Neem Tree Pesticide

Neem Tree

• The neem tree thrives in arid and sub-humid areas with only 20 inches of rainfall. The extensive root system extracts nutrients from deep into the soil so it may thrive in soils that are nutrient-deficient. This tree is large, reaching 90 feet tall with a wide, sprawling crown. Neem trees are in the mahogany family and are termite-resistant. The seeds, leaves and bark are processed to acquire neem oil to use as a pesticide. The highest concentration of azadirachin is in the seed kernels. The tree potentially grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12.

Components

• Neem oil extracts contain azadirachtin, which repels and kills pests on plants. The oil repels most pests through its scent. Insects and pests that eat the treated leaves lose their appetites so they cause less damage to treated areas. The natural presence of insect growth regulator in neem oil reduces the pests' ability to produce the hormone ecdysome, which disrupts their ability to molt and keeps juvenile pests from developing into adults.

Benefits

• Natural pesticides with several modes of action, such as neem oil, have a lower chance of pests becoming resistant to them. Botanical pesticides are also low in toxicity to fish and aquatic plants that may be nearby the target area. Bees and other beneficial pollinators are not harmed by neem oil. This means bees will still pollinate fruits and vegetables.

Application

• Wear protective glasses, a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect your skin and eyes when applying pesticides containing neem oil. Slight irritation can occur if the spray touches your eyes or skin. Mix concentrated neem oil products in a garden sprayer with water. Agitate the sprayer or a ready-to-use product continuously as you treat plants. Wet all plant surfaces, including the trunk, limbs and leaves including the undersides until the product drips off the plants. Reapply the product every seven to 14 days for best control of fungal diseases and pests. The best time to apply neem oil is in the late afternoon, early morning or at night to have the least impact on honeybees.