Natural insecticides like rotenone, pyrethrum, nicotine, neem oil, and soap are preferred over synthetic ones by organic gardeners. Rotenone and pyrethrum are broad-spectrum insecticides, while soap is less effective. All natural insecticides should be used with caution and as little as possible to maintain a healthy crop.
Despite the desire and well-meaning efforts of many organic gardeners, there comes a time when insecticides must be used to get rid of the insects that infest and destroy garden crops. Many prefer to use a natural insecticide rather than a synthetically produced chemical insecticide. Rotenone and pyrethrum are well-known and widely used natural plant-derived insecticides. Other natural insecticides include nicotine, neem oil and soap.
Rotenone and pyrethrum are commonly used as natural insecticides. Rotenone derives from the root of tropical and subtropical plants of the genus Derris. Rotenone acts as a natural broad-spectrum insecticide that poisons both by contact and by ingestion. Rotenone is typically used as a powder or spray and, while nontoxic to plants, is highly toxic to fish and moderately toxic to warm-blooded mammals.
Pyrethrum comes from the Dalmatian chrysanthemum and is used in powder or liquid suspension. In large concentrations, it acts as a natural insecticide by attacking an insect’s central nervous system. Pyrethrum in small concentrations may not be toxic to insects, but it retains the ability to repel insects. Pyrethrum is toxic to fish, but less toxic to mammals than synthetic pesticides. It is biodegradable and degrades easily upon exposure to light.
Some organic gardeners recommend using soap, which has been used as a natural insecticide for hundreds of years. Diluting liquid dish soap, such as Ivory, with water to a 1-2% solution that can be sprayed to cover plants has been found to be effective in insect control. However, be careful, as repeated and thorough covering with high concentrations of soap can cause damage to certain types of plants. Soap as a natural insecticide can be much less toxic to humans and animals than other alternatives, but it can also be much less effective, especially when treating an infestation.
While nicotine, neem, and other botanical insecticides not discussed here have been found to be effective with minimal to moderate success, any type of natural insecticide should be used as little as possible. Just because you use a natural insecticide rather than a synthetic one doesn’t mean it’s less harmful to animals or humans. The application of any type of natural insecticide should be done safely and only as often as necessary to maintain a healthy fruit or vegetable crop.
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