Biological Insect Control Products

There are a number of products on the market that advertise they are biological insect controllers and are safe for the environment. It is important to understand how some of these products work, or don't work, as the case may be. Just because a product is made with natural ingredients does not necessarily mean it is non-toxic or safe.

For an organic garden, you need to keep in mind what your priorities are. If you do not want to used any pesticides what-so-ever, then handpicking bugs and plant barriers (such as floating row covers) may be your main options. However, there may come a point where you need some help. Here are some products you may see in your quest for environmentally friendly insect control:

Bacillus thuringiensis

This product has been around for a while now and is very effective in the home garden. It is totally biodegradable, non-toxic to humans, pets, fish and birds. It affects the digestive system of caterpillars when they ingest the product. Since it will kill all caterpillars, do not spray on ornamental plants that are frequented by butterflies; you may end up killing beneficial insects. It is very effective in controlling the tomato hornworm and cabbage loper. The best thing about this product, is that it is not a contact insecticide; meaning you do not have to actually spray the caterpillar, only the plant it is eating. This is much easier to do than trying to find the bug on every plant.

Rotenone

Although this insecticide is made from natural ingredients and is biodegradable, it is NOT non-toxic. Also, it is a contact insecticide, so you will need to hit as many target insects as you can to be effective. It is not allowed to be used on produce to be sold as organic.

Pyrethrum

This is a synthetic insecticide made from Chrysanthemums. It is highly toxic to fish and honey bees. It is a contact insecticide, and considered to have a low toxicity to humans. You be the judge of what that means.

Safer Insecticidal Soap

This product is made from natural oils and animal fats and is effective against aphids, scale, and other soft bodied insects. It is considered non-toxic to humans and approved for used on organic produce. The downside is that if you apply it in really hot weather and full sun, the plant may sunburn.

Beneficial Insects

It's great when ladybirds or lacewings show up to clean up your bug problem, but they will only stick around as long as there is food (insects) for them. It is best not to rely on them to control pests in the long run. It is certainly not worth it to purchase them and let them go in your garden. Chances are they will die or leave immediately.