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Neem Oil Insecticide
- A natural nut oil insecticide -
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Summary: Neem oil is made from the nut of the tropical neem tree. Neem oil is an effective, low toxicity alternative to conventional garden insecticides for many leaf-feeding pests.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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What is neem oil?
 Neem oil is extracted from the nut of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The tree is native to India but is now being grown in a number of tropical and semi-tropical countries.
The neem tree has many uses in traditional medicine, hygene and as a source of natural insecticide. The active insecticidal component of neem oil is a chemical called azadirachtin. Neem oil insecticides exhibit very low mammalian toxicity and have many uses on food crops as well as on landscape and greenhouse ornamentals. Neem oil insecticides stop insect feeding and interfere with normal development.
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neem tree; photo by Leonardo Lucantoni; www.wikipedia.com
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Neem oil insecticides are made by mixing an oil concentrate (usually 3-4.5% azadirachtin) with water. The oil is sometimes combined with insecticidal soap (Bon-Neem ). Check the label carefully but neem oil can be effectively used for aphids, armyworms, many leaf-feeding insects such as root weevil adults, leafminers, thrips and whiteflies. Sprays can be used on many vegetable crops as well as spices and herbs, small fruits and berries, stone fruits and tropical fruits. Insecticide applications can often be made up to the day of harvest (depends on crop).
Advantages of neem oil insecticide
- low toxicity
- low environmental impact
- broad-usage
- easy on beneficial insects and mites
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Disadvantage of neem oil insecticide
Neem oil is not very persistant so may need to be re-applied at fairly short intervals (see label). Many gardeners, however, consider this characteristic of to be an advantage because the insecticide won't interfere with beneficial insects or harvest.
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