To choose an insecticide, target a specific pest, then find a specific product for controlling it--preferably the least toxic. Of the many products on the market, the following five will control 95 percent of your bug problems:
- Insecticidal soap: This is a solution of special soap mixed with oil and water that can be used to control aphids and other soft-bodied insects. It's virtually nontoxic and leaves no residue in the soil.
- Bacillus Thuringiensis: Also known as BT, these live bacteria are available in powder or spray formulas. BT kills caterpillars and a variety of other worms. It's considered harmless to noncaterpillar critters, humans and other mammals.
- Pyrethrum: This chemical has more power than most synthetic chemicals, and it kills a substantial variety of insects. But use this one with extreme care and caution; it's also deadly to humans. Pyrethrum is available in dust or spray forms.
- Neem: This new insecticide comes from the tropical neem tree. Unlike pyrethrum, it has a very low toxicity level but works well for crickets, cockroaches, beetles and leaf miners.
- Oil Sprays: These are refined or "superior" oils that smother their prey. They're light, can be applied year-round and control a variety of pests and certain fungal diseases. Oils are not highly toxic but may cause skin and eye irritation in sensitive individuals.
Not all insecticides with organic labeling or natural ingredient content are safe; some are highly dangerous. So cover exposed skin when using insecticides, and don't spray or dust when winds are active. Before applying insecticide to any plant, make sure the product has been tested on that plant specifically. If it hasn't, apply a small amount to a few leaves and wait a couple of days for signs of damage before covering the plant. And, of course, always keep insecticides out of kids' reach.
Avoid "nonselective" killers. These types of chemicals will kill the bugs needed to maintain the balance of your garden. Lastly, be sure the visible damage is bug-related and not a viral or bacterial disease. Generally, holes in leaves indicate bugs, and brownish-yellow leaves are signs of another problem.
