plants, we strongly advise testing it on a small, inconspicuous area of the plant first. Wait a few days to observe if there is any adverse effect. For best results and to minimize plant stress, apply the spray during the colder parts of the day (early morning or late evening) and repeat weekly or as needed, depending on pest pressure.

1. I have questions about US measurements and abbreviations in the recipe. Could you clarify?

• “c.” stands for **cups**, which typically equates to 8 fluid ounces (approximately 237 ml).
• “tsp.” stands for **teaspoon**.
• For approximate metric equivalents for mint: 1 cup measure equals about 23.66 centiliters (or roughly 250ml). However, the mint quantity doesn’t have to be exact for this recipe to be effective – three large handfuls of fresh mint leaves will work just as well if you don’t have measuring cups.

2. Can I use this spray on plants other than basil?

• Absolutely! We encourage you to try it on various plants in your garden. I’ve personally experienced great success using it on a wide range of herbs, ornamental flowers such as marigolds, roses, and trumpet vines, as well as on vegetable plants like peppers and beans. Always remember the patch test recommendation if you’re unsure about a particularly sensitive plant.

3. Should I use spearmint or peppermint for the recipe?

• Both spearmint and peppermint varieties are effective for this recipe. I have personally used both interchangeably with excellent results. The key is the strong aromatic compounds found in mint, which act as a natural deterrent.

4. Can I substitute liquid mint extract or essential oil for fresh mint leaves?

• While I haven’t personally tested it extensively, I believe liquid mint extract or peppermint/spearmint essential oil could work. For conversion, approximately 1 drop of pure peppermint or spearmint essential oil is equivalent to 1 tablespoon of fresh mint concentration. Given there are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup, you would need about **16 drops of essential oil for each cup** of fresh mint, totaling around 48 drops for the full recipe’s mint requirement.
• **Other mint equivalents to consider:** 1 cup of fresh mint leaves is roughly equivalent to 1/4 cup of dried mint leaves. If you’re using store-bought fresh mint, two standard bunches (around 60g) typically yield about 1 1/2 cups of chopped mint.

5. Is it okay to omit the dish soap from the recipe?

• It’s important to understand that this is **not** an insecticidal soap recipe, meaning its primary purpose is not to kill bugs directly. Instead, it’s formulated to deter them and encourage them to leave your plants. This is why the recipe features such a high concentration of garlic and pepper, rather than relying heavily on soap. The tiny amount of biodegradable soap included serves a crucial function: it acts as a surfactant, helping the spray adhere to plant leaves more effectively, preventing it from simply running off. This ensures the repellent ingredients stay where they’re needed. While I haven’t observed dead bugs, indicating its repellent nature, I cannot guarantee the same level of effectiveness if the small amount of biodegradable soap is omitted, as its adhesion properties would be lost.

6. What type of biodegradable soap do you recommend?

• I’ve successfully used various brands, including Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, and Dr. Bronner’s castile soap.
• For maximum plant safety, especially if you have delicate plants or are concerned about potential harm (though my plants have never shown adverse reactions due to the very small amount used), I recommend opting for **oil-based castile soap**. Other dish soaps, even biodegradable ones, can sometimes contain degreasers that might be too harsh for certain plant types.

7. Does this spray harm beneficial insects like ladybugs or bees?

• I am delighted to report that our garden, which hosts three active beehives on our acre, has never shown any signs of harm to our bees. We also have a thriving population of ladybugs that I regularly observe, completely unaffected by the spray. The formulation of this garlic-mint spray is designed to **repel**, not kill, insects, which is why I’ve never seen any dead beneficial bugs after application. It aims to make your plants unappealing to pests without indiscriminately harming the good guys.

8. Does it work on slugs? What about ants?

• Based on my experience, this spray does **not** seem to be effective against slugs. For slugs, I would recommend alternative organic methods such as beer traps or applying diatomaceous earth around affected plants. As for ants, I haven’t specifically tested its effectiveness, so I cannot definitively say whether it deters them.

8b. Is it effective against grasshoppers?

• Unfortunately, this spray does **not** appear to be particularly effective in deterring grasshoppers. Their robust nature often requires different methods of control.

8c. What about bud worms, root weevils, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies, etc.?

• I have personally used this spray on young bean plants that were being attacked by cucumber beetles, and it worked exceptionally well in protecting them.
• While I don’t have extensive specific data for all these pests, I have observed that it seems to be effective in deterring whiteflies from our basil plants and has helped manage the few squash bugs we’ve encountered. I do not have direct experience using it against bud worms or root weevils, so I cannot comment on its efficacy for those particular pests.

9. Will this spray make my plants or harvested vegetables taste like garlic? Even after rinsing?

• I typically apply this spray only a few times throughout the entire growing season. In my experience, and that of many others, we have never noticed any lingering garlic taste on our harvested produce, even after simple rinsing. I’ve successfully used it on beans, basil, and various flowers without any flavor transfer. As a precaution, especially if you’re concerned, I recommend waiting a few days after application before harvesting and always giving your produce a good rinse. You can also perform a taste test on a small portion first.

10. Can I use chili powder instead of cayenne pepper powder?

• Most chili powders sold in supermarkets are actually a blend of various seasonings, specifically formulated for making chili dishes. These blends typically contain milder peppers, cumin, oregano, and other spices, meaning the capsaicin (the active component that deters pests) would be significantly diluted. Therefore, these blended chili powders would likely not be as effective as pure cayenne pepper.
• To achieve the desired repellent strength, you must ensure you are using a pure, single-ingredient chili powder that is known for its spiciness (e.g., pure ground cayenne, habanero, or bird’s eye chili powder), rather than a mild variety like an Anaheim or Ancho chili powder blend. The effectiveness relies on the concentrated heat of the capsaicin.

11. Is it safe to spray this directly on my vegetable plants?

• Yes, based on extensive testing and reader feedback, this spray is generally considered safe for most vegetable plants. I’ve had great success using it on beans, as demonstrated in our video tutorial about this spray, which offers even more detailed insights. Since creating the video, I’ve also successfully applied it to pepper plants (to deter flea beetles), squash plants (for squash bugs), and several other vegetables with consistently positive results. Always remember to do a patch test first.

12. How should I store the homemade spray, and for how long does it remain potent?

• From my observations, the spray seems to retain its maximum potency for approximately **2 to 4 weeks** after preparation. I always aim to use up a batch within that timeframe to ensure its effectiveness.
• I typically store the prepared spray in our garden shed, where it’s cool and dark. While I haven’t thoroughly tested it, it’s possible that refrigerating the spray might extend its shelf life and potency further. However, for most gardening needs, shed storage for a few weeks works perfectly well.

We are constantly learning and growing with our community of organic gardeners! If you have additional questions, new experiences, or results you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to include your insights and continue expanding this valuable resource for everyone.

For the complete, step-by-step instructions and the original story behind its creation, visit the original DIY Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray experiment here. It’s an essential tool every organic gardener should consider adding to their arsenal for natural and effective pest management.

This article has been comprehensively updated and expanded to provide the most current and detailed information for our readers. It was originally published in July 2016.