Fortunately, aphids can often be treated with simple, organic home remedies. For example, a tobacco brew has proven effective in combating it. A recipe for the simple and quick production can be found in this guide.

In a nutshell

  • Tobacco brew is considered a questionable agent (high risk of poisoning)
  • for spraying or watering infested plants
  • only use outdoors
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants
  • do not spray on crops

recipe

Ingredients / Utensils:

  • 200 grams of tobacco
  • 1 liter of water
  • large container with lid
  • 1 colander
  • 1 spray bottle

Notice: Whether the tobacco comes from cigarettes or from a pipe makes no difference to the benefit.

manufacturing

  • Fill the tobacco into the container
  • boil water
  • Pour hot over the tobacco
  • Leave for 1 to 2 hours
  • pass through a sieve
  • Pour the broth into the spray bottle
  • spray affected plant

Tip: If you don't have a spray bottle on hand, you can also mix the solution into the irrigation water. However, spraying an affected plant is much more effective, since the agent can be applied specifically to the undersides of the leaves. This is where the pests stay in the foreground.

Warnings

Nicotine contained in tobacco is a neurotoxin that has a harmful effect on the organism of every living being. Aphids cannot tolerate what is harmful to humans anyway, since their metabolism of the comparatively small body cannot sufficiently break down large quantities. This makes a nicotine decoction one of the most effective home remedies against plant pests. On the other hand, due to the high toxic effect, great caution is required when using it. Because the brew is not harmless for humans either.

Children in particular are at risk of being poisoned by the spray solution. Their metabolism is also unable to break down high doses of nicotine without consequences. The amount of six cigarettes used alone is enough to kill an adolescent. This value is intended to clarify the risk potential of the home remedy. And even adults need to be very careful when using it. The mist created when applied to the plant disperses into the air, releasing more toxins than puffing on a cigarette into your lungs. For this reason, in 2010 the EU banned the addition of nicotine to crop protection products, which until then had been considered a common agent due to its high efficiency.

Precautions

Whether plant lovers use the product in private households is up to them. After all, the simple production also offers many advantages. Anyone who smokes anyway will probably not find it cheaper to get a substance that fights aphids so effectively. With the right precautions, the plant pests will disappear without harming humans or animals.

  • Do not store tobacco stock, prepare it just before use and dispose of leftovers properly
  • produce only the quantities required
  • store out of the reach of children and pets
  • wear a respirator
  • do not use in closed rooms
  • Avoid the presence of other people
  • do not use in wind or draught
  • line the bottom with foil

Tip: The brew also helps against caterpillars and snails.

frequently asked Questions

Is the tobacco brew suitable for all plants?

The home remedy is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. However, plant lovers must first move their potted plants from the windowsill to the outside. They are only not allowed to fight the aphids on crops if the fruit and vegetables are to be harvested and processed.

Are there safe alternatives?

Other solutions made from plant-based ingredients have also proven effective against aphids. Horsetail is a harmless alternative that is also easy to obtain. The plant grows along the roadside and in fields. Most of the time, however, useful tools are already in the house. Soft soap, baking soda and milk are also good for fighting.

Despite the toxic properties, is tobacco brew biological?

The nicotine spray is therefore one of the home remedies because the brew is biodegradable. Nevertheless, care must be taken that no brew seeps into the ground. As long as the nicotine is not broken down, the neurotoxin threatens to contaminate the groundwater.

Category:

Garden pests