One common first aid item can easily kill any insect that has made your garden plants or houseplants their home – and it won’t harm your plant in the process
Insects can be the bane of any gardener’s life. While some bugs, such as bees and butterflies, are beneficial for pollination, others can cause significant harm to our plants, leaving them riddled with holes and suffering from structural damage. These types of insects can cause significant harm to your plants, and if left unchecked, could eventually lead to their demise.
So, how do you rid your plants of these pests without resorting to harsh pesticides that could harm both the helpful bugs in your garden and the environment? One gardening expert on social media has shared a simple trick to banish the bugs that have taken up residence on your plants – and it won’t harm your plants in the process.
All you need is one item that you likely already have in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit, as it’s typically used to clean wounds due to its disinfectant and antiseptic properties.
In an Instagram video, Melanie, the owner of The Rooted Plant Shop, revealed that you can eliminate “any bug” living on your plants using nothing but 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Also known as rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol is a common component of first aid kits as it can be used to clean cuts. It can also be used to disinfect surfaces and works effectively as a de-icer on frosty mornings.
According to Melanie, the solution can also eliminate any unwanted insects feeding on your plants, whether they’re in the garden or indoors.
She explained: “70% alcohol will kill any living bug. Don’t let bugs eat your plants. Don’t let bugs destroy your plants. Spray it. It’ll kill the bug. Let it dry for 4-5 minutes, and that’s it. This straight will kill any flying, sitting or crawling bug.”
Melanie stressed there’s no need to dilute the solution if you’re using 70% isopropyl alcohol, though higher concentrations may require adding water to your spray bottle to prevent the mixture being too strong for your plant.
It’s also important to rinse your plant with clean water after allowing the solution to sit for the recommended 4-5 minutes, as leaving the isopropyl alcohol on too long could result in leaf burn.
People commenting on the post were amazed by the tip, with many admitting they had no clue it was so straightforward to eliminate insects without resorting to chemical pesticides.
One person wrote: “I’m heading out to grab my water bottle, alcohol, and problematic plant.”
Another supported the method, saying: “I have been using straight-up 70% alcohol for years now. It hasn’t killed a plant yet, just the bugs. Go for it!”.
How to remove insects from plants
Removing insects from plants can vary depending on what sort of insect you’re dealing with. For larger insects, such as caterpillars, slugs, snails, or beetles, it’s often easiest to remove them by hand.
However, for smaller insects or bugs that live on your plants, you can try the following solutions:
Neem oil:
- Neem oil is a natural pesticide that works against a wide range of insects. Mix according to package directions and spray on the plant, covering all surfaces.
- Repeat every 7-14 days as needed.
Insecticidal soap:
- Buy insecticidal soap from a garden centre or make your own by mixing a few drops of mild liquid dish soap (not detergent) in a quart of water. Spray directly onto the affected areas, ensuring that the undersides of the leaves are also covered.
- Rinse the plant with clean water after a few hours to avoid leaf burn.
Remove affected plant parts:
- Prune and dispose of heavily infested leaves or stems to prevent the spread of insects.
