How to Choose Organic Pesticides

Many people are trying to find plausible ways to leave the smallest possible carbon footprint on the earth. One of those ways is to use organic pesticides in their gardens rather than chemical pesticides that can not only harm humans, but animals and the earth itself. A little information and some helpful tips make it easy to choose the right organic pesticide.

Instructions

1. Insecticide soaps. An insecticide soap is an excellent organic pesticide choice as it is very safe and non-toxic to humans and animals. It contains potassium or sodium salts and fatty acids and must be sprayed directly onto the insect. Leaving no residue on the plant or vegetable, it can be used up to the point of picking the vegetables.

2. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). This organic pesticide will affect only those insects that land on your dusted plants and eat the Bt. It is a stomach poison which causes the insect to stop eating, however it will not harm humans, animals, birds or bees. This product usually comes in powdered form.

3. Neem. Neem contains two compounds from the neem tree fruit (evergreen tree in India), which keeps immature insects from growing to an adult stage. It will repel many garden pests such as, aphids, mealy bugs, cabbage worms and Japanese beetles without harming beneficial insects such as ladybugs or honey bees. It is harmless to humans and animals. This organic pesticide should be sprayed onto the leaves of the plant with a repeat after rain as it will wash off.

4. Pyrethrins. Pyrethrins is an organic pesticide, made from chrysanthemums, which causes a speedy death to garden pests. It comes in a powder form that needs to be dusted on the leaves of plants. It has some, although low toxicity to humans and pets. This pesticide should only be used as a last resort, when other compounds have not worked.

5. Sabadilla. This organic pesticide is produced from the sabadilla lily working as a stomach poison to insects. The powder form of sabadilla is sprayed onto the plants. It is very effective, but also should only be used as a last resort.

Tips & Warnings

• Insecticide soap should not be used on very hot days as it can burn plants under these conditions. Be sure to read the package directions to learn which plants do not tolerate this product.

• Bt is a slow acting organic pesticide that may require several days before the effect is complete. It also may destroy insects such as butterflies.

• Although neem is harmless to animals and humans, children and pets should be kept clear until the spray has dried.

• Bt has been known to cause a skin rash in some individuals.

• Pyrethrins is deadly to honey bees, therefore should be used sparingly and cautiously.

• Sabadilla is harmful to honey bees and the mucus membrane of humans and animals. Use this organic pesticide sparingly and where a mouth and nose cover when applying.

Resources

• Organic Farming Research Foundation
• Organic Materials Review Institute
• Mother Earth News Organic Gardening