Miscellaneous Organic Insecticides (5809)

A large number of available products are considered “organic pesticides". These range in toxicity from very mild to extremely dangerous. These include plant-derived, mineral-based, and microbial materials as well as soaps and oils. They are only effective for 1-2 days before breaking down into nontoxic substances. Synthetic materials are man-made and carbon-based and tend to be longer-lasting than organic pesticides. Plant-derived pesticides are less persistent in the environment and break down quickly in sunlight, so timing must be more precise, and multiple sprays may be required; these are not necessarily less toxic than synthetics. Examples include pyrethrum rotenone, sabadilla and neem.

Mineral-based pesticides are made from inorganic materials primarily from mined materials. Sulfur and copper are still widely used in either the elemental form (flowers of sulfur) or in combination with other materials like Bordeaux mixture, which contains lime, copper sulfate, and water. Diatomaceous earth (DE) contains the skeletal remains of diatoms, and lacerates soft-bodied pests like cutworms and slugs. Purchase natural or agricultural grade DE, not swimming pool-grade. As with all pesticides, follow all label directions carefully.

For more information, please visit ATTRA.

Penn State Entomology Dept.

Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management from Cornell University

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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