December 10th, 2008
Pyrethrum is one of the more slightly toxic natural
insecticides that exist in our world. It comes from a set of
flowers that are in the family of chrysanthemum.
These flowers have deep leaves and large flower heads that
are yellow, pink and white. Most of these plants have a daisy
like look. Some look like ferns. The plant is native to Ecuador
and parts of Africa like Kenya. Pyrethrum plants are also
considered to be Old World Plants. Butterflies, moths and
skippers love to eat these plants.
At very low concentrations, insects are affected by
pyrethrum. They immediately get knocked out as they fly into a
pyrethrum zone area. The insects don’t die. After their knock
down phase, they leave the area avoiding further contact with
the pyrethrum. For stronger concentration, the flowers are
pulverized and the seeds are extracted to be used for pesticide
application. Pyrethrums are a natural insecticide that attacks
the nerve systems of insects. In addition to butterflies,
skippers and moths; mosquitoes are also affected. Female
mosquitoes specifically are susceptible. The natural
insecticide causes them to stop biting. For all of us that get
bitten all the time by those pesky mosquitoes, that’s good news
to hear.
By itself, pyrethrum is not fatal to the winged insects.
But, because of the fast affect it has in knocking the insects
down, it is a useful tool to flush them out. After they are
knocked out, they will scatter and evade the place that is
pyrethrum sprayed. This is useful because the insects will be
clearly identified if they are hiding in the grass and shrubs,
etc. At that point, the appropriate pesticide can be used to
destroy the insects. Sometimes Pyrethrums are mixed with other
chemicals to be used as a more fatal intervention against
insects. In this case, the insects will die in almost an
instant. I was going to call this article, Pyrethrums, the
Queen of Natural Insecticides.
Gardeners have learned that if they plant Pyrethrum flowers
in their vegetable garden, like broccoli, the Pyrethrum flowers
will protect the broccoli plants. In addition to winged
insects, other pests are affected by pyrethrum plants.
Specifically affected are aphids, which are also known as plant
lice. Leafhoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs, ticks, pickle
worms and cabbage worms among other insects, are also affected.
These bugs are also temporarily paralyzed and not
instantaneously killed. I remember being around peers in
elementary school with head lice. It was not a comfortable
experience. I feel for gardeners that have to deal with what
they call plant lice. Luckily, pyrethrum is a natural
insecticide that can help them fend off plant lice.
Pyrethrum with other chemicals can be used as a household
spray or by airplanes for crop sprays or dusting. Pyrethrums
are a natural insecticide that is least toxic to humans. They
can be harmful to fish but not mammals and birds. The EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) has approved it for many
other uses in addition to insecticide. Pyrethrum as a natural
insecticide can be found in products like Pyrenon, Red Arrow
and Pyrellin.
October 26th, 2008
An insecticide spray is useful. It is used to kill
insects.
You can use it at home and any outdoor area to kill
cockroaches, fleas, ticks, flies, scorpions, beetles,
mosquitoes, moths, spiders, crickets, bed bugs and other
insects. There are many kinds of pests that bug us wherever we
are. Some carry diseases that could be deadly to human beings,
others harm crops. When this happens, the first thing that we
do is look for an insecticide spray. It does the job especially
when used correctly.
An insecticide spray works by spraying it using the hand
with the aerosol can. Upon contact, the pests and bugs are
killed almost instantaneously because the poison is absorbed by
the body. It is an effective weapon to use against
disease-carrying insects and pests that harm produce and
property. That is why fruits and vegetables that have been
contaminated with insecticides should be washed before they are
consumed.
However, no matter how useful it is, an insecticide spray
should be placed on an area where children cannot reach them
because most insecticides are also poisonous to human beings.
Always read the label and the directions on how to use the
insecticide spray before using it.
September 11th, 2008
Although the utilization of certain plants to control insect
infestations has been around for centuries, more and more
people have increasingly been moving away from synthetic
repellants in favor of natural repellants methods.
The concept of organic gardening and the use of natural
insecticides has come a long way from the late sixties and
early seventies although the principles have not changed. Long
gone are the spindly carrots, worm-ridden apples and thankfully
the high prices.
More and more people are turning to the use of natural
repellants to control insect infestations within their
vegetable gardens and around the yard. Many people have started
using natural insecticides in place of synthetic insecticides
in light of all the new studies and findings, just makes
sense.
This growing trend is increasingly gathering momentum as
more people begin to realize that they are reliant on the
symbiotic relationship, which we have with the earth and our
environment. It is no wonder that society is taking a closer
look at the ravages that have been caused by the use of
synthetic insecticides over the decades.
The use of synthetic insecticides over the years has proven
to be not only detrimental to our environment but to our health
as well. With the advancement of technology, more and more of
the synthetic insecticides have been linked to related health
issues not only to humans but to wildlife as well.
The fact that scientists are seriously looking at natural
insecticides is a big clue as to where this trend is going. Due
to the advancement of technology, the scientific community has
been working to improve the effectiveness of natural
insecticides. More scientific studies are being done, that test
these plants natural insecticide properties and their
effectiveness. There’s a growing trend within the scientific
community to finally take a second look at what Mother Nature
has to offer.
It seems that science is trying to play catch up with
organic gardeners who have known this all along. Properly
applied natural insecticides are not only effective, but also
safer for those around us. With the scientific community being
able to backup natural insecticides with scientific fact, is
undoubtedly a large contributing factor to why the general
population is taking a second look at natural insecticides.
Only a few short years ago it was very difficult to find
organic and natural insecticides anywhere other than specialty
shops. There were very little books written on the subject of
natural insecticides and what had been written was scoffed at
by the general public as Simply “hippy, mumbo jumbo.”
Natural insecticides and other organic gardening supplies
are normally found right alongside the synthetic insecticides
and other non-eco-friendly gardening supplies. The good news
is, as more nurseries and garden supply stores are catering to
those eco-conscious gardeners, we may soon see entire aisles
devoted to organic gardening and natural insecticides in nearly
every place that sells gardening supplies.
Fortunately with, a trip to your local home improvement
store in today’s date and age, you will find an ever-expanding
line that is geared specifically toward the organic gardener.
As more gardeners turn to natural insecticides and other
eco-friendly solutions for their gardening needs, commercial
producers of gardening supplies will have no choice but to
supply them.
July 28th, 2008
This is a common concern amongst eco-conscious pet owners.
The majority of natural insecticides are safe for use around
household pets.
There are a few exceptions however and need to be kept in
mind when you use certain natural insecticides around your home
and in your yard.
One of the reasons people choose natural insecticides in
favor of synthetic insecticides is because it is safer for use
around children and pets. Natural insecticides normally do not
affect wildlife and water supplies. And although it is good
idea to still use precautions while applying natural
insecticides and to use them discriminatively in their
application, natural insecticides in general are milder and
tend to oxidize and dissipate faster within the soil and off of
the plant, compared to synthetic insecticides.
There are many of the natural insecticides that you use in
your yard, that are also safe for use for your pets for flea
removal and repellent. However I think we should talk about the
ones that are dangerous and should not be used first. Often pet
owners are lulled in by a false sense of security solely
because of the term natural insecticide. There are certain
types of natural insecticides that can be harmful to your
pet.
Nicotine, is often used as a natural insecticide, and can be
made into a garden tea as a means for insect control. Nicotine
is toxic to all warm-blooded animals. While applying it within
your garden caution should be used during its application and
it is good idea to keep children and pets away until it has
dried and has been fully absorbed. Garden teas are a higher
concentration generally because they are steep for a long
period of time.
Citrus oils, I’m mentioning them here solely because citrus
oils are toxic to cats. Cats are more sensitive, and there are
reports of some adverse side effects. It is best to avoid using
citrus oil to kill fleas on your cat even if it is diluted.
Although with dogs in its diluted form this does not seem to be
a problem.
Pennyroyal oil, which is in many commercially prepared
natural insecticides has been found to cause liver damage and
can be fatal for cats. Pennyroyal is used in flea control, but
I would suggest you choose another alternative for your
cat.
Often you can find commercially prepared natural
insecticides that are safe to use on animals to kill fleas
although since you didn’t prepare it could be too strong for
your pet. As with any natural insecticide it is still important
to use caution and care in its handling and use, it is still an
insecticide even though it is natural, less is more.
Preparing your own natural insecticide in order to kill
fleas on your pets, not only allows you to adjust its strength,
they will save you a lot of money as well. Making your own flea
rinse or dip, is relatively easy and doesn’t take much
time.
You can make a simple herbal flea powder by using eucalyptus
leaves, rosemary, and fennel. You take the dried leaves and
grind them into a fine powder and apply as you would any other
type of flea powder and use the same precautions. The majority
of cats will not allow you to give them a rinse, at least none
of mine ever would. But they will allow me to apply the powder
and give them a brush. I have made a tea out of this mixture
and diluted it with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of witch hazel to
make a spritzer, which I then would apply to my dogs and then
rub it into their coat.
For the eco-conscious pet owner there are many alternatives
to harsh chemicals within your yard, garden, and on your pets.
Natural insecticides are over all a safer alternative for
everyone including your pet. Often natural insecticides are
just as effective, and a safer alternative.
April 29th, 2008
For most people, when they hear nicotine, images of
cigarettes and lung disease come to mind. Nicotine comes from
tobacco and is very dangerous to mammals – including
humans.
As you may already know, people that smoke become addicted
because of the nicotine in their cigarettes. Nicotine should
not be taken lightly. If it affects humans and other warm
blooded mammals, then logically it affects small insects.
Nicotine is used against pierce sucking insects such as aphids,
whiteflies, leaf hoppers and thrips and is therefore an ideal
ingredient for homemade insecticides!
Nicotine comes from a plant and as found mainly in tobacco,
tomato, potato, eggplant and green peppers. Nicotine can also
be found on the leaves of coca plants. Like other natural
insecticides, nicotine is diluted and used as a spray against
insect pests. With today’s technology, nicotine as a natural
insecticide is also combined with other chemicals to become a
stronger pesticide against insects. Nicotine, as you can
imagine, may infect the environment and ecosystems. Nicotine as
a natural insecticide is regulated by the government.
As of now, the insecticide is usually sold in less than a
50% liquid concentrate, it is diluted in water and used as a
spray. On the home front gardeners can create their own spray.
To mahe an effective homemade insecticide, all they need to do,
it is steep a cup of tobacco in some water, after about 12
hours, strain it and then compare it as a spray. The idea is to
spray the plants you want protected from those pesky insects
that want to feed on it. Nicotine works very well with
caterpillars and aphids.
There are sometimes some side effects when working with
pesticides – natural insecticides is no different. In one
study, some worms that became resistant to nicotine as a
natural insecticide actually became bigger and faster than
those worms that fed on plants with normal nicotine levels. But
the natural insecticide is still effective with other insect
pests. The green peach aphid is an example of an insect that
repels against nicotine.
It is important to point out that nicotine as a natural
insecticide is very toxic to humans. Nicotine can actually be
absorbed through the skin. It is best to use gloves when
handling nicotine. The good thing about nicotine when used as a
natural insecticide is that it is highly biodegradable, and can
be used on crops because of this. When using nicotine as a
natural insecticide, it is also good to know that it can harm
other plants such as roses.
When it comes to humans we should remember that many people
have died because of nicotine in cigarette smoking. Nicotine in
pesticides has also been used as a suicidal means. Young
children have been rushed to the ER due to ingesting nicotine
pesticides by accident. Nicotine is a great natural insecticide
to use against insects, but we should handle it with great
respect.
Instead of homemade nicotine insecticide, it is probably
better to purchase products with nicotine as a natural
insecticide. For example, Black Leaf is a popular brand of
pesticide that includes nicotine in its 40% concentrated state.
Buying products such as Black Leaf is safer for most people to
handle.
March 15th, 2008
Making the decision to switch from synthetic insecticides to
natural insecticides may seem a bit overwhelming at first. You
don’t have to do everything at one time necessarily; it can be
a gradual change.
We’re so accustomed to simply grab the nearest can of spray
or that bag of synthetic insecticides to toss around our lawn,
because we want results ASAP. It is going to take a little time
to change our thinking; it is a process as well as a conscious
choice. It’s important to realize that it takes time to change
our habits but with a little determination you can be “going
green” and in turn “growing green” in a relatively short period
of time.
One of the simplest ways to get you started is to purchase
plants that are known to have natural insecticide qualities.
Many home gardeners, who have started to grow green, began with
a few plants strategically placed around the yard. They have
found that they have been able to cut down on the use of any
insecticide natural or synthetic.
This is called companion gardening, which is basically
placing plants with natural insecticide properties, around
other plants within the garden. These companion plants either
repel harmful insects or attract beneficial ones. These plants
can enhance the growth and\or the taste of vegetables as well
making them work double duty within your garden.
This can take a little planning, as you are looking for
plants that compliment each other in shape, texture, and color,
and within your personal landscape design. Also it is important
to match plants that have the same requirements for water,
temperature, and general growing requirements.
Not only does it fill in the look of your garden, but also
by choosing plants with natural insecticide qualities, you have
at your fingertips, a ready supply of materials in which you
can make your own natural insecticides as needed.
Some suggestions for companion gardening within your
vegetable garden, is to plant garlic along with bush beans, as
it is believed that they repel aphids. On this note you could
also plant them amongst your roses. The lavender plant also
placed near roses can deter aphids from even coming near
them.
Pretty much any plant that is known to be an natural
insecticide or a natural insecticide repellent, can be placed
throughout the garden and amongst your flower beds, not only do
they add too the beauty of your garden, but it also works for
you by helping to keep those undesirable bugs out.
One of the advantages of growing plants that are natural
insecticides is that they can be harvested throughout the year.
You would then be able to harvest these natural insecticides to
be used in sprays or powders, in and around your home.
One example would be the common housefly, all too often,
especially in the warmer months, these little guys seem to
sneak in the house. Instead of reaching for that can of fly
spray try this instead.
Step out into your garden in grab a handful or two of mint
leaves. Place them in a pot of water and leave them to soak
awhile. Strain the water into a spray bottle. Spray this around
the inside of your home. Houseflies to not like the smell of
mint, and will normally hightail out of there. For an
extra-added kick, you could also add a drop or two of
eucalyptus oil.
Making the change from our dependence on synthetic
insecticides in favor of natural insecticides doesn’t have to
be made all it once. Every step you take towards a natural
method not only cuts the risk of your family’s exposure to
harmful chemicals; it also cuts the risk to our environment.
Taking little steps at every opportunity changes our thinking
and puts us one step closer to living green.
January 30th, 2008
It is never too late or too early to begin teaching your
children about eco-friendly gardening.
Teaching them about natural, safe insecticides, their uses
and why it is important for our environment at a young age can
help foster a connection to the earth and their responsibility
towards it.
A great way to begin teaching a child about safe
insecticides is to help them pick out companion plants that are
known to have natural insecticide qualities. This gives you an
opportunity to talk to them about the type of insects that this
plant either kills or repels and which parts are used to make
an natural insecticide.
Allowing them to help you place the plants around the garden
will help them learn the combination basics of companion
gardening. This is also a good opportunity to talk to them
about the risks that are associated with synthetic insecticides
as well as, the effects they have on wildlife, compared to
natural insecticides.
Helping them start from seed, plants that have natural
insecticide qualities not only allows you to teach them about
natural insecticide but can also many other aspects of organic
gardening. Many children really enjoy checking on their seeds
daily and become very protective of their little gardens. One
of the advantages of growing plants that are known to have
natural insecticide properties is you will not have to worry in
most cases about your child’s seedlings being overcome by
insects.
Just because something is called a natural insecticide does
not mean it is not toxic and it’s very important to teach the
children about this. Certain natural insecticides such as
nicotine can be highly toxic when in concentrated form, and can
be harmful to both humans as well as other warm-blooded
animals. Explaining to your child, which of these natural
insecticides are harmful is just as important as explaining
which plants are beneficial.
Allowing a child to help you harvest the flowers and leaves
of the plant for use as an natural insecticide is another
opportunity to talk about them. It allows you to teach them how
to properly harvest from the plant without injuring it. Also,
you will have the opportunity to teach them about how much
needs to be harvested. Nowadays in which everything is instant,
bigger and better, this gives you an opportunity to show your
child just how little natural insecticide is needed to be
effective.
With the exception of some safe insecticides that are known
to be irritants, children can assist in the preparation of
sprays and teas for use within the garden. Many children enjoy
adding the ingredients to the pan and shaking the bottle.
Letting them deliver some of the natural insecticide out in the
garden, is something that they also enjoy and helps develop the
necessary safety skills that need to be learned, all the while
under your watchful eye.
Teaching children about how to properly use natural
insecticides in a safe and effective manner benefits not only
them but the environment as well. It can be made to be fun and
educational of the same time, and the memories that you will be
making are absolutely priceless.
December 16th, 2007
As with any form of insecticide too much is never a good
thing, so the answer would be yes. The majority of problems
with lawn insecticides in general are over use and
unfortunately this includes natural insecticides as well.
All too often the insect can become immune or the insects
offspring are resistant.
Oftentimes people think that just because something is
considered natural that that means that they can a use more for
a greater effect. Natural insecticides although they need in
most cases, to be applied more frequently to maintain the
effectiveness still need to be treated as a poison.
Excessive use on grass in general is not advised and in
large quantities some of the natural insecticides can be
considered toxic to warm blooded mammals. Tobacco in large
doses can be extremely harmful to animals, wildlife, and
humans, For example.
This is highly effective as a natural insecticide when used
properly and diluted. Granted it does degrade quickly making it
very useful to use on food plants nearing harvest, using too
much of it is not only unnecessary but also potentially harmful
until it is absorbed.
The overuse of the pyrethrum daisy can also be a problem as
this is a broad and general lawn insecticide. Not only does it
indiscriminately kill insects, including the ones that are
beneficial within your garden but also because it is often used
in powder form people tend to think that it is necessary to add
more then what is recommended. This natural insecticide also
kills butterflies ladybugs, dragonflies and so on, which are
known to be beneficial to the garden for insect control and
pollination.
Natural insecticides are fabulous alternatives to
commercially prepared synthetic insecticides the chances for
toxicity are relatively low compared to the latter. They are
better for the grass, lawn and garden, as they do not tend to
stay within the soil as long as their synthetic counterparts
seem to do and this reduces the risk of our waterways becoming
contaminated with toxins.
As with any insecticide less is more and natural
insecticides are no exception. Taking the time to understand
when and if you need to apply natural insecticides as well as
how to properly apply them is very important. If you don’t have
an infestation of insects you do not need to apply insecticide
whether it is synthetic or a natural insecticide.
Also knowing which type of insects your plants are infected
with can help cut down the overuse of a natural insecticide.
Certain insects respond to certain types of natural
insecticides better than others. Knowing which type of insect
you are facing helps cut down the need of using a broad based
natural insecticide in order to remedy the problem.
Knowing the best time to apply and when to reapply your lawn
insecticide product can help prevent indiscriminate over use.
Many natural insecticides become ineffective in the heat or
after rain. So looking into when is the best time to apply your
natural insecticide not only saves you time but in the long run
money as well. All natural insecticides work best if they’re
used wisely and only if needed, over use is not necessary nor
will it give you better results.
November 1st, 2007
For centuries farmers have had to rely on natural repellants
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 natural repellants
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 repellants? 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 repellants. 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 repellants 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 repellants 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 repellants.
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.
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