Laurel uses as an insecticide: what insects it repels and how to utilize it
When it comes to insect and pest control, people are very divided. Many people choose an simple and quick solution: chemical insecticides. On the other hand, there are more and more supporters of natural remedies that treat and prevent both plant diseases and pests. They are less harmful to plants, animals, the environment, and therefore to us. In this article we will talk on the utilize of laurel as an insecticide, An effective and elementary alternative to chemical insect repellents.
Not only will we mention some of the uses of this vegetable in the fight and treatment of various pests, but we will also comment on what insects it affects and explain how to make insecticide from leaves. Now you know: if you have problems with very annoying insects or prefer to prevent their appearance, read on, it will interest you.
What insects does laurel repel?
The notable laurel, scientifically called Noble laurelis a Mediterranean tree that usually reaches a height of ten to fifteen meters. It is cultivated mainly for its perennial and aromatic leaves, They are very popular at the culinary level. In addition, they have healing properties, which is why they are used in many natural remedies in popular medicine. However, what we are really interested in is the utilize of laurel as an insecticide.
Why does this plant repel some insects? This effect is exerted on certain pests This is due to the composition of the leaves. They contain substances such as alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, cineole, eugenol, linalool, limonene and sabinene. They all assist to repel certain insects that are very common and bothersome pests in the world of agriculture and gardening. Let’s see what insects bay leaves are effective against:
- Weevils: Miniature insects that feed mainly on grains. View file.
- Ants: They promote the proliferation of other pests, such as mealybugs and aphids. View file.
- Flies: If we don’t take care of it, extremely annoying pests can appear. View file.
- Mosquitos: They tend to lay eggs in wet places, including the bottoms of pots. View file.
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on plants. View file.
It should be noted that laurel not only repels these insects, but also attracts others such as vaquitas and ladybugs. Why is this a good thing? Well, both ladybugs and vaquitas are excellent allies of farmers and gardeners. They both are natural predators certain insects, such as aphids and mealybugs, which can become essential crop pests.
How to make insecticide from bay leaves?
Creating a natural insecticide to repel or control certain pests is very beneficial to both plants and the environment. Moreover, these are usually very elementary mixtures, as is the case with laurel. To start this task, we first need to know the proportions. For every ten liters of water, utilize 300 grams of fresh bay leaves or 200 grams of dried bay leaves.
Now let’s see step by step how to make insecticide with bay leaves:
- Place the leaves in a gigantic container or bucket. If we prefer, we can cut off the leaves.
- To add two liters of boiling water and then cover the container or bucket.
- Wait until the mixture cools down.
- Add eight more liters of water (ten liters needed in total).
- Partially cover the container or bucket and place it in a chilly, dim place.
- Let him stand 48 hours.
- After the resting time, strain the liquid and store it in the refrigerator. It may last up to a month.
If we want to utilize this mixture to prevent pests, simply spray the plants, diluting one part of this macerate with two parts of water. For it to work, we must spray the plants in the afternoon, at the last minute, for two weeks straight. It is very essential that we give them some rest. It is recommended to wait at least two weeks before spraying again.
If our garden or orchard has already been attacked by a pest, the situation changes. In this case, we must dilute the laurel macerate with water in equal proportions. When it comes to spraying vegetables, this must be carried out every three days. As in the previous case, it is best to do it in the overdue afternoon.
Other uses of laurel as an insecticide
The uses of laurel as an insecticide are not narrow to the mixture we have previously commented on. The leaves of this vegetable can also be used to repel other types of insects, e.g clothes moths. To do this, just place a few bay leaves between your clothes, on the chest of drawers or in the wardrobe. This way the moths won’t want to come near you.
Another way to utilize this plant as an insecticide is to utilize laurel oil. This turns out to be very useful when they repel both flies and mosquitoes. To make it work, simply apply a little of this oil to pieces of cloth or paper and place them on the entry areas of these annoying insects. Windows, for example, would be a good place. It may also be a good idea to place these items with laurel oil near doors and air ducts.
As you can see, laurel will be useful not only in the kitchen, but also repels numerous insects, whether at home or in our orchard or garden. An economical and ecological measure to assist combat the utilize and manufacture of chemical products. If you want to take advantage of all the possibilities offered by laurel, I advise you to consider growing it yourself. Fortunately, it is an easy-to-care vegetable that brings many benefits when used properly.