Make Pyrethrum Garden Spray
Most gardeners are aware of the effectiveness of pyrethrum in killing pest insects. Pyrethrum spray is made from the heads of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium or Chrysanthemum roseum. This mixture will be effective against most insects in the garden.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon flower heads of either Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium or Chrysanthemum roseum.
- {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} / 33fl.oz hot water
- Pinch of soap powder
Steps
- Obtain the flower heads.
- Mix the flower heads with the hot water. Allow to stand for one hour.
- Strain off the flower heads.
- Add the soap powder and mix.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray.
Tips
- Chrysanthemums are often found in the gardens of flower enthusiasts. If you aren't growing your own, ask around.
Warnings
- Spray with care - this will also impact beneficial insects.
- This is a controversial pesticide. Many web sites say it is harmless to humans and mammals and that it degrades quickly, but some studies indicate that it is very harmful to humans, dogs, cats, and that it lingers in dust. See Cox, Caroline, 2002, Insecticide Factsheet Pyrethrins/Pyrethrum, Journal of Pesticide Reform, Vol. 22, No. 1, 14–20.
Things You'll Need
- Bucket
- Sieve
- Spray bottle
