What is a good homemade recipe, that is safe to use around animals, for spraying flowering plants with?

I have Petunias, Impatients, Celosia, Salvia, Bluebonnets and other pretty plants that I need to spray it on. I need something that works on caterpillars, cutworms and red spider mites.

What is a good homemade recipe, that is safe to use around animals, for spraying flowering plants with?
Try a strong solution of soap in water.
Reply:dish soap mixed with water...works pretty well
Reply:I have an organic vegetable garden and two flower beds and I am a huge fan of Neem Oil, which I bought at a health food store. Directions are on the package, I mix about a quart at a time and mix 1 tsp of neem oil, 1/2 tsp of liquid biodegradable dish detergent (also from the health food store) and a quart of water. Shake well and use immediately.





Spray on plants (flowers and leaves) and use as a soil drench. Not only does it act as an insecticide but it acts as a fungicide and miticide as well. It doesn't harm benefical bees or insects, it is safe around birds and other animals and doesn't pollute water sources. Make sure you get both the tops and undersides of the leaves and use every 5-7 days. One 16 oz bottle of Neem Oil makes 48 gallons of spray.





It makes my plants look AMAZING and they are bug and fungus free. It smells a little funny but not like a commercial insecticide would (Eeew!).
Reply:hot pepper juice. we sell hot pepper wax, so it's basically the same thing.
Reply:Don't know any homemade recipies, but if you go to Lowes or Home depot, or your local hardware/lumber place, they have stuff there for those plants/pests that is completely safe for people and pets. That is probably the safest route to take.
Reply:okay here goes one equal parts liquid dish soap and listerine . the bugs hate it and the plants love it .
Reply:jenny is right - NEEEEEEMMM!





Organic is the best.





Also, hand picking and spraying with water works well, if you can stomach touching the squishies. If spraying with water, do it gently, hold the affected part of the plant and use just enough pressure to blow the pest away.





For cutworms, place toothpicks close the base of the stem, carefully so you don't poke the plant.





Insecticidal soap (as mentioned by others) works as well, but it may need to be rinsed off the next morning. it can mar the leaves if the plant is in full sun.

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