The pesticide market has traditionally been dominated by products containing synthetic chemicals due to their effectiveness in controlling pests, weeds, and diseases in agriculture. These chemicals target specific pests quickly and with high potency, but many of them are toxic, posing risks to human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Products made with natural ingredients have historically been underutilized in pesticides as they are often perceived as less effective or slower acting than synthetic chemicals, Additionally, regulatory frameworks have traditionally been more favorable to synthetic options.

However, as awareness of the environmental and health risks of synthetic pesticides grows, there is increasing interest in developing and utilizing natural, plant-based, or biological alternatives – here’s where you come in!

In this challenge, we are looking for your creative ideas to conceptualize a completely natural weed or pest repellent/control. This can be anything from an innovative idea for an insect trap to a revolutionizing weed repellent spray using essential oils and natural compounds – the main thing to keep in mind for this challenge is to not use any synthetic chemicals.

Please see the attached PDF for a list of pesticides you may utilize that have been designated as minimum-risk products by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Let your ideas take flight!