Neem Oil
Active ingredient: Extract of hydrophobic neem oil
• Natural 3 in1 product kills many insects, spider mites and fungal leaf problems
• Oil-based product so to avoid leaf burn, apply during cool times of day
• Do not apply when bees are active
• Do not apply to stressed plants
Insecticidal Soap
Active ingredient: Potassium or sodium salts of fatty acids
• Helps break down body of soft-bodied insects like aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, immature scale
• Similar to dishwashing soap, but without perfumes or dyes that may cause plant tissue damage
• May need repeated applications
Horticultural Oils
Active ingredient (varies by brand): Canola oil, light weight petroleum, and paraffinic oils
• Smothers the insect
• Different oils are temperature specific; some must be used on dormant plants, others can be used at warmer times of year, read label for details
• Water plants thoroughly before applying to make sure the plant is not under moisture stress
• Is toxic to fish. Do not apply near water
Pest caterpillars: Bt, Thuricide
Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki
• Must be ingested by the insect so be sure to thoroughly spray foliage
• Apply when pest caterpillars first appear
• Caterpillars should stop feeding within a few hours but may take a few days to die
• Does not kill beneficial insects
• Breaks down in sunlight after about a week
• Product contains live spores of a bacteria that infect the pest, so store in a cool dry place
• Shelf life - will lose potency after 2 – 3 years
Mosquito larvae: Mosquito Dunks
Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis
• Kills the swimming larval stage of mosquitos
• Not to be used in drinking water
• Won’t hurt fish
• Available in granular form for small areas like bird baths; bigger dunks available for larger bodies of water
• Product contains live spores of a bacteria that infect the pest, so store in a cool dry place
• Shelf life - will lose potency after 2 – 3 years