Dyna-Gro’s® Pure Neem Oil comes directly from the seeds of Indian neem tree . Pure Neem Oil targets over 400 varieties of insects and is an important part of an integrated pest management strategy. It is a biodegradable, fast-acting insect bio-inhibitor.
Neem oil is pressed from the seed of the neem tree (Azadiracta indica Juss). This tree, native to eastern India and Burma, is known by several names including “village pharmacy”, “cornucopia”, “wonder tree”, and “the veritable gold mine”. Neem leaves, stems, seeds and oil have been used for medicinal and other purposes in India for more than 4,000 years. In fact, its Sanskrit name, arishta, means “reliever of sickness”.
Neem Oil for Insects, Pest and Powdery mildew
Commercial insecticides and pesticides are full of toxic chemicals that can often do more harm than good.
If you're looking for a natural way to control insects, pests and disease, there's nothing better than neem oil.
According to ScienceDirect, neem is "a storehouse of insecticidal azadirachtin, which possess antifeedant, growth disrupting and larvicidal properties against an array of agricultural insect pests." In fact, azadirachtin is neem's most powerful active ingredient and one of nature's most potent insecticides. More importantly, neem is sustainable and environmentally-friendly unlike most synthetic alternatives.
Neem Oil for Plants
Chemical pesticides and insecticides can leech into the environment and cause harm. Unlike its synthetic counterparts, neem oil is non-toxic and naturally degrades into the environment and does not cause harm to animals, birds, fish and other wildlife.
Neem oil, and particularly its active compound, azadirachtin, can kill insects at different stages, from the
egg and larvae stage to full grown adult by disrupting their reproductive cycles. Neem oil works efficiently against over a hundred different insects like aphids, mites, white flies, beetles, ants, leaf miners, caterpillars and more. Also interestingly, neem oil only affects insects that suck or chew and does not harm beneficial bugs like earthworms, ladybugs, and bees.
How to use Neem oil for plants:
Neem oil insecticide spray: In a 16oz. spray bottle filled with warm distilled water first add 1/2 a tbsp. of pure Castile soap (don't use detergents; Castile soap is easily found in natural food stores or online and is needed to dissolve the oil) and 1/2 a tsp. of cold-pressed neem oil (a little goes a long way) as this has a high level of azadirachtin. Shake to dissolve. Spray once a week for best results. To further enhance your insecticide add 10 drops of citronella essential oil, an all natural insect repellent, which will also make your garden smell great!
Note: Unlike chemical sprays that can have immediate but toxic effects, neem oil will not work overnight and will take a few days to show results. Be patient and the results will show
Neem Oil for Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants and especially roses. Affected plants look like they've received a dusting of flour. To control and remove powdery mildew from rose bushes and other plants, add 1/2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar to the neem oil insecticide spray above. Being a natural fungicide, research shows that neem oil is highly effective against the fungus. Spray once a week.
Neem Oil for Mosquitoes
Neem oil is a much safer alternative to using harsh insect repellents and pesticides that contain DEET, which have questionable health concerns. When it comes to repelling mosquitoes, especially those carrying malaria, (a mosquito-borne and spread life threatening infectious disease), research shows that, "Two percent neem oil mixed in coconut oil, when applied to the exposed body parts of human volunteers, provided complete protection for 12 h from the bites of all anopheline species." The study concluded that the "application of neem oil is safe and can be used for protection from malaria in endemic countries."
Neem Oil for Bed Bugs
If you've ever had bed bugs, you know that there's nothing worse than your home being infested by these blood-sucking pests. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed that cold-pressed neem oil "is the only biochemical pesticide registered for use against bed bugs." In fact results have shown that neem oil can help control bed bug eggs, nymphs and adults.
How to use neem oil for bed bugs:
Bed Bug Spray: In a 16oz. spray bottle filled with water first add 1 tbsp. of pure Castile soap (easily available in natural food stores or online, and required to dissolve neem oil) and 4-5 tsp. of cold-pressed neem oil (The EPA recommends a 5.5% concentration level of neem oil for residential use). Shake to dissolve and add a few drops of an essential oil such as clove leaf essential oil, an effective bed bug repellent.
Spray your bed mattress, sheets, headboard, underneath the bed and small crevices where the annoying pests can hide. Use thrice a day for the first three days and then thrice a day, every alternate day, for at least 3 weeks to ensure you have eradicated the infestation.
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