Pesticides: Neem

Common Brand Names:

Chemical Action and Usages: Botanical insecticide, repellent and fungicide. Active ingredient of the first four brands listed is clarified hydrophobic extract of Neem oil. These products control fungal diseases including black spot, mildews, rusts and scab. Insects controlled include whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, scale, caterpillars and other listed insects. Active ingredient of BioNeem is azadirachtin which is extracted from the seeds of the Azadirachta indica (neem tree native to India and Burma). It controls a wide range of insects including aphids, bagworms, budworms, caterpillars, leafhopper, leaf miners, mealy bugs, thrips, webworms and whiteflies. Neem is a stomach poison that disrupts the hormone balance of targeted insect to the point where feeding, breeding, molting and metamorphosing are severely impaired or prevented. It is most effect on juvenile insect stages. It also has insect repellent qualities in that targeted insects will not feed on neem-treated foliage (e.g. Japanese beetle) Neem products may be used on certain flowers, trees, shrubs and ornamentals. Some also have a vegetable label.

Cautions/Instructions: Read the label carefully of the brand you have selected. Apply the product according to the instructions on the label.

Toxicity: Very low toxicity to humans, birds, bees and many other beneficial insects such as lady beetles. May be toxic to fish.