An organic insecticide is a pesticide that uses only natural components to kill bugs. In many cases, organic materials used to repel insects are also called organic insecticides. This is not a true insecticide, but rather a repellent. Organic insecticides can be made from a number of different materials, but what many people most appreciate about them is that they are a relatively safe form of pest control in most cases.
It is possible to make an organic insecticide from a number of different substances. It is also possible to buy them commercially. It should be noted that many organic insecticides are meant to only target a certain species or a few different species. Therefore, those who have a variety of insect species they wish to treat will likely need more than one type of organic insecticide.
One common type of organic insecticide uses garlic. Garlic oil, if sprayed on a pond, can kill mosquito larvae. Garlic is also a popular product use to repel a number of harmful insects, such as chiggers, borers and other types of pests that can cause substantial damage to garden plants and fruit trees. This just is one example where common household food items or other natural products can be used in the fight against insects.
Commercial products are often marketed for a certain species of pest as well. For example, one organic insecticide advertises its ability to entice mosquitoes to lay their eggs in a container, where they are then killed, effectively reducing the population in a general area. Due to the fact mosquitoes usually stay in the area where they were hatched, this type of organic insecticide trap can be very effective.
The benefits of organic insecticide products are: the ability to repel different harmful insects but not repel or kill beneficial ones, the ability to manufacture varieties at home and its safety around children an animals. Most synthetic pesticides work by affecting the central nervous system of the insect. In certain amounts, this can affect humans and other animals as well. Those who may need larger amounts may find it economical to make their own and many recipes are available on the internet.
Those interested in using an organic pesticide should also be warned that just because a pesticide is made organically does not mean it is entirely without any safety hazards. While most homemade concoctions will not possess dangerous chemicals, buying an organic insecticide from a commercial source offers no such guarantee. Therefore, just as with traditional pesticides, it is important to read all labels and follow all instructions.