Neem for Garden Pests
The neem tree (Azadirachta indica), native to India, has many uses, including a source of natural insecticide. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem nuts. Azadirachtin, the active chemical ingredient, is effective against more than 200 types of insects, and is environmentally friendly, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Does this Spark an idea?
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Organic Pesticide
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As a spray, neem is effective against leaf-sucking insects, such as aphids, thrips, mites, white flies and mealy bugs, according to Garden News. When poured into the soil around the base of plants, it destroys insect larvae before they mature.
Neem Granules
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The granules, derived from crushed kernels of the neem tree, contain properties that are used to kill soil insects such as root mealy bugs, root nematodes, grass grubs, carrot flies and many more garden pests.
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Home Mixture
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According to Garden Guides, add two tablespoons of pure neem oil to one gallon of warm water, adding one tablespoon of dish soap per gallon as a surfactant. Spray plants in temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Effects On Insects
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Neem insecticides are harmful only to insects that ingest the pesticide on plant tissue. Insects such as butterflies, ladybugs and bees feed on nectar and ingest a minimum amount of the product.
Neem Soap
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The misconception that Neem soap controls insects has confused some people. When the soap is made, the active ingredients that work on insects are destroyed.
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