How do I keep bugs out of my fruit trees with out using harmful spray?

Peggy Schmidt
by Peggy Schmidt
  3 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 07, 2017

    Use a organic systemic control for insects

  • Sandra Grosso Sandra Grosso on Jun 07, 2017

    We do use a spray which has been successfu. The recipe was published years ago as a safe kid and pet insecticid.

    • 1 cigar - peel back the wrapping and place contents in the largest glass jug you have. I use a one half gallon jug. Fill the jug with water and place out in the sun to make 'sun tea' with the cigar leaves. After several hours the water will be a a rich amber color and should smell like a liquid cigar.

    Into a gallon cleaned milk jug mix togethe:

    • 3 cups strained cigar 'tea'

    • 4 Tablespoons of dish washing liquid

    • Fill jug with water.


    Shake the jug to combine contents and use in a spay bottle. I spray the plants early in the morning to take advantage of the dew being sure to get the undersides of any effected leaves. Insects leave the sprayed plants alone... too nasty tasting I guess!

    I keep the cigar 'tea' in a cool dark location (our shed) to use as needed.


    I live in south east Michigan and have used this environmentalmy safe solution for my garden for years.


  • Tammy J Kirby Thomas Tammy J Kirby Thomas on Jun 07, 2017

    We used an idea suggested in an agricultural paper. We took an empty 2 liter soda bottle and put in 1 cup sugar, 1 cup vinegar,1 or 2 banana peels and

    water. Pour sugar and vinegar into the bottle and stuff in banana peels. Fill bottle half way with water. Discard bottle cap, Use string to hang from a low tree branch and when bugs go in they don't get out.

    • Ronda Ronda on Jun 08, 2017

      I use milk jugs and I put them in my trees before they bloom in the spring, may have to add more water later. Many bugs lay eggs on the blossoms then the eggs hatch in side the fruit. That's why a good looking apple could have a rotten core.