Homemade Yard Sprayer

Tobacco Spray

• Use a tobacco spray mixture to rid your yard of caterpillars and aphids among other pests. Use 1 cup of organic loose tobacco in 1 gallon of water and allow the mixture to settle for 24 hours, after which it should feature a light brown color. If the mixture is dark, add more water until it has lightened. This spray can be used on most plants save those in the solanaceous family, such as eggplants, pepper and tomatoes.

Oil Based Spray

• Create a vegetable oil based pesticide to control pests, such as mealybugs, mites, aphids, scales and thrips. Blend 1 tbsp. of liquid dishwashing soap with 1 cup of vegetable oil, such as safflower, soybean, sunflower, corn or peanut oil. Make a spray by mixing 1 to 2 tsp. of the mixture with 1 cup of water and apply to plants as desired. Use mineral oil to make another spray solution. Mix 0.4 to 1 oz. of mineral oil in 1 liter of water to make a spray. Mineral oil works by dehydrating both insects and their eggs.

Flower Tea Spray

• Use chrysanthemum flower tea to make a pesticide spray as chrysanthemums contain a powerful plant chemical called pyrethrum that invades insects' systems and immobilizes them. Boil 3.5 oz. of dried flowers in 1 liter of water for 20 minutes, then strain and allow the mixture to cool before pouring it into a spray bottle. Organic neem oil can be added to this mixture for additional pesticide power. This mixture can be stored for up to two months.

Food Based Spray

• Use onion and garlic to make a spray by mincing one medium sized onion with one garlic clove. Add the mixture to 1 quart of water in a spray bottle, wait an hour, then add 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp. of liquid soap. The mixture lasts for about a week if stored in the refrigerator. Use chile peppers as another food-based pesticide. Grind two handfuls of the pepper until powdery and blend with 1 cup of diatomaceous earth. Pour the mixture into 1 liter of water in a spray bottle and allow to set overnight before use.