Latest news with #NeemOil
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: should I be worried by ‘tiny spiders' on my plants?
What's the problem? I've noticed tiny webs and bugs on my orchid. Are these spiders, and will they harm my plant? Diagnosis Those tiny webs and minuscule bugs you've spotted on your plants sound like spider mites. These aren't spiders but microscopic arachnids that thrive in dry, warm conditions, so you'll notice they appear during summer heatwaves or winter months when central heating reduces humidity. They feed on plant sap, weakening the plant's structure, which leads to yellowing leaves, discoloration and eventually leaf drop. They can multiply rapidly, posing a risk to your plant's long-term health. Prescription Immediately isolate affected plants. Gently but thoroughly wash leaves and stems with a mild solution of soapy water to remove mites and their webs. Follow this by treating the foliage weekly with neem oil or an organic insecticidal soap spray. Raising humidity around the plant by misting, using pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, or employing a humidifier can also help reduce the likelihood of further mite infestations. Prevention Regularly inspect your plants, especially under the leaves and along stems, where spider mites prefer to hide and lay eggs. Maintain healthy humidity levels by grouping plants to create microclimates or misting foliage regularly. Implement good plant hygiene through regular watering practices and routine leaf cleaning. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: should I be worried by ‘tiny spiders' on my plants?
What's the problem? I've noticed tiny webs and bugs on my orchid. Are these spiders, and will they harm my plant? Diagnosis Those tiny webs and minuscule bugs you've spotted on your plants sound like spider mites. These aren't spiders but microscopic arachnids that thrive in dry, warm conditions, so you'll notice they appear during summer heatwaves or winter months when central heating reduces humidity. They feed on plant sap, weakening the plant's structure, which leads to yellowing leaves, discoloration and eventually leaf drop. They can multiply rapidly, posing a risk to your plant's long-term health. Prescription Immediately isolate affected plants. Gently but thoroughly wash leaves and stems with a mild solution of soapy water to remove mites and their webs. Follow this by treating the foliage weekly with neem oil or an organic insecticidal soap spray. Raising humidity around the plant by misting, using pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, or employing a humidifier can also help reduce the likelihood of further mite infestations. Prevention Regularly inspect your plants, especially under the leaves and along stems, where spider mites prefer to hide and lay eggs. Maintain healthy humidity levels by grouping plants to create microclimates or misting foliage regularly. Implement good plant hygiene through regular watering practices and routine leaf cleaning. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
Scottish Sun
01-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Cheap 16p hack helps to repel ants from your garden this summer – but be careful to avoid an easy mistake
A SIMPLE step can help protect your plants from an ant infestation this summer. And you won't have to worry about your flowerbeds because this hack is all-natural and budget-friendly. 2 A handy hack helps to repel ants from your plants this summer (stock image) Credit: Getty Adding this affordable item to your garden can help to repel unwanted pests all summer long. The scent of bananas is said to work as a natural repellant for insects such as aphids. According to the experts at The Cool Down, placing banana peels in the soil around your plants can work as a barrier for ants. They recommend simply covering your peels with a thin layer of soil for this hack. Alternatively, you can cut the peel into small pieces and evenly distribute them throughout your garden. And since you can pick up bananas for just 16p a-piece from Sainsbury's, this step won't break your budget. There are important steps to remember when carrying out this unique hack. When burying banana peels, make sure to fully cover them in soil so as not to attract animals to your garden. You should also make sure not to leave the peels exposed as it can attract flies to your garden. As well as burying the peels, you can also use them to create a banana water spray. Top Hacks to Keep Foxes Out of Your Garden First, place a banana peel in five cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once the mixture has cooled down, add it to a spray bottle and spritz the mixture directly on the leaves and stems of your plants. Severe infestations can cause plant leaves to turn yellow and die as aphids transmit viruses from plant to plant. You can also use soap and tights to repel flies from your home this summer. A budget-friendly hack can help to banish slugs and snails from your garden. Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. You can also use a £1.40 household item to deter ants from entering your home. A 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon. Another trick prevents squirrels from digging up your garden and all you need is a kitchen staple. And common storage mistakes may be attracting rodents to your garden shed. A £7 Waitrose buy helps to repel insects from your garden while keeping you cool at the same time.
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Cheap 6p item from Home Bargains repel pests from your garden this summer – and it creates a ‘relaxing' atmosphere
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER is almost here and if you're planning on spending it relaxing in your garden, this budget buy may be worth picking up. Home Bargains shoppers can pick up a handy item that repels pests from their outdoor space. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Home Bargains shoppers can pick up a budget-friendly buy for keeping insects out of their garden (stock image) Credit: Alamy Nothing ruins a laid-back summer's day in your garden like having to keep swatting away insects. Whether you're soaking up the sun or hosting a barbecue get together, this product can help to deter bugs from your backyard. You can pick up a 24-pack of Citronella Tealights for just £1.49 from Home Bargains. Breaking down to just 6p per candle, these tealights may prove to be well worth the investment. Read More On Pest Control PEST HACK The 68p kitchen item that keeps an annoying pest out of your home this summer According to manufacturers, these candles are "infused with natural citronella oil" to "keep pesky bugs at bay". As well as deterring insects from your garden, this budget buy can also help to ensure a relaxing environment. You can light up your outdoor gatherings while adding a sweet citrus scent to the air. Designed to burn for approximately four hours, a little goes a long way with this buy. "The soft flickering flame adds a touch of ambience to any setting, making these tealights ideal for patio parties or romantic evenings under the stars," the product description read. Simply place these tealights in candle holders or lanterns around your outdoor space to create a "bug-free zone and enhance the atmosphere". Top 3 Hacks to Get Rid of Moths The company encouraged homeowners to "say goodbye to pesky bugs and hello to relaxation" with these buys. According to pest control experts at Eco Shield, citronella proves useful at repelling insects due to its "distinctive odour, which may make it difficult for some pests to locate a host". It masks the attractant odours that draw insects towards us, making it difficult for them to locate their targets. Citronella also interferes with the sensory receptors of insects, particularly mosquitoes, disrupt their ability to detect carbon dioxide, heat, and other chemical signals that draw them to hosts. This creates confusion, hindering their ability to find and bite humans or animals. Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. The specific compounds present in citronella oil can cause irritation to insects upon contact. When insects come into contact with citronella, it may disrupt their feeding or landing behaviour, discouraging them from staying in the vicinity. Shoppers can also pick up a £2.99 citronella torch candle from Home Bargains. You can also use soap and tights to repel flies from your home this summer. A budget-friendly hack can help to banish slugs and snails from your garden. You can also use a £1.40 household item to deter ants from entering your home. A 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon.
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Home Bargains is selling a stylish £3 buy that helps keep bugs away from your garden – and it's perfect for summer evenings
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER is almost here and if you're planning to soak up the sun in your garden, this handy buy can help repel pesky insects. This budget-friendly item not only saves you the bug bites but it will also create a cosy ambiance in your garden. 2 Home Bargains shoppers can repel insects from their garden with a stylish decor buy (stock image) Credit: Alamy Whether you're enjoying a meal al fresco or working on your tan, this affordable pest control buy may be worth the investment. The Outdoor Living Collection Torch Citronella Candle is available for just £2.99 from Home Bargains. According to manufacturers it can help to "light up your outdoor spaces" this summer. "This stylish and effective torch not only keeps pesky bugs away but also adds a warm glow for those perfect summer evenings," the product description read. It is said to provide a "convenient and effective" solution to bugs while "adding a warm, inviting glow to your outdoor spaces". Measuring 89 centimetres, it can be installed in most areas of your garden. But be careful to place them at least six feet from any structures, trees, or other flammable materials. You should also ensure the torch is securely anchored to prevent it from falling over. Buyers are also advised to be aware of the potential hazard of spilled fuel when operating this torch. According to pest control experts at Eco Shield, citronella proves useful at repelling insects due to its "distinctive odour, which may make it difficult for some pests to locate a host". I transformed my ugly garden wall with B&M & Shein buys - people are 'obsessed' & yes it's survived the endless rain too It works by masking the attractant odors that draw insects towards us, making it difficult for them to locate their targets. Citronella also interferes with the sensory receptors of insects, particularly mosquitoes, disrupt the insects' ability to detect carbon dioxide, heat, and other chemical signals that lead them to their hosts. This confusion hinders their ability to find and bite humans or animals. The specific compounds present in citronella oil can cause irritation to insects upon contact. When insects come into contact with citronella, it may disrupt their feeding or landing behavior, discouraging them from staying in the vicinity. Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. The repellency effect of citronella can discourage pests from landing on the skin, reducing the likelihood of bites. Citronella is effective in repelling mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks. You can also use soap and tights to repel flies from your home this summer. A budget-friendly hack can help to banish slugs and snails from your garden. You can also use a £1.40 household item to deter ants from entering your home. A 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon. Another trick prevents squirrels from digging up your garden and all you need is a kitchen staple. And common storage mistakes may be attracting rodents to your garden shed.
