This soap bar trick is going viral with gardeners — here's why you should try it too
If you're growing plants, flowers, or vegetables, it feels really bad when you see them getting damaged or eaten by pests like slugs, aphids, or mealybugs. Most people immediately think about using pest control sprays or chemical repellents to protect their plants, but these are usually expensive and full of harsh chemicals.
Soap can scare and kill garden bugs
Now there's a new gardening hack going viral that's super cheap and easy — using a regular bar of soap to keep bugs away from your garden. Yes, the same soap you use to wash your hands or body can actually help protect your plants. It's something most people already have at home.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Man Intervenes as Child Jumps on Seats – Watch the Outcome
Tips and Tricks
Undo
ALSO READ:
Coca Cola rival Poppi to pay $8.9 million to soda drinkers — no receipt needed to claim your share
Experts say that soap works really well as a bug repellent because many garden pests hate the smell and feel of the soap. It either kills them on contact or keeps them far away. The way it works is by damaging the outer layer of soft-bodied bugs like aphids and mealybugs. The soap makes them dehydrate and die because they can't keep moisture inside their bodies.
Live Events
This trick is much safer than chemical sprays. Soap usually doesn't hurt your plants, and it's safer to use around kids and pets — just make sure to check your soap brand for any harmful ingredients first.
To try this trick, you can simply place a bar of lightly scented soap near your garden plants. The smell alone can keep pests away from your plants. Another way to use it is by rubbing a little bit of soapy residue from the bar onto the leaves of your plants. This adds a protective layer that bugs don't like.
You can also make a simple soap spray
If you prefer spraying instead of using the soap bar directly, you can make your own homemade soap spray using liquid soap and water. Joshua Houston, a pest control expert at Household Quotes, says that soap spray is a great way to stop pests from spreading in your home and garden.
ALSO READ:
LinkedIn job applications surge 45% as AI tools like ChatGPT, resume Bots, and hiring automation take over the job search in 2025
To make the spray, just mix a spoonful of liquid soap with water in a spray bottle. This easy mix can help treat infestations of whiteflies, beetles, mealybugs, and aphids. The spray works by blocking the breathing pores of the bugs, which suffocates them without needing to use strong chemicals that might harm your garden in the long term.
A good soap to use is the Ivory Gentle Bath Bar Soap (about $6 on Amazon). It's made with plant-based ingredients and doesn't have heavy perfumes or harmful stuff, so it's safe for home and garden use. If you like gardening, it's also a good idea to wear proper gloves.
One top pick is the G & F 1852-3 Women's Soft Jersey Garden Gloves (around $9 on Amazon). These are soft, come in 3 colors, and fit small hands really well. So if you're tired of pests ruining your plants and don't want to spend money on chemicals, try this simple soap bar trick. It's going viral because it's cheap, safe, and actually works.
FAQs
Q1. Does putting a bar of soap in the garden really keep bugs away?
Yes, many gardeners say a scented soap bar helps repel bugs like aphids, slugs, and mealybugs because they hate the smell and residue.
Q2. How do you make soap spray for plants at home?
Mix one spoon of liquid soap with water in a spray bottle to safely kill or repel common garden pests.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Zodiac signs that get annoyed the easiest
I present five individuals embodying the essence of Aries, Virgo, Gemini, Scorpio, and Capricorn against a cosmic backdrop. Each zodiac sign has its own special qualities. Some signs are known for getting easily irritated. Let's explore which ones they are! Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. They are full of energy and like to take charge. But sometimes, they can get annoyed when things don't go their way. They want things to happen quickly and can become impatient if they have to wait. Virgos pay a lot of attention to details. They like things to be perfect and can get upset if they're not. They may get annoyed if someone does something differently from how they want it done. Virgos can be critical of others, which can lead to arguments. Geminis are very curious and like to try new things. But they can get bored easily. When they're bored, they can become moody or irritable. Geminis need constant mental stimulation to keep them happy. Scorpios are intense and passionate. They take their relationships seriously and can get upset if they feel betrayed. Scorpios can hold grudges and may become defensive if they feel threatened. Capricorns are hardworking and ambitious. They like things to be done efficiently and can get frustrated if they feel others aren't pulling their weight. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you wash your bath towel often? Experts in Singapore found germs 'too numerous to count' CNA Read More Undo Capricorns take their responsibilities seriously and expect others to do the same. These signs may have different reasons for getting irritated, but they all share a common trait of being easily bothered by certain things. Understanding these tendencies can help us get along better with people who have these zodiac signs. It's important to remember that everyone has their own triggers and things that bother them. By being aware of these triggers, we can try to avoid them and create more harmonious relationships. In conclusion, while some zodiac signs may be more prone to getting easily irritated, it's important to remember that it's a natural part of being human. By being mindful of each other's sensitivities and respecting each other's boundaries, we can create a more peaceful and understanding world for everyone. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Whale calf hit by speedboat: Drone captures viral moment
Screengrab from the viral video posted on Insta A young whale off the southern coast of New South Wales was recently involved in a boat strike, occurring just weeks after its mother was similarly injured by another vessel. Footage capturing the event reveals a small craft colliding with a southern right whale calf swimming close to its mother near Stanwell Park. The force of the impact caused the three people on board the boat to lose their balance and fall. Immediately after the incident, the calf was seen descending deeper into the ocean, seeking refuge beside its mother, as reported by . Michael Hatte, who recorded the encounter, mentioned that he and his wife were watching the whales via drone, maintaining the mandated 100-meter distance. "I was absolutely shocked, I froze," he said. The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA), NSW Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Right Whale Identification program have been monitoring the mother and calf as they travel northward. Mr Hatte continued to observe the calf for approximately five minutes after the event and reported that it seemed unharmed. "The calf seemed fine. It didn't show signs of stress," he said. "It went back beneath mum and was playing with seaweed again on the surface, so it looked totally unscathed." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo A spokesperson from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service described the video as "alarming," highlighting that only a few calves are born annually in NSW waters. "This is the only mother and calf pair known in NSW waters so far this season," they stated. 'Boaties must keep an active look out to avoid this happening again during the whale season'. The agency said it was coordinating with ORRCA to closely monitor the pair. "Mum appears to have a previous injury to her flank and we are unsure of the impact of the recent collision," the spokesperson added. "We are asking all Sydneysiders to please take care on the water and give this precious pair space." The ABC has reached out to NSW Maritime for a response. ORRCA representative Pip Jacobs reported the whales were observed breaching just south of Sydney Harbour yesterday. "Vessel strikes can be fatal … but we're pleased to confirm that mum and baby seem to be doing well," she said. Southern right whales are listed as endangered. Between 250 and 300 individuals have been recorded along the east coast, with larger groups found on the west coast. The calf's mother suffered injuries from a boat strike near Merimbula in July. Earlier this year, a humpback whale calf is believed to have died following a vessel collision near Coffs Harbour. Ms Jacobs explained that these whales are vulnerable to boat strikes because they frequent shallow waters and lack dorsal fins. "These whales are particularly difficult to spot from the water, so they're often in the way of boats who don't know they're there," she said. "We know no-one wants to hit a whale." Ms Jacobs advised boat operators that southern right whales are commonly seen off the coast until the end of August, with humpback migrations continuing through November. Vessels must keep a distance of 100 meters from adults and 300 meters from calves. Drones are required to maintain a minimum altitude of 100 meters. Ms Jacobs said the pair appeared to have recovered from their difficulties. "This pair has faced extraordinary challenges on their journey so far, but they appear to be doing well, which is not only great news for them but their species as well," she said.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Chess has always been in Divya Deshmukh's genes; great-grandfather used to play with Vinoba Bhave
Divya Deshmukh becomes India's first Women's Chess World Cup winner (FIDE Photo/TOI Special Arrangements) NAGPUR: Only a few know that Divya Deshmukh carries in her veins a quiet legacy. The youngest and only Indian woman to win the women's chess World Cup , Divya 'inherited' her love for the 64-square battlefield partly from her maternal great-grandfather, Dr Durgaprasad Sharma. Sharma, a chess aficionado, used to play with Vinoba Bhave, advocate of nonviolence, social reformer, Gandhi's spiritual successor, and freedom fighter. Although Bhave's penchant for playing chess is not so well documented in the public domain, the Deshmukh family has a photograph of Sharma and the Bhoodan movement spearhead engrossed in a game of chess in the 1970s. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Divya's mother Dr Namrata Deshmukh said her 19-year-old poster girl of chess was destined to play the game. 'It's in her genes,' a beaming Dr Namrata said, referring to her grandfather himself being a chess aficionado. In a chat with TOI, Dr Namrata said, 'My grandfather, my mother's father, Dr Durgaprasad Sharma, was close to Acharya Vinoba Bhave. They used to play chess every Saturday at the Pavnar Ashram.' For her mother, chess wasn't something Divya just dived into. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo It was like a cherished desire of the doctor couple, Jitendra and Namrata. Divya's chess journey began in 2010 when she was just five years old. When Namrata found a nearby chess academy in their residential colony at Shankar Nagar in Nagpur, she enrolled Divya. Dr Namrata added, 'As I grew up watching my grandfather and Acharya Bhave play chess games every Saturday, I was fascinated with it. ' Durgaprasad Sharma and Vinoba Bhave playing chess (TOI Special Arrangements) While Divya's elder sister Aarya started playing basketball and badminton in their colony, Dr Namrata wanted her younger daughter to play chess. She said, 'When I found Rahul Joshi sir's chess academy near our Shankar Nagar residence, I enrolled Divya. Luckily, she developed an interest in the sport and started making steady progress.' In 2012, Divya won her first national gold medal and never looked back. Divya made her first international mark by becoming the U-8 Asian champion and qualified to represent India in the World Youth Championship. In 2014, the eight-year-old Divya became the youngest U-10 world champion in Durban, South Africa. Poll Should more support be given to young female athletes in India? Yes, they need more encouragement No, support is equal for all Only if they show potential Not sure To focus on Divya's dreams on the chequered boxes, Dr Namrata gave up her medical practice. She said, 'As doctor parents, it was unimaginable that Divya was missing school, not studying just to focus on playing chess. Though she was focused, it was a risk, but we went with the flow. Divya was happy and interested in chess, so we had to support it. And it became our duty.' With Divya winning medals in every age category and unable to attend academic classes regularly, her parents enrolled her in open schooling, where she completed her Class 12. Divya has started her graduation too from open schooling. Every time Divya wins an international medal, the discussions in the Deshmukh family revolve around destiny. 'Looking at her progress, many times I feel it's my grandfather's blessings,' said Dr Namrata. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
