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| Bt works wonders on the tomato hornworm |
There are a number of products on the market that advertise
they are biological insect controllers, and it is important to understand how
some of these products work. Just because a product is made from natural
ingredients, does not mean it is necessarily non-toxic or safe for the
environment.
For an organic garden, you need to keep in mind what your
priorities are. If you do not want to use any pesticides what-so-ever, then
handpicking bugs and barriers (such as floating row covers) may be your best options.
There may come a point when you need some help, and there are products out
there that can do that for you.
BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS
I am a big proponent of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis and its
counterparts) as it is totally biodegradable, non-toxic to humans, pets, fish
and birds. It affects the digestive system of caterpillars when they eat the
treated plant. Although it will also kill caterpillars of butterflies, they
rarely feed on your vegetable garden plants. To be safe, don’t spray ornamental
flowers that normally attract butterflies. Another reason I consider Bt a
really good product is that you can use it as a preventative. It is a
“non-contact” insect killer, which means the insects don’t have to be present
and you don’t have to spray the actual bug. Bt can be used on products sold as
organic.
ROTENONE
Although this insecticide is made from natural ingredients,
is biodegradable, but it is not non-toxic. It is a contact insecticide
(you have to actually spray the insect to kill it) and is not allowed to be
used on produce to be sold as organic.
PYRETHRUM
This too is a synthetic insecticide even though it is made from
Chrysanthemums. It is highly toxic to
fish and honey bees. It is a contact insecticide, and considered to have a low
toxicity to humans.
SAFER INSECTICIDAL SOAP
This product is made from natural oils and animal fats and
is effective against aphids, scale and other soft bodied insects. It is
considered non-toxic to humans and approved for use on organic produce. The
downside is if you apply it in really hot weather in a sunny location you could
damage your plants.
