Finding safe, non-toxic pesticides for the garden that actually work can be a challenge. We all want to protect the environment, our families and our food, but most non-manmade chemicals available have limited effectiveness. Except for neem oil. Neem oil insecticide is everything a gardener could want. What is neem oil? It can safely be used on food, leaves no dangerous residue in the soil and effectively reduces or kills pests, as well as prevents powdery mildew on plants.

Neem Oil Uses in the Garden
Neem oil foliar spray has been shown to be most useful when applied to young plant growth. The oil has a half life of three to 22 days in soil, but only 45 minutes to four days in water. It is nearly non-toxic to birds, fish, bees and wildlife, and studies have shown no cancer or other disease-causing results from its use. This makes neem oil very safe to use if applied properly.

Neem oil insecticide
Neem oil insecticide works as a systemic in many plants when applied as a soil drench. This means it is absorbed by the plant and distributed throughout the tissue. Once the product is in the plant’s vascular system, insects intake it during feeding. The compound causes insects to reduce or cease feeding, can prevent larvae from maturing, reduces or interrupts mating behavior and, in some cases, the oil coats the breathing holes of insects and kills them.