You might think that a natural insecticide would be safe for humans and animals too. The truth is some are but some can be toxic and cause irritation and burns. To be on the safe side you must familiarize yourself with the insecticide before you use it and learn how to properly handle it and be aware of any precautions you must take with it.
For example, rotenone is a popular natural insecticide that is made from the derris root. It is harmful to fish also so you need to be careful and keep it away from your Koi ponds. It is also slightly toxic to humans and other mammals so take care when using it by wearing gloves and not inhaling the dust. It is however perfectly safe and effective to use on vegetables. Sabadillia is similar to rotenone and can cause respiratory irritation so you should wear a mask to avoid breathing it in when you apply it.
Hot peppers are popular for use as a natural insecticide but you must be very careful to make sure that when you are grinding and applying your solution that you do not get any in your eyes or inhale the fluid or vapors as it is very hot. You must be careful not to touch it as you might inadvertently touch your eye at a later time and cause severe pain as a result.
Nicotine sulfate is used in termite control and is actually more toxic to humans and pets than the synthetic chemical termite insecticide. This must be used only by a trained exterminator.
Don't let the above scare you from using natural insecticides however as many are totally harmless to pets and people. Boric acid for example can be used in areas where kids and pets play as it is only toxic to insects. Diatomaceous Earth is also safe for mammals but fatal for insects. Bacillus thurengiensis is very popular for use on plants but it does not harm people at all.
Grapefruit, lime, and orange oils are currently being developed into natural insecticides and these are quite good at killing insects while being totally non-toxic to pets and people. Neem is also non-toxic to people and in fact is used by herbalists for the treatment of various diseases and conditions.
So you can see that some types of natural insecticides are in fact harmful to people and pets as well, while others are not harmful at all, and in the case of Neem, actually beneficial. Therefore, it is very important that you fully understand how the natural insecticide works and how it affects humans and animals before you use it so you can keep yourself and your family safe.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Natural Insecticide Precautions
Natural insecticides are generally much safer to use than the chemically created versions. Not only are they safer for humans and animals, they are kinder to the environment. The half life of natural insecticides is much shorter than for synthetic insecticides so they are not active for as long in the environment. Just know that in some instances, you still need to take precautions when dealing with natural insecticides.
For example, mountain mint or oil of pennyroyal can be rubbed onto the skin to ward off chiggers. Pregnant women however, must avoid using these herbs as they can trigger contractions. Sabadillia is poison to insects and while not toxic to humans it can irritate the eyes and lungs if proper precautions are not taken while applying it. Therefore, when using it on your garden you must wear a mask. You also need to wear a mask when applying Diatomaceous Earth because it can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. Caution must also be taken around the natural insecticide rotenone because it is toxic to fish and can be harmful to mammals as well. You need to wear protective gear including a mask when working with rotenone.
Carbon dioxide can be used to make a tick trap but you must handle it as you would dry ice so you will not get burned. Use heavy gloves or tongs. Keep it out of water or it will vaporize into a fog. Keep it away from kids and pets and do not ingest it. Carbon dioxide can be very harmful. Nicotine sulfate can be harmful and toxic to humans and pets as well. This natural insecticide is used to exterminate termites and should only be handled by a trained professional.
Natural insecticides can be harmful to other plants as well. Walnut trees for example emit a natural insecticide called juglone. Unfortunately it is toxic to a lot of other plants and you might not be able to grow them close to the walnut tree. Plants that come in contact with the tree root will die or become stunted. There are a few plants that are resistant to juglone and grow well next to walnut trees, these include black raspberries, carrots and zinnias.
Also, take precautions as you prepare your natural insecticide solutions. You may need to work in the shade and keep your solution in the shade in order to keep the sun from destroying the insect killing properties. Also, be sure to follow your recipes closely, diluting as required. If you don't dilute properly then you might burn tender young plants. More is not necessarily better when it comes to insecticides.
Protect the environment, keep yourself safe, your pets safe and your young plants safe by closely following directions when making and using natural insecticides.
For example, mountain mint or oil of pennyroyal can be rubbed onto the skin to ward off chiggers. Pregnant women however, must avoid using these herbs as they can trigger contractions. Sabadillia is poison to insects and while not toxic to humans it can irritate the eyes and lungs if proper precautions are not taken while applying it. Therefore, when using it on your garden you must wear a mask. You also need to wear a mask when applying Diatomaceous Earth because it can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. Caution must also be taken around the natural insecticide rotenone because it is toxic to fish and can be harmful to mammals as well. You need to wear protective gear including a mask when working with rotenone.
Carbon dioxide can be used to make a tick trap but you must handle it as you would dry ice so you will not get burned. Use heavy gloves or tongs. Keep it out of water or it will vaporize into a fog. Keep it away from kids and pets and do not ingest it. Carbon dioxide can be very harmful. Nicotine sulfate can be harmful and toxic to humans and pets as well. This natural insecticide is used to exterminate termites and should only be handled by a trained professional.
Natural insecticides can be harmful to other plants as well. Walnut trees for example emit a natural insecticide called juglone. Unfortunately it is toxic to a lot of other plants and you might not be able to grow them close to the walnut tree. Plants that come in contact with the tree root will die or become stunted. There are a few plants that are resistant to juglone and grow well next to walnut trees, these include black raspberries, carrots and zinnias.
Also, take precautions as you prepare your natural insecticide solutions. You may need to work in the shade and keep your solution in the shade in order to keep the sun from destroying the insect killing properties. Also, be sure to follow your recipes closely, diluting as required. If you don't dilute properly then you might burn tender young plants. More is not necessarily better when it comes to insecticides.
Protect the environment, keep yourself safe, your pets safe and your young plants safe by closely following directions when making and using natural insecticides.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Natural Insecticides For Pets And People
Natural insecticides are popularly used in our gardens, homes and yards. But did you know there are natural alternatives for insect repellants for people and pets too? You certainly want to avoid the danger of disease and the aggravation of flying insects and bug bites but you may also fear using chemicals on your skin or on your pets and children.
Luckily, natural insecticides are just as effective as commercial sprays and lotions yet are not as toxic. It is commonly recommended to protect yourself with a mosquito repellent that has DEET in it. However, even though this chemical is effective, many fear exposing themselves and their family to it. If you feel the same way, you should look into the natural insecticides you can choose instead such as some of the ones listed below.
For example, there is a mosquito repellent you can buy which is made of water, vanillin, and natural oils. Another is an herbal patch which you wear for 24 hours and then receive protection for 36 hours. Yet another natural insecticide for humans is made from mint, rosemary, sage, wormwood, and lavender and repels chiggers, ticks and fleas.
To repel biting insects mix skin lotion with aloe vera gel and add citronella, patchouli oil and eucalyptus oil. Shake the ingredients in a bottle and apply it on your skin. If you are unfortunate enough to get a case of the bed bugs, wash your skin with soap and water and then use neem oil to get rid of the pesky critters.
When your dear pet brings fleas into your house, to get rid of them, dust your carpet and floors with boric acid. Then wait a week and vacuum. Diatomaceous Earth, pyrethrum and rotenone spray will get rid of fleas, ticks and lice in your home. Neem can be applied directly to your pet to rid him of flees. You can also use diluted orange oil or purchase an herb based flea collar. To help your pet stay pest free you can add brewer's yeast, flaxseed oil, and fresh garlic to his meals.
Nobody wants to be bothered by pesky bugs. Not only are they bothersome, they can transmit disease. Protect yourself and your family the non-toxic way with natural insecticides. Natural insecticides are becoming much more popular and it is easy to find them in stores or online both for human and pet use. Just remember that all natural does not necessarily mean that it will not be harmful in some way so be sure to follow directions closely to avoid skin or eye irritation. Never apply a natural insecticide to yourself or to your pet without first confirming that it is safe to do so.
Luckily, natural insecticides are just as effective as commercial sprays and lotions yet are not as toxic. It is commonly recommended to protect yourself with a mosquito repellent that has DEET in it. However, even though this chemical is effective, many fear exposing themselves and their family to it. If you feel the same way, you should look into the natural insecticides you can choose instead such as some of the ones listed below.
For example, there is a mosquito repellent you can buy which is made of water, vanillin, and natural oils. Another is an herbal patch which you wear for 24 hours and then receive protection for 36 hours. Yet another natural insecticide for humans is made from mint, rosemary, sage, wormwood, and lavender and repels chiggers, ticks and fleas.
To repel biting insects mix skin lotion with aloe vera gel and add citronella, patchouli oil and eucalyptus oil. Shake the ingredients in a bottle and apply it on your skin. If you are unfortunate enough to get a case of the bed bugs, wash your skin with soap and water and then use neem oil to get rid of the pesky critters.
When your dear pet brings fleas into your house, to get rid of them, dust your carpet and floors with boric acid. Then wait a week and vacuum. Diatomaceous Earth, pyrethrum and rotenone spray will get rid of fleas, ticks and lice in your home. Neem can be applied directly to your pet to rid him of flees. You can also use diluted orange oil or purchase an herb based flea collar. To help your pet stay pest free you can add brewer's yeast, flaxseed oil, and fresh garlic to his meals.
Nobody wants to be bothered by pesky bugs. Not only are they bothersome, they can transmit disease. Protect yourself and your family the non-toxic way with natural insecticides. Natural insecticides are becoming much more popular and it is easy to find them in stores or online both for human and pet use. Just remember that all natural does not necessarily mean that it will not be harmful in some way so be sure to follow directions closely to avoid skin or eye irritation. Never apply a natural insecticide to yourself or to your pet without first confirming that it is safe to do so.
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Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.
Our Commitment To Data Security
To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
Our Commitment To Children’s Privacy
Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under 18, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 18. Under our Terms of Service, children under 18 are no allowed to access our service.
Collection of Personal Information
On visiting this site, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access. This information is purely used to analyse trends, administer the site, track user’s movement, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. Importantly, IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.
Links to third party websites
We have included links on this site for your reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites.
lterations to this Privacy Statement
The content of this statement may be altered at any time.
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