Some Natural Insecticides And How They WorkNatural insecticides have been in use for hundreds of years. They do kill insects, that much is for sure. But do you wonder how they go about it? Let's take a look at some commonly used natural insecticides and how they work. Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous Earth is composed of plankton skeletal remains. These remains are glass-like sharp and puncture the insect bodies and cause them to dehydrate. This natural insecticide works by dehydrating its victims. Chalk and mineral oil work in much the same way in that they dry out or suffocate the insect victims. Rotenone and Sabadilla Rotenone is made from the root of a derris plant. It works by acting as a slow working poison when ingested by an insect. Because it is slow working, it needs to be applied often. When applied to plants, it tends to keep insects at bay. Even if the insect is not poisoned to death, it will stop them from eating and growing. Sabadilla works in much the same way by acting as a poison. Pyrethrum Pyrethrum comes from a type of chrysanthemum that grows in Ecuador and Kenya. This type of natural insecticide works by paralyzing the insects. It works on most insects and the effects are instant. However, eventually the paralysis will wear off and the insect will come back around. Therefore, pyrethrum is usually combined with another insecticide that will kill the insect once it is paralyzed. Natural Insecticide for Termites Natural insecticides used in the termite industry work in two ways. First they cause the termite to lose his appetite so he doesn't eat at all and secondly it causes the termite to become disoriented because of damage to his nerve endings. Animals and humans do not have the same type of nerve endings as termites; therefore these insecticides are safe around people. Bt Bt or bacillus thurengiensis is a bacterium that is a popular natural insecticide. It is most effective during the hatching phase of insect reproduction. The young insects emerge, eat the bacterium, and are poisoned. Neem This natural insecticide works well on insects that are leaf eaters. Neem has an ingredient that mimics insect hormones and therefore repels the bugs. It also makes it very difficult for the bugs to digest their food and even interferes with their reproduction cycle. Milk and Flour Common cow's milk mixed together with flour and water makes for an inexpensive and effective natural insecticide that works by smothering insects. It is also useful for killing insect eggs. Corn Meal Corn meal can be an effective insecticide too when used around plants. For example, if eaten by a tomato worm, the cornmeal will cause the worm's stomach to swell and explode. While not too pleasant to think about, those are a few examples of the way that natural insecticides work. Some are poison, others work by dehydrating or smothering the insect victim. Maybe you would rather not know the gruesome details about how natural insecticides work. Just know that they do work and are much gentler to the environment and your family and pets than their chemical counterparts. |
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Comment by Jennifer Sass, Ph.D.
