How to Use Ginger to Control Insect Pests

Ginger contains the chemical capsaicin, an organic chemical that is effective in controlling insect pests. Ginger is not recommended for use in sizable gardens, as quantities large enough to protect several plants would be quite expensive. It can be used to control insect pests that attack smaller household plants.

Things You'll Need

• Airtight containers
• Spray bottle

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Instructions

• 1

  Combine a few large pieces of ginger with about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a blender. Blend the ginger and oil together slowly, using the lowest speed on the blender until the ginger is almost completely chopped up. Add a small amount of water, if necessary, to help the blending process.

• 2

  Pour the mixture in a container with an airtight lid. Store the container in a cool spot in your house. Allow the mixture to sit overnight before using it, so that the oil has time to fully absorb the ginger.

• 3

  Add about 1 qt. of water and 2 cups of regular dish soap to the ginger oil. Strain the entire mixture through a cloth or towel, and store the liquid in a new container. You will use this liquid as the spray to protect your plants, but you can save the strained ginger substance in a separate container for later use.

• 4

  Pour the ginger mixture into an empty spray bottle and shake it thoroughly. Test the mixture by spraying a tiny amount on one small area of the plant. Wait overnight, and then check the plant the next day to see whether any damage has occurred before using it on any of your other plants.

• 5

  Spray your plants lightly with the ginger mixture. Use the spray in either the early morning or late evening, as the temperature outside is likely to be cooler and should allow the chemicals to be more effective.

• 6

  Don't oversaturate your plants when spraying them. Only a small quantity of the mixture is enough to control insects. Too much exposure to the chemicals could damage your plants.