What Is A Natural Insecticide?

Organic gardening appeals to a lot of people because they realize it benefits our environment. Organic gardening is accomplished by using natural insecticides which means they are naturally occurring in nature and not laboratory made. It is a way of using nature to one's advantage to grow vegetables, fruits and plants of all kinds. It is a way of being kind to the earth and the environment and preventing the exposure of humans and animals to toxic substances. Using natural insecticides has grown in popularity in recent years, and if done right, it can even be more economical too.

By growing and using your own insecticides you also aid the eco system by not putting toxic concoctions into the air or dirt. You might even have an effect upon the ozone layer by doing your part by using natural insecticides.

Botanical insecticides are created from plants, such as sapodilla. This natural insecticide comes from the seeds of a plant that is similar to a lily and is used to dust plants before harvesting. It acts as poison to insects. As such it is wise to remember that one must take care with natural insecticides too. Use them properly so they are a benefit to all and so as not to inadvertently cause harm. It is still wise to wash your vegetables and fruits that have been treated with natural insecticides.

One thing to remember bout natural insecticides is that if a small amount doesn't work, it doesn't mean that a larger amount will. In other words, you may need to switch to a different substance or use a booster product along with it.

Before choosing a natural insecticide, you should consider the following questions to ensure the safety of your family and pets. Does this insecticide react with another substance in a toxic manner? Can it harm my children or my pets? Can it harm my other plants? What happens if the insecticide is accidentally ingested? How is it to be used, sprayed or dusted? How often should it be used? How much does it cost? Where can I buy it? How do I store it? Can I make it myself?

Some examples of natural insecticides include nicotine, rotenone, soap and pyrethrum. Even hot peppers and cornmeal are effective against certain pests. The best natural insect control is awareness and stopping pests in the beginning phase before they become a problem and insecticides of any kind need to be used.

Using natural insecticides in your gardening can make you feel better about yourself in knowing you are doing your part to control the spread of toxic chemicals. Plus you will not have to worry that the vegetables you feed your children are covered in dangerous substances.

ESCONDIDO: Organic farmers, local residents hear plan to fight gnats - North County Times

ESCONDIDO: Organic farmers, local residents hear plan to fight gnats North County Times There were questions nobody ---- not county officials, farmers nor residents ---- could answer: How many gnats are too many? How many are acceptable? Miller acknowledged that more research into the gnats, where they come from and how to best get rid of ... and more »

Montana has plenty of deer, but not with trophy racks - The Missoulian

Montana has plenty of deer, but not with trophy racks The Missoulian Chronic wasting disease in wildlife is similar to mad cow disease in cattle: It kills the animal and can potentially pass on a fatal infection to humans. Montana is one of the few major big-game states that doesn't have a CWD problem.

Boehner knocks Obama's new housing proposal - CNN (blog)

Boehner knocks Obama's new housing proposal CNN (blog) Washington (CNN) – House Speaker John Boehner is expressing skepticism about President Obama's latest plan to lift the country's housing market, suggesting government programs designed to help mortgage holders have long proven ineffective. and more »

Midwest Gardening - Sioux City Journal

Midwest Gardening Sioux City Journal The fungus gnat larvae feed mostly on fungi and decaying organic matter in the soil, but they're not above nibbling on roots. If numerous, fungus gnats can damage plants and sometimes even kill them. These little pests may hitchhike into the house with ...

Garden Plot: This is the year to get your lawn off drugs - WTOP

Garden Plot: This is the year to get your lawn off drugs WTOP This year the fungus gnats have taken over so bad I'm at the point of throwing the plants away. The local garden center recommended some insecticide that I couldn't pronounce and I go by the rule of thumb that if I can't pronounce it, it will kill me, ...