Why Use Biocontrol?

Natural biocontrol methods are essential for self-sufficient farming. You can manage pests using organic ingredients without harming beneficial insects or the soil. This approach is safer for crops, health, and the environment while cutting costs and reducing reliance on commercial products, supporting a sustainable and independent farming strategy.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this biocontrol spray has a unique role in keeping pests at bay while nurturing your plants and soil:

• Garlic : Its pungent odor and sulfur compounds act as a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and insect repellent, deterring pests like caterpillars, beetles, and aphids.

• Hot Peppers : The heat and capsaicin compound irritates pests such as mites and aphids, including mammals like rabbits and deer. It also disrupts the feeding behavior of certain pests.

• Alcohol: Often overlooked, it acts as a solvent to extract active compounds from garlic and peppers and dehydrates soft-bodied pests on contact, boosting the spray’s effectiveness.

  Tip: Use grain or one with a high ABV. 

Measurements

Garlic : 33 lbs (15 kg)

Hot Peppers : 22 lbs (10 kg)

Alcohol: 13 gal (50 L)

How to Make and Use the Spray 

Now that you’ve gathered the ingredients follow these steps to create your DIY biocontrol spray:

• Gather ingredients: Ensure you have 33 pounds of garlic cloves, 22 pounds of hot peppers, and 13 gallons of alcohol.

• Blend the peppers and garlic: Use a blender to combine the garlic and hot peppers into a smooth paste.

• Heat the alcohol: Heat in a well-ventilated area on medium-low heat, away from open flames.

  Caution : Always handle alcohol near heat sources carefully. Avoid open flames, and ensure there are no flammable materials nearby. 

• Combine ingredients: As the alcohol boils, carefully add the garlic-pepper paste to the pot. Gently stir the solution, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes.

• Strain and bottle: Strain the solids using cheesecloth or a fine sieve after simmering. Transfer the liquid into a dark glass container, which will help preserve its potency. The solution can be stored for six months to 1 year.

• Dilute: When ready, dilute it with 6 1/2 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water or 13 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water.

  Tip: The best water for dilution is reverse osmosis (RO). If you don’t have access to RO, use rainwater (filtered through charcoal), well water, or municipal water (it should only be used as a last resort).

Disclaimer: Always test the spray on a small section of your plants before applying it broadly to ensure no adverse effects. The amounts provided can be scaled up or down depending on your farm’s needs.