Pyrethrum is a vegetable insecticide made from oils found in the plant Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium. It is very effective in killing aphids, ants, mosquitoes, flea beetles, weevils, sawfly caterpillars, leaf hoppers and many other insects. It works very quickly but only if the bug is in contact with the spray or powder. It loses it’s toxicity quite rapidly under sun and air. The EPA has widely approved it as the safest insecticide on the market. It also has been known to cause allergic reactions so wear gloves and wash well if you feel you need to use this substance.
Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium (Pyrethrum)-NCSU Horticultural Science
where do you buy the bug spray non poisionus
PS: Planting the Pyrethrum plant close to your other plants helps detering nasty critters also…. 🙂
cheers
wayne
hey from OZ
For those of you whom are looking for an effective alternative insecticide to chemical insecticide, Soak a couple of Rhubarb leaves (chopped or sliced) in 10 litres of water over night. BEWARE: Please use gloves, wash hands thoroughly in you come into contact with the Rhubarb leaf as it is poisonous. Ok, the next day (using gloves) pour into a spray container, and spray the bugs on the plants, works on most plants Ive tried, but please be conscious of beneficial insects, you want to keep them… PLEASE USE CAUTION: RHUBARB LEAVES ARE POISONOUS…
Now for ants, the best is hot soapy water, works for a while but needs re application, ants are in the quad trillions so I don’t think u can eradicate them, but u can deter them… apply when you see them…
Now as for Aphids…. did you know that ants actually farm aphids.. yes they farm them, just like we farm cattle and sheep…. I did a study years ago on them (by accident). And it was extremely interesting and revealing… so when you see aphids, remember that the ants farm them, so you would probably see a colony on ants close by…. if you get the chance, have an observation and study them… it is quite fascinating to see how they all fit into the scheme of life… Control them with soapy water or use companion planting.. such a the large marigolds (as aside the small ones) and or use sweet basil.. chilli, garlic, corriander. I have these in my patch.. works harmoniously… 🙂
cheers
Wayne…
Safer’s soap is the best spray for bugs if you have a problem. Baking soda and water sprayed on roses will help control black spot and other fungal problems. Basically once your garden is 100 percent organic, the gardens will take care of themselves. I hardly ever use anything since I rarely have problems.
Regards
Cahri
I am looking to get away from chemical pesticides. What would be the recommendations on the best product. I have numerous rose bushes and Crape Myrtiles along with various plants and trees.
Please reply.
vr/rts