Precautions Should You Take When Using Natural Insecticide

A natural insecticide is the safest kind you can use.  The half-life, or the amount of time the substance stays active in the environment, is much shorter than for synthetic chemicals.  However, there are some precautions you should take to use natural insecticide safely. 

One use of natural insecticide is for keeping chiggers off of humans.  Oil of pennyroyal or mountain mint can be rubbed on as a preventative.  If you are pregnant, though, you will not want to be in contact with these substances.  They can cause you to start having contractions.  Sabadillia is a natural insecticide that is a stomach poison for insects.  It is not toxic to humans.  It does cause irritation to the eyes and to the lungs.  If you put it on your garden, be sure to wear a mask.  You should also wear a mask when using another natural insecticide, Diatomaceous Earth. 

One natural insecticide that is also a respiratory tract irritant is rotenone.  It is also very toxic to fish and somewhat toxic to mammals.  You should wear protective clothing when applying this natural insecticide.  You should also wear a mask. 

If you make a carbon dioxide tick trap as a natural insecticide, you will need to take the usual precautions when using the dry ice. Do not touch it; use extra heavy gloves or ice tongs.  Don't let it come in contact with water or it will turn into fog.  Do not ingest it.   It can be very harmful if not handled properly.  In the case of termite extermination, if you are planning to use a substance like a nicotine sulfate, be careful.  It can be extremely toxic to people.  It is best to have a professional exterminator do the work with this natural insecticide.  . 

The family of trees that includes the walnut puts out a natural insecticide.  It is called juglone.  The problem with it is that it is toxic to many other plants.  You might want to have ornamental plants or a garden.  The juglone might stop you. 

This natural insecticide causes "walnut wilt."  Plants near the tree, especially touching the roots will wilt and die.  Some a little farther away will become stunted.  The only precautions you can take are to put affected types of plants away from the trees.  You can put juglone resistant plants near the trees.  These include zinnias, carrots, and black raspberries. 

There are also some precautions you can take to make sure the natural insecticide retains its bug-killing abilities.  If you make a preparation that is to be used dry, let it dry in the shade.  Direct sunlight will ruin the active ingredients. 
There is a lot of natural insecticide that is made from recipes.  If the recipe says to dilute it, be sure to do so.  If you don't, the tender leaves and plants can be burned.  It only takes a little time and a little water. 

You can do yourself a service if you take precautions when using natural insecticide.  You can keep yourself safe.  You can protect the environment.  You can save your other plants.  Also, you can be sure that your natural insecticide will work.