Pesticide use in agriculture is down slightly, from 948 million pounds in 2000 to 877 million pounds in 2007. But that's only about 1% per year, and still close to a billion pounds of toxic chemicals intentionally introduced into the environment and our food supply each year.
More than 3.4 million people suffer from medically related side effects from the use of pesticides. Some of the immediate side effects include dizziness, nausea, headaches, low energy and loss of memory. Tests and research has proven that many forms of cancer are caused by 65% of all the pesticides.
The herbicide glyphosate has more than doubled in use, from 85-90 million pounds in 2001 to 180-185 million pounds in 2007. According to a report from the Organic Center, this increase is likely a reflection of the rising popularity of Monsanto's RoundUp Ready genetically modified cr8ops. (Glyphosate is the active ingredient of RoundUp.)
**Please remember that some (not all) organic sprays can harm beneficial insects. Just be cautious**
Chop, grind, or liquefy one garlic bulb and one small onion.
Add 1 teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper and mix with 1 quart of water.
Steep 1 hour, strain through cheesecloth, then add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap (I use Organic Dr. Bronner's) to the strained liquid; mix well.
Spray your plants thoroughly, including leaf undersides.
Store the mixture for up to 1 week in a labeled, covered container in the refrigerator.
As we have said in previous articles:
Be careful of where and how you use these recipes. Even organic pest control options can work on "good bugs" as well as "bad bugs."
Spray to Control Nematodes
3 tablespoons of organic molasses
4 cups of water
Mix the molasses and water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously. Use warm water to help the molasses dissolve better.
Spray the "Molasses Tea" on your soil around your plants every couple of days to keep the nematodes away.
NEEM Oil Spray
This recipe is for edible vegetables and fruit, but be sure to wash all produce before cooking/eating (you can also use this on non-edibles too).
1/2 an ounce of organic neem oil
1 teaspoon of natural liquid soap (preferably organic like Dr. Bronners etc).
2 quarts of warm water
Spray bottle
Mix all ingredients in a jug, then transfer to the spray bottle. This homemade pesticide works best when used fresh, so use within 24 hour of mixing it up.
There has been concern about the use of neem oil and bees. Most studies specify that if neem oil is used inappropriately, and in massive quantities, it can cause harm to small hives, but has no effect on medium to large hives. Additionally, since neem oil insecticide does not target bugs that do not chew on leaves, most beneficial insects, like butterflies and ladybugs, are considered safe.
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