Homemade Insect Control for Fruit Trees

Make a soap spray to control fruit trees aphids. Grate two-thirds of a standard-size soap bar and dissolve in 1 gallon hot water. This mixture can be strengthened by adding to the hot liquid 1 tsp. refined mineral oil, known as white oil, 10 oz. used cooking oil (strained to remove food residue, if needed) and 2 tsp. lye. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle after it has cooled. Spray the aphids on your fruit trees in the coolest part of the day. If you use lye, which is a caustic substance, wear gloves.

Confirm apple tree coddling moths are in your yard by using a homemade bait and trap. Dissolve 1 part molasses and 1 part sugar in enough water to make the mixture fluid. Place it in a mason jar. Cover the jar with a 3/16-inch mesh and secure it in place with duct tape or any other suitable material. Place the jar at the base of the apple tree. Check it daily. If the trap reveals that coddling moths are around the apple tree, spray the flower clusters with the homemade pyrethrum insecticide described in Step 3.

Harvest or buy pyrethrum daisies when the flowers reach full bloom. Hang them inside a dark room to dry. Grind the dried flowers with a food grinder or mortar and pestle. Dust flower clusters and leaves on apple and other fruit trees with the powder. Alternatively, make a spray with the flower powder. Mix ½ oz. crushed pyrethrum daisies in 1 gallon warm water. Let the mixture sit for three hours before pouring it into a spray bottle and applying it to the fruit tree. Add 3 tsp. sesame seed oil or liquid soap to increase the potency. Apply the dust or the liquid in the evening or early morning while it's cool outside. Store the daisy powder in the freezer, where it will remain viable for six months.