Multiple scientific studies warn that pesticide residue can cause chronic diseases. For that reason, homemade fruit tree sprays are widely used in modern farms.

Growing citrus trees can be a great way to spend your time while also getting a chance to enjoy your own fresh and delicious fruit. However, citrus trees have their fair share of pests.

Luckily, you can use organic homemade fruit tree sprays to keep insects off of your tree. Keep reading to learn how to make a few of these sprays.

1. Oils and Spices

One of the best ways to make homemade fruit tree sprays is to use common household ingredients.

First, mix one cup of vegetable oil with one gallon of water. Next, add a tablespoon of pure cinnamon oil to the water and vegetable oil. The vegetable oil will suffocate insects while the cinnamon will kill pests.

Steep two tablespoons of chili powder in a cup of water, then drain out the solids and add the liquid to the mix. The spiciness of the peppers will keep the bugs off the tree since they don't like the taste of it.

Next, add a quarter cup of liquid dish detergent to your mixture to emulsify the other ingredients. Finally, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to your citrus trees.

2. Oil and Soap

If you want to make homemade fruit tree sprays without as many ingredients, you can mix vegetable oil, soap, and water.

Combine one half of a tablespoon of vegetable oil with one tablespoon of dish soap. Add one half of a tablespoon of Spinosad and 16 ounces of water. Then, put into a spray bottle and spray the tops and bottoms of leaves.

Reapply the solution about once a week or so, depending on how many pests you have.

3. Insecticidal Soap

You can also make insecticidal soap at home, and it's one of the best homemade fruit tree sprays. To make it, combine three tablespoons of soap flakes and one gallon of water.

Stick to natural, unscented soaps so that you don't hurt the leaves on your fruit trees. Like the oil and soap mixture, you'll need to rinse the insecticidal soap off of the leaves after a few hours.

Still, it can be a great option if you don't have access to certain ingredients in other homemade fruit tree sprays.

4. Plain Water

One of the easiest homemade fruit tree sprays doesn't require any mixing of ingredients. As long as you have a high-powered hose, you can spray your leaves with water.

Watering the leaves will get rid of dust that may be sitting there, and it can also get rid of insects on your leaves. You will also allow beneficial insects to enjoy the citrus tree, but you should use high water pressure for the best results.

How to Choose From Homemade Fruit Tree Sprays

Making homemade fruit tree sprays can be as easy or as complicated as you want. If you don't have a ton of time, you can start simple with the water from your hose.

Growing trees is fun, but if you want to have delicious, seasonal citrus fruit right away, join the Craft Citrus Club!

Get a curated box of fresh-harvested citrus fruit from South Texas sent to your door every month!