Spinosad: A Safe Natural Bug Killer
Last updated: 8 March 2024
Spinosad (pronounced spin-OH-sid) is a natural insecticide (bug killer) that is safe for you, your children and your pets. You can use this organic pesticide to kill insect pests in your lawn and garden. Use it to control beetles, worms (caterpillars), fleas, leafminers, thrips, spider mites, and fire ants in lawns, ornamental trees and shrubs, vegetable gardens, and fruit and citrus trees.
A natural insecticide that is produced by the fermentation of a naturally occurring, soil-dwelling bacteria. It is classified as an organic pesticide by the USDA National Organic Standards Board.
Available products labeled for use on home lawns, vegetable gardens and ornamental plants include:
Homeowners:
- Green Light Lawn and Garden Insect Spray
- Green Light Fire Ant Killer
- Monterey Garden Insect Spray
- Bonide’s Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew
Professionals:
- Dow Agro’s Conserve SC is available to commercial arborists and professional lawn care specialists
Spinosad is available on Amazon!
How to Use Spinosad
Always read and follow the product label before applying any pesticide. It is a violation of Federal law to use ANY pesticide – this includes herbicides, fungicides and insecticides – in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
The target insects that you are trying to kill must feed on treated leaves or come into contact with the wet solution. For best results, monitor and then treat them when they are present and actively feeding.
According to product labels “Susceptible insect pests may be observed on plants up to several hours after treatment, but will have ceased active feeding before being killed.“
Toxicity and Environmental Hazards
Spinosad insecticides are safe for birds, mammals and fish. It is not harmful to most beneficial insects such as – ladybugs, lacewings, predatory mites and spiders.
However, it is highly toxic to bees so you must be careful not to apply to blooming plants or where bees are actively foraging. It is also highly toxic to marine invertebrates. Take care to not contaminate our water supplies.
Natural Insecticide Questions:
QUESTION:
I think my lawn is infested with fire ant colonies. What is the most effective and safest way to handle this issue?
ANSWER:
Green Light Fire Ant Killer is labeled for fire ants in lawns and is safe and effective.