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Rotenone Insecticide
- A natural insecticde from roots -
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Summary: Rotenone is extracted from the roots of certain tropical plants. It is a broad spectrum, relatively low toxicity insecticide for use in gardens.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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What is rotenone?
 Rotenone is a natural insecticide that is extracted from the roots of several different plants that grow in the tropics. Rotenone is highly toxic to fish and invertebrates and, in fact, was originally used by indigenous people to help capture fish. Today it is widely used by gardeners as a natural insecticide and by fish managers to kill unwanted, non-native fish from lakes. When used by home gardeners take care to avoid application to any body of water such as ponds, fountains, or streams that are home to fish.
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chemical structrure of rotenone; drawing from wikipedia
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Rotenone breaks down rapidly in sunlight so is generally less damaging to beneficial insect species than are synthetic pesticides. While most rotenone formulations are only moderately toxic to mammals, including us, some concentrated, liquid formulations are highly toxic. Rotenone is available as a powder (dust) and concentrated liquid, sometimes in combination with other insecticides.
other common names: derris
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Rotenone is a broad spectrum insecticide and is therefore used for a variety of garden and landscape pests. One of the more useful, and least toxic, products combines low concentration liquid rotenone with pyrethrins (see below). Download this label (pdf) for an example of a product that contains rotenone and pyrethrin. Please note: labels vary; follow the instructions for the actual product you are using.
Do not use rotenone-containing products on dogs or cats for flea and tick control. We believe there are safer alternatives now available.
Where can I purchase rotenone?
Rotenone liquid plus pyrethrin is available for use in gardens and landscapes. You can apply the final spray solution with a garden sprayer.
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