March 5th, 2010
When we think of organic insecticides, botanical resources
first come to mind. Plants such as the Nicotine, Derris,
Pyrethrum, Neem and Caffeine are popular natural
insecticides.
Boric acid is another popular organic insecticide, though
not botanical. Most homemade natural insecticides come from the
botanical plants listed above. It is rarely heard of other
organic insecticides popularly mentioned as these. However,
they are other alternatives of natural insecticides to those
listed here already.
Before some of the botanical resources were discovered,
farmers and gardeners discovered soap as an organic
insecticide. Whale soap and fish oil soaps were used to combat
insects. It is well known today that dishwashing soap when
mixed with plenty of water, works as a powerful natural
insecticide. Using soap as an organic insecticide is not as
powerful as the botanical resources or the boric acid. So,
repeated applications on plants are much more necessary for
desired results. This creates a problem. More applications of
soap on plants may cause some damage to plants. This is a catch
22. The best soap to use should be soap that contains coconut
oil.
Other forms of natural insecticides can include mixtures of
onions, garlic and peppers. Incidentally, this will probably
work as an effective repellent for humans – joke intended. This
natural insecticide intervention will also need repeated
application on plants. Soybean oil from the seeds of certain
plants is also effective. Soybean is native to Japan or China
and is used in animal feed. Sesame oil from sesame seeds used
popularly on breads can also be an effective natural
insecticide. Sabadilla is also a botanical insecticides but not
as common or popular as those mentioned earlier. This
particular natural insecticide attacks the stomach of insects
with poison. It also poisons insects by contact.
Other oils include Canola, Which irritates insects by
coating the leaves and Catnip, interestingly a stronger
repellent against mosquitoes then Deet. Cedarwood and
Citronella oils are also good natural insecticides. Cottonseed
is actually the best vegetable oil that can be used as a
natural insecticide. Garlic oil has also proven effective.
However, garlic oil has also killed innocent insects. It kills
insects almost immediately. Finally, Herbal and JoJoba oils can
be used as prganic insecticides. Herbal oils especially seem to
reduce the number of eggs and feeding damage by certain
insects. As you can imagine Herbal oils come from all kinds of
teas such as White Clover, Anise, Sage, Tea Tree and other
teas. The interesting fact with JoJoba oils is that it creates
a natural wall between the insect and the leaf of the
plant.
There also mineral based natural insecticides. Sulfur can be
used in many ways to protect vegetables such as legumes, root
vegetables and green beans. It can also be used to protect
fruit such as fresh raisins and natural starch but sweet
fruits. For those using these homemade natural insecticides,
using it one time and expecting immediate results, is
foolish.
Like other natural insecticides, is wise to use a mask in
order to avoid eye irritation.
January 19th, 2010
We know why the agricultural industry has to rely on
synthetic or chemical insecticides, if they lose a crop to
insect damage, they don’t make any money, and your produce
prices climb sky high.
The growing trend towards the use of organic pesticide for
personal gardeners and a growing number of organic farmers is
on the rise.
Year after year we hear about new studies being done that
have linked exposure to pesticides with an increase risk of
disease, such as: cancer, neurological and reproductive damage,
in both wildlife as well as the average consumer.
Within the general population most people rely on commercial
farming as a main food source and many people only garden for
hobby nowadays. But just how important is it to use natural
insecticides even if you only have a small garden?
By organic gardening, which means using only natural
insecticides to control insect infestations, you cut the risk
of your exposure to harmful insecticides. Everything you do
reduces your exposure, simply choosing organic produce is a
start, reducing or eliminating the use of commercial
insecticides, in favor of organic pesticides, within your home
and garden, will minimize your exposure and help minimize
contamination of our water supplies and wildlife.
The effects of commercial insecticides have been known to
cause cancer, brain tumors, birth defects, and spontaneous
abortions. In reality insecticides are everywhere, we use them
on our lawn, on flower gardens and in vegetable gardens. We
also use them in the house to kill flies, fleas on our pets and
on our carpets. Anytime we notice bugs we’ve gotten so used to
reaching for the can of spray.
The United States has over 25,000 different brands of
pesticides available. They have been several studies lately
showing that even a moderate exposure to insecticides can yield
long-term negative results. All of which can be avoided or at
least be reduced, by turning to organic pesticide as a means to
control insect infestations. It’s a good idea to keep this in
mind as we indiscriminately spray the fly spray around our
homes.
There are many health risks that can be simply avoided if we
reduce our reliance on insecticides. Alternative methods are
out there and natural insecticides can assist us in achieving
control of insects. As mentioned before buying organic is
really the best or if you happen to enjoy gardening, try to
grow green and give natural insecticides a try.
Commercially prepared insecticides are very costly but you
can save money using natural insecticide methods. Using natural
insecticides however is not a one- time shot, often it’ll take
some diligence on your part and repeated applications, usually
it made be needed on a weekly basis.
It may take a bit of effort on your part to grow organically
and utilize natural insecticides within and around your home.
Each time that you don’t grab that can of fly spray, you are
reducing not only your own exposure but also the exposure of
those around you.
Although using a organic pesticide is better for your health
and the environment, you still have to be cautious of overuse
and in general take precautions as with other types of
insecticide. Some natural insecticides are or can be harmful to
both humans and wildlife if used in excess and this really is a
case for less is more.
December 5th, 2009
If left unchecked, everything on our planet that is not
covered with water would be covered with insects. Humans regard
most insects as pests.
Mosquitoes bother us, sucking our blood and spreading
disease. Flies get on our food and invade our space. Termites
eat our wood and destroy our structures. Bedbugs also invade
our space and sense of security. Lice can get in the hair when
unwashed. On and on, the list of insect pests goes.
The good Lord in his infinite knowledge arranged natural
means of insect control. However, because humans have agendas
that disrupt the flow of nature, natural means of insect
control become ineffective. Humans must now develop pesticides.
There are many forms of insecticides. The many forms of
insecticides are agents of chemical or biological origin.
Chemical pesticides creates problems for the environment and
for humans. Many chemical insecticides are even fatal to
humans. Compounding the problem with chemical insecticides is
the fact that we need insect control, everywhere. Chemicals to
control insects at school, public places, work and the home
accumulate pretty rapidly. Humans exposed to all these
chemicals will have negative consequences.
The best way to control insects while protecting humans and
the environment is with natural insecticide. The most popular
form of natural insecticide is botanical. They are many plants
that can be used in one way or another as natural insecticide.
There are other natural forms of insecticides as well. Boric
acid for example, is a strong natural insecticide. But boric
acid is not botanical. Using other insects to destroy insect
pests is also a natural insecticide. In some cases, insects
used to control other insects, can become pests to humans as
well.
Using plants to control insects is the best, safest and most
inexpensive form of natural insecticide. Some botanical
insecticides include: Derris, Pyrethrum, Neem, Nicotine, and
Caffeine. Humans have been using natural insecticide for
thousands of years. Some historical accounts record leaders and
people from all over the world using botanical insecticides.
The five plant based insecticides formally listed, have been
proven to be quite effective.
The plants themselves are an insecticide. But humans have
found ways to use the natural insecticide more potent. They do
this by crushing the root of the plant, or soaking the leaves
in water, combining it with chemicals, rubbing it on objects,
etc. When manufacturers create natural insecticides, it really
is a mimicking system of what the plant does.
Interestingly, natural insecticide does not normally kill
insect pests. Instead, it paralyzes the insects. It also may
act as a natural repellent. But, natural insecticide does
exist. The use of chemical insecticides do not need to be
employed. The more we use natural insecticides, the better off
our planet will be. The better off it will be for humans as
well. We should be diligent as Guardians of this planet, to use
the means to control insects, the way God intended us to do it.
Using chemical means may backfire and hurt us tremendously.
October 21st, 2009
Over use of any insecticides is never a good idea but if you
have to use one it is always better to use a natural and safe
insecticide.
This can be a common concern for the eco-conscious gardeners
who are also trying to improve the quality of their soil.
Synthetic insecticides tend to have a lingering effect and
are often produced in slow release formulas. Once they are on
the ground or mixed in the soil such as, when you weed the
garden, they can linger within the soil. With the overuse of
insecticides in general and the general consensus of a little
more won’t hurt, synthetic insecticides have been known to
build up in the soil.
Safe insecticides that are made from plants containing these
properties not only are generally milder than their synthetic
counterparts, but since they are plant based they degrade
rather quickly. Natural insecticides being plant based are
normally utilized within the soil just as if you were to add
these plants clippings to your compost pile.
Overall natural insecticides should not damage the soil
and\or compost if used wisely and appropriately. Often if you
utilized companion planting, in which plants that have natural
insecticide qualities are placed strategically within your
garden for insect control, you are adding these to your compost
anyway.
The chemical compounds of compost tend to absorb the type of
material that is added to it. So if you are adding plant debris
of plants that have natural insecticide qualities this is also
being broken down and utilized. With proper use natural
insecticides should not harm your soil nor damage your
compost.
Healthy soil includes some beneficial insects that are
needed in order to keep it that way. The majority of natural
insecticides do not damage or kill these beneficial insects
however, it is known that there is residual effects within the
soil that has been treated with a synthetic counterpart and it
may take awhile before these beneficial insects can return.
Converting your garden into an eco-friendly garden can be a
challenge in the beginning. It can take some time to bring your
soil back into a healthy condition especially if there was an
over use of synthetic insecticides. It can be done but be
prepared for it to take a little while for the lingering
effects to work their way out of the soil.
Starting a healthy compost is a good way to begin to get to
soil back to a healthy state. Companion planting with plants
that have natural insecticide qualities can cut down on the
need for any added insecticide treatment. Any trimmings of
these plants with natural insecticide qualities can in most
cases be safely added to your new compost pile along with any
other organic material.
In a majority of cases you can begin to improve the soil as
soon as your compost has been properly cured but do not be
surprised if it takes a season or two before you can see a
noticeable improvement. It takes time to heal the soil from
abuse of synthetic chemicals. For the eco-friendly gardener
this can be a challenge but by incorporating natural
insecticides and proper composting techniques you can make your
soil healthy.
September 6th, 2009
With all the detrimental findings about the use of synthetic
chemicals as insecticides it makes one wonder why more
commercial farmers are not opting to use organic
pesticides.
The health risks to humans and the environment are well
known, so why is commercial agriculture dragging its feet on
making the switch?
In all fairness there are more commercial organic farmers
today than there has ever been. Thankfully this appears to be a
growing trend, as more and more people are demanding that their
food sources are safe and chemical free. It is not uncommon now
to be able to walk into any grocery store and have a wide
selection of organically grown produce.
So why are some farmers dragging their feet? There are
several reasons and it actually boils down to economics,
urbanization, and consumer demand. There is a light at the end
of that tunnel and we are already starting to see big changes
in commercial agriculture.
At last it seems that science and nature are beginning to
see eye to eye at least when it comes to organic pesticides.
The scientific community is starting to take a closer look at
the properties of plants that have natural insecticide and
organic pesticides qualities and their abilities to control
insect infestations. Many organic farmers have been utilizing
these methods for centuries and now that science is taking a
closer look at them it seems as if general thought about
organic gardening is changing.
One of the problems the commercial farmers face, amongst
many, is the need to produce as much yield as possible that is
sellable. The average American consumer expects a certain
quality and normally will not purchase produce that has any
visible blemish so in part they are to blame. Natural
insecticides being milder and need more frequent applications,
tend not to be effective compared to their synthetic
counterparts in producing blemish free produce. So in this case
it boils down to economics.
In the past few years the use of natural insecticides is
becoming more widespread, and commercially prepared natural
insecticides are more readily available to commercial farmers
as well as the general public. More and more commercial farmers
are beginning to look at natural insecticides as a means for
insect control. Once the general public begins to become more
accepting of organic gardening methods and natural insecticide
methods commercial farmers will no doubt follow suit.
Science is beginning to look closer at plants with natural
insecticide qualities and are developing better ways to extract
and utilize natural insecticides, for their use on a broader
scale within commercial farming. Because of this, it will
become more commonplace as time goes on to see more farmers
becoming organic ones.
But in the world of commercial farming, as in most any
business, it boils down to supply and demand. If consumers
demand chemical free produce, that is organically grown, insist
that only organic insecticides are used and are willing to pay
for it, than commercial farmers will supply it. Once consumers
begin to choose regularly organic produce treated only with
natural pesticides methods, over produce it has been
synthetically treated, the more farmers will turn towards
organic farming.
July 23rd, 2009
Everybody from gardening, to medical facilities, to homes
and the office become diligent at one point or another in
combating mosquitos. There are commercial synthetic pesticides
and natural insecticides.
What many people don’t realize is that insect pests can
become resistant, maybe immune, to what we attack them with. It
is a war between humans and the insects at times. Like any
other war, the enemy has a better chance to succeed and if they
adapt to the situation. As humans, we have changed strategies
numerous times. We have gone from natural insecticides to
different kinds of pesticides. Insects are no different. They
can adapt. Many insects die off, but a few that remain from
those that died due to insecticides, learn how to become
survivors.
Some scientists believe that hundreds of insect pests have
already become resistant against traditional insecticides. The
belief is that there’s a strong possibility that mosquitos can
overcome anything we throw at them. The mosquito for example,
has already become resistant to BT. Other insects become
resistant to insecticides within a handful of generations. I
think scientists are little baffled that insects quickly can
become resistant to natural insecticides. This especially
becomes an issue when insects pass on resistant genes to the
next generation.
Many people do not realize that over using their natural
insecticides or pesticides creates these types of problems.
even though some insects live for a very short time period,
such as fleas that can only live for about a month; that is
ample time for surviving fleas to develop resistance genes and
pass that on to a new generation of fleas. The whiteflies are
an example of this. In just a few short years it has adapted to
plants that once were a repellent to it. The whitefly is now
considered a superbug.
The war must continue however. Insecticides help to see if
crops. Natural insecticides also helped with pest control
against culprits like the mosquito. As human population
continues to increase to about 15 billion by the year 2050,
crops and the health of people need to be protected. If we lose
the battle to control insect pests with natural insecticides,
we will see economic losses in the billions of dollars. More
importantly, the health of humans could be adversely affected.
Some large chemical companies see this issue with insects
becoming resistant to natural insecticides, as an opportunity.
These companies anticipate and see the reality that many insect
pests will become resistant to today’s natural insecticides and
pesticides. Working together with other companies ensures a
healthier and safer future, and brings them one step closer to
making more money for their industry. Who can blame them?
Some people believe that natural insecticides should only be
used when really needed. Having pest control for the sake of
pest control convenience, is not a good enough reason to use
natural insecticides. In other words, natural insecticides
should only be used when crops and people’s health truly become
urgent. Like other wars, these people are willing to wait until
it’s too late.
June 8th, 2009
There are new developments in the natural insecticide field
all the time. Many new plants and fungus are being discovered
from different countries all the time that have promising
natural flea insecticide properties.
Scientists are uncovering several new insecticides such as a
relatively new discovery about a fungus that has natural
insecticide qualities such as scerotia, which is known to repel
insects, because of the chemical compounds it produces.
Although it is still undergoing testing to determine its
effectiveness, it does look to be a promising discovery.
To keep on top of new developments for national insecticides
university extension centers that deal with agriculture are a
great place to start. They normally are on top of all of the
scientific breakthroughs and discoveries pertaining to natural
insecticides.
Often they will conduct gardening workshops that will teach
you about how to choose plants that have natural insecticide
qualities for use in companion gardening And the preparation of
these plants for use as insecticides. These extension centers
normally have a master gardener program and they will offer how
to clinics, on a variety of subjects for the eco-friendly
gardener.
If you happen to live close to an organically run farm, you
may want to check with them to see if they offer any classes on
organic gardening. The majority of organic farmers that I have
spoken with are more than happy to share with you their natural
insecticide methods and application. Although they do farm on a
larger level than the average home gardener the majority of
organic farmers are firm believers in going green and are more
than happy to help.
The Internet is an absolutely wonderful source to find
information that is pertinent to your location about organic
gardening. It is invaluable as a tool when you are looking for
information on actual insecticides. There are many sites out
there that can help you plan an eco-friendly yard space and
garden as well as help you choose plants for their natural
insecticide qualities.
Natural nurseries are also a wonderful source not only to
receive information about natural insecticides but also often
have a wide variety of healthy plants that are natural flea
insecticides in stock. Normally staff employed by these types
of nurseries are more than happy to help you plan your garden
and will offer suggestions as to plant choices for companion
gardening. Many of these natural nurseries also have how to
clinics on a variety of subjects of interest to the organic
gardener.
Don’t forget the library as they have an ever-expanding
collection of books on every subject of eco-friendly gardening.
The nice thing about libraries is that if you cannot find
something that you need the majority of librarians are more
than willing to acquire the information that you need.
The use of natural flea insecticides with any eco-friendly
gardening is nothing new it has been around for centuries.
Thankfully information has become more readily available and is
updated all the time. For those who wish to look deeper into
organic gardening and into the use of natural insecticides
finding that information is easier today than it ever has been
throughout history.
April 24th, 2009
Most natural pesticides are botanical in origin. Popular
natural insecticides come from plants like Nicotine, Caffeine,
Neem, Pyrethrum and Derris. But Boric acid is not botanical in
nature.
Boric acid is actually a bright powder from the California
Deserts. The natural powder is mined for commercial marketing.
In addition to eliminating insects, Boric acid is used to help
certain foods longevity and has proven to be a great fire
suppressor. In the early 1920′s, the first boric insecticide
was invented to combat roaches. Today, there are hundreds of
pesticide products that contain borates. Most of them contain
chemicals along with boric acid that are not natural of
course.
Boric acid is very dependable and effective. In the mid
1950′s a company began treating wood with boric acid due to
termite infestation. Since then, the company and the wood
industry have never looked back. Boric acid has proven highly
effective against termites and wood beetles. But Boric acid as
a natural insecticide has proven deadly to all pests. Boric
acid works by attacking the nerve systems of insects. The
natural insecticide also dries up the bodies of the dead
insects. Like other natural insecticides, including those that
are botanical; when boric acid is combined with other
chemicals, the insecticide has longer effects. Combing Boric
acid with other chemicals causes the destroying agent to seep
through wood and even concrete.
The actual danger level to humans and other animals that
make contact with Boric acid is confusing. Some say if it’s
powerful to kill roaches, then it’s probably dangerous to
humans. Yet, Boric acid is safely used around and for children.
Ointments and diaper salves for rashes contain Boric acid. Some
insulation in homes also includes Boric acid. All this exposure
to humans from Boric acid would raise eyebrows if it was truly
dangerous. But wide spread usage and applications of Boric acid
continue today. Interestingly, Boric acid is odorless.
There is no question that Boric acid, is the king of natural
pesticides against pests. Insects that fall under the power of
Boric are: Cockroaches, Palmetto bugs, Water bugs, and all
kinds of ants, Silverfish, insects that suck blood, Box-Elder
bugs, and beetles of all species, insects with many legs,
chirping bugs, Earwigs, termites and many other insects. To
make homemade Boric acid as a natural insecticide against ants:
take one tablespoon of Boric acid and one tablespoon of sugar
with four ounces of water. Mix the Boric acid and sugar. After
mixing, dip a cotton ball into it or pour the mixture on the
cotton ball. Simply place the cotton balls in the path of
ants.
Homemade natural insecticide against termites would need
anti-freeze mixed with the Boric acid. Simply mixing Boric acid
with water then applying to surfaces kills most insects quite
effectively. The solution can last for up to a year or until
the surface is washed. Homemade natural insecticides should be
given a few days to show results. For pet owners, using Boric
acid as a powder and sprinkling it on the carpet will kill
fleas and their eggs. The powder should remain in the carpet
for about a week before being vacuumed for more
effectiveness.
March 10th, 2009
For centuries farmers have had to rely on natural
insecticides as a means to control Insect infestation. With the
onset of synthetic insecticides, as a means to ensure bumper
crops for our commercial farmers, most did not look past their
success in controlling insect infestations.
In light of various studies throughout the years scientists
have found that many commercially produced insecticides have
been hazardous to the food we eat, the water we drink and have
been linked to some form of cancers and birth defects within
humans and wildlife.
We all know that it is better for the environment and to
ourselves to look to nature for a means to control insect
infestations. But what are natural insecticides? In general
natural insecticides are a derivative of plants that have been
known to repel or kill insects. Often many of these natural
insecticides can be grown within your garden and can be a
lovely addition to your landscape.
One of the most commonly known and most widely used is made
from a plant that resembles a Daisy. Pyrethrum, which is of the
genus chrysanthemum family, is one of the most commonly used
natural insecticides. One of the drawbacks of using this plant
as a natural insecticide is that it kills all insects the good
insects as well as the bad ones.
This natural insecticide is often spread as a dust form or
as an emulsion, and one should take precautions by wearing a
breathing mask if dusting it around your yard or in the garden,
as this could cause a breathing irritation.
Another natural insecticide is Rotenone. Which is produced
in certain South American plants and it is normally applied as
a spray for the fruits and row crops. It is lethal to aphids,
cockroaches, houseflies, and mosquitoes.
In small doses this is not harmful to humans however it was
originally used in South America to stun fish and make them
flow to the surface of a stream or pool. Considering that there
are other natural insecticide alternatives it may be wise to
avoid this form of natural insecticide as it could potentially
runoff into our water systems.
The problem with any insecticide is that the majority of
them are broad based and will kill the good with the bad. Often
some of the best natural defenses come from the good insects
and some of these broad based natural insecticides cannot tell
the difference between the two.
It has been known that using natural insecticides takes a
bit more diligence and planning compared to using synthetic
insecticides when trying to control insects within your yard
and garden. Natural insecticides do have their limitations such
as easily being washed away after rain; some lose their potency
in direct summer heat and will need to be reapplied more
frequently than synthetic insecticides.
You might have to try several different types of natural
insecticides or combinations of natural insecticides in order
to find what will be effective for your needs, but the rewards
to our planet and to ourselves outweighs the instant
gratification of synthetic insecticides. It may take a bit more
work and elbow grease but it is very much worth the effort to
use natural insecticides as a means of insect control.
January 24th, 2009
Caffeine is used in chocolate, soda, coffee and tea.
Caffeine is produced by plants. Humans love caffeine products.
Chocolate is such a sweet taste to almost everyone that tries
it.
Not long after tasting chocolate most people begin to love
it. Some people even begin to crave the taste of chocolate on a
daily basis. The other caffeine products have similar effects
on people. Soda products can create addictions for some people.
I know several people who have to drink diet cola every
morning. They prefer this over orange juice and other healthier
morning drinks. Tea is known to be a healthy drink. However, it
does contain caffeine and many people drink tea because of
this. Caffeine is most definitely found in coffee. Many people
have become addicted to coffee because of caffeine.
It is important to understand the potency of caffeine. In
humans it causes the blood to flow and alters our body
chemically. If caffeine can affect humans, then common sense
dictates it will affect creatures smaller than us. For example,
everyone knows it is a very bad idea for dogs to eat chocolate.
Dogs that have eaten chocolate have become very sick or died.
If humans and dogs are affected by caffeine, surely insects can
be affected too. Today, caffeine is used as a natural
insecticide. Botanical insecticides have been utilized for many
years. But caffeine specifically, is a more recent utilization
as natural insecticide.
Studies have proven that caffeinated plants ward off insects
in natural environments. It could be the coca beans or the
leaves of the caffeinated plants, but insects are clearly
repelled by such plants. Scientists today are still trying to
understand how to utilize caffeine as a natural insecticide.
But clearly recent experiments prove that caffeine is effective
as an insecticide. Combining caffeine with other pesticides
increases that pesticide almost 10 times. Caffeine is very
powerful. A homemade diluted caffeinated spray can effectively
be used as insect repellent.
Caffeine is a small white powder. Insects sometimes are
affected severely by insecticides and simply sprayed on. So if
a gardener for example, wanted to repel certain insects from
his favorite plants, he can use a caffeinated spray. Of all
natural insecticides, caffeine is the most dangerous to
insects. For the most part it will leave the insect paralyzed
or cause it die soon. Yes, some of the insects will die within
a few hours or few days. This is not true with other natural
insecticides. But caffeine is a very strong natural
insecticide.
Scientists are still trying to learn how to best use
caffeine in pesticides. But more and more people are learning
about this discovery. People will now try to create their own
insecticide, but they should be really careful handling
caffeine. We’ve already seen how caffeine is addictive and
coffee, tea, chocolate and soda. Handling concentrated caffeine
in its white powder state could be harmful to humans. It may be
best to purchase caffeinated natural insecticides when
retailers make them available.
The next time you see insect pests invading your garden or
personal space, offer them a cup of coffee or a piece of
chocolate. No need to be harsh, try being friendly (I’m joking
of course).
| 
