Natural Insecticide Precautions

Natural insecticides are generally much safer to use than the chemically created versions. Not only are they safer for humans and animals, they are kinder to the environment. The half life of natural insecticides is much shorter than for synthetic insecticides so they are not active for as long in the environment. Just know that in some instances, you still need to take precautions when dealing with natural insecticides.

For example, mountain mint or oil of pennyroyal can be rubbed onto the skin to ward off chiggers. Pregnant women however, must avoid using these herbs as they can trigger contractions. Sabadillia is poison to insects and while not toxic to humans it can irritate the eyes and lungs if proper precautions are not taken while applying it. Therefore, when using it on your garden you must wear a mask. You also need to wear a mask when applying Diatomaceous Earth because it can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. Caution must also be taken around the natural insecticide rotenone because it is toxic to fish and can be harmful to mammals as well. You need to wear protective gear including a mask when working with rotenone.

Carbon dioxide can be used to make a tick trap but you must handle it as you would dry ice so you will not get burned. Use heavy gloves or tongs. Keep it out of water or it will vaporize into a fog. Keep it away from kids and pets and do not ingest it. Carbon dioxide can be very harmful. Nicotine sulfate can be harmful and toxic to humans and pets as well. This natural insecticide is used to exterminate termites and should only be handled by a trained professional.

Natural insecticides can be harmful to other plants as well. Walnut trees for example emit a natural insecticide called juglone. Unfortunately it is toxic to a lot of other plants and you might not be able to grow them close to the walnut tree. Plants that come in contact with the tree root will die or become stunted. There are a few plants that are resistant to juglone and grow well next to walnut trees, these include black raspberries, carrots and zinnias.

Also, take precautions as you prepare your natural insecticide solutions. You may need to work in the shade and keep your solution in the shade in order to keep the sun from destroying the insect killing properties. Also, be sure to follow your recipes closely, diluting as required. If you don't dilute properly then you might burn tender young plants. More is not necessarily better when it comes to insecticides.

Protect the environment, keep yourself safe, your pets safe and your young plants safe by closely following directions when making and using natural insecticides.

Controlling grubs takes a little bit of work

In the Northeast, the most prevalent insect damage to lawns and other managed turf areas is caused by the larvae of various scarabaeid beetles. These grubs eat the roots of grasses and other plants, and if their numbers are high enough, large areas of turf can be severely damaged. The common lawn damaging grubs found in Connecticut are the larvae of five beetles: the Japanese beetle, oriental ...

The Addicted Gardener: Summer weather favors vegetables, spider mites

Although I must admit that a cooler climate would be preferable these days, I cant think of anywhere Id rather live than New England, both because of the diversity of plant material we can grow and the four seasons we experience.

Bugs - How to battle them successfully

What you can do to control the pests.

Sat Ex: Your Garden - Brown grass patches may have several causes

Dear Roger: In the past week, my centipede lawn has developed large areas of brown patch where the grass has apparently died.

Pay attention to catch pests early

By NEIL SPERRYDear Neil: I have a lovely large gardenia bush, but, for the past two summers, it has been absolutely covered with mold and with little white flying insects. Insecticidal soap doesn't seem to help much. What can I do to keep my gardenia ...