How to Make JDAM Herbal Solution: A Natural Pesticide

Ingredients You'll Need

• Cayenne peppers (You can use the whole plant)
• Garlic (You can use the whole plant here as well)
• Water

Equipment

• Large pot
• Electric drill
• Pillowcase
• Pump sprayer or backpack sprayer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

• Add your cayenne peppers and garlic into a large pot. Use both the bulbs and the whole plants if available.

2. Add Water

• Fill the pot with water until all the plant material is completely submerged.

3. Boil the Mixture

• Bring everything to a rolling boil for 15 minutes.
• Ensure all plant material remains submerged. You can place a weighted plate on top.

4. Simmer the Mixture

• Lower the heat to medium. Cover it, and let it simmer for 2 hours. 
• The mixture will become dark and rich in color. The smell will be very pungent.

5. Strain the Mixture

• Use a pillowcase or fine strainer. Pour the hot mixture through it to strain out all the solids. If you don't do this your solution will clog your sprayer.

6. Store the Solution

• Once you strain your solution you can pour the liquid into the canning jars. Secure you lids tightly, and let them cool down. This will create a seal. You will be able to preserve the solution for months. 

How to Use the JDAM Herbal Solution

1. Preparation for Spraying
   • Mix 1 ounce of the herbal pesticide solution with 1 gallon of water in your pump sprayer.
   • Always use a wetting agent to ensure better coverage and adhesion. I have include a low cost recipe at the end of this article. If you don't wnat to make your own you can always use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap (1 ounce per gallon) as a wetting agent.
2. Application
   • Only spray your pesticide solution in the evening time or at night. Do not spray in the  in direct sunlight, you will burn the plants.
   • Start with a concentration of 1 ounce per gallon. Then observe your plants for any adverse reactions. You may see brown spots, burnt leaf tips, or wilting.
   • If you do not see any negative effects. slowly increase the concentration up to 1 cup per gallon (1:16 ratio). 
3. Frequency
   • You can use thus for regular maintenance. Spray your plants once a week.
   • If you have a major infestation, you need to spray every night until the problem is under control.

What is JDAM Wetting Agent?

JDAM Wetting Agent is a soap like substance that is made up of all natural ingredients.  This agent will let you keep your natural pesticide on your plants, where the pests are and not wash off with the next rain event.

JDAM wetting agent will enhance the effectiveness of both pesticides and herbicides. 

Step 1: Prepare the Container and Water

1. Get a large bucket and wash it clean.
2. Add exactly 2.5 L (2.5 kg) of soft water into the container. Do not use chloranated water. Rain water is best.
3. Add 3.2 kg of potassium hydroxide to the water.
4. Close the lid and roll the container to dissolve the caustic potash.

Step 2: Mix with Oil

1. Pour 18 L of canola oil into the container.
2. Use an electric drill to mix the solution. (Lowes and home Depot sell drill extensions for paint or ceramic tile mortar that work well for this purpose) You are looking for a thin mayonnaise-like consistency. It will take you about 10 minutes of continuous mixing to get it right.
   • Make sure that you have a drill that is powerful enough. If you have a weak drill It will not work. 

Step 3: Rest Period

1. Close the lid. Let the mixture rest for three days.
2. After three days, check your wetting agent, it should have a butter-like consistency.
   • If has separated into layers, use the drill to mix again until it becomes like mayonnaise.

Step 4: Final Water Addition and Stirring

1. Add 60 L of water to the container.
2. Use a clean stick to stir the entire volume thoroughly.
   • It will completely dissolve in about 24 hours.

Benefits of JDAM Wetting Agent

1. Increased Effectiveness: Your wetting agent will increase the efficacy of any of your pest control products.
2. Cost-Effective: The agent will reduce the amount of pesticide needed, saving you money in the long run.
3. Environmentally Friendly: Protecting the environment is important. This recipe is all natural and will not persist in the environment.
4. Easy to Use: Simple to mix and apply with your existing treatments.

Tips for Success

• Always combine the herbal pesticide solution with the wetting agent.
• If you have a severe infestation, use 1 cup of the herbal solution and 2 ounces of the soap per gallon of water, but no more than that.
• This solution repels a variety of pests. It is a great addition to your organic gardening practices.