Less Toxic Insecticides for Garden and Landscape Pest Control in South Carolina

Quick Guide: Less Toxic Insecticides in South Carolina

Less toxic insecticides are important tools in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for garden and landscape pest control in South Carolina.

Purpose:

Control insect pests with products that are less toxic to people and the environment.

Primary Target Pests:

• Aphids
• Caterpillars
• Mites
• Thrips
• Whiteflies
• Scale insects
• Fire ants
• Mosquito larvae

When to Use:

After preventive, cultural, and non-chemical pest management methods are insufficient.

Key Principle:

Use the least toxic pesticide that effectively controls the pest.

Toxicity Signal Words:

• Caution — lowest toxicity
• Warning — moderate toxicity
• Danger — highest toxicity

Common Less Toxic Insecticide Types:

• Soaps & Oils
• Botanical Insecticides
• Essential Oil Insecticides
• Microbial Insecticides
• Minerals
• Insect Growth Regulators
• Safer Formulations (Baits)

Common Active Ingredients:

• Insecticidal soap
• Horticultural oil
• Neem oil
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
• Spinosad
• Pyrethrin
• Diatomaceous earth
• Boric acid

Why Use Less Toxic Insecticides in South Carolina Landscape Pest Management

Role of Less Toxic Insecticides in Integrated Pest Management

Less toxic insecticides can help manage pest problems while reducing risk to people, pets, beneficial organisms, and the environment. A good pest management plan will start with preventative, cultural, and other non-chemical methods. For more information about Integrated Pest Management (IPM), visit HGIC 2755, Integrated Pest Management (IPM):  A Sustainable Approach to Pest Management. When preventive, cultural, and non-chemical options are ineffective on their own, pesticide use may be necessary. The best practice is to use the least toxic pesticide that will effectively control the pest problem. Insecticides are considered less toxic when they:

• Pose less risk to human and environmental health than conventional insecticides
• Break down rapidly and do not accumulate in the body or environment
• Pest specific and cause little or no damage to other organisms
• Minimize human exposure to the pesticide (e.g., bait stations)

While “organic” insecticides are often less damaging to the environment than conventional insecticides, they are still pesticides. All pesticide products should be evaluated for toxicity level, effectiveness, environmental impacts, and costs. Some “organic” or natural pesticides may be as toxic, or even more toxic, than some synthetic pesticides.

Understanding Toxicity Signal Words

All pesticide products have a toxicity signal word on the label: “caution”, “warning”, or “danger”. Choose products labeled “caution”, which are least likely to harm the user and the environment.

Insecticidal Soaps and Oils for Less Toxic Pest Control

Advantages and Limitations of Soaps and Oils

Insecticidal soaps and oils control many common soft-bodied insect pests while posing relatively low risk to humans and other mammals. When used as directed, they are generally less harmful to many beneficial insects. Pests rarely develop resistance to soaps and oils, and these products are widely available and relatively inexpensive.

They control a wide range of soft-bodied pests, including:

• Aphids
• Mealybugs
• Mites
• Scales
• Thrips
• Whiteflies

Soaps and oils can damage plants if applied under unfavorable conditions or to sensitive species.

• Plants are water-stressed
• Temperatures are above 90°F
• Sprayed in direct sunlight
• High humidity slows drying time
• Plants are sensitive to oil or insecticidal soap

Sensitive plant lists are provided in HGIC 2771 Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control.

How to Apply Insecticidal Soaps and Oils Effectively

Soaps and oils act as contact insecticides and must directly cover insect pests to be effective. Thorough spray coverage is essential.

For best results, applications should coat:

• Upper leaf surfaces
• Lower leaf surfaces
• Stems

Repeated applications may be necessary because these materials do not provide long residual control.

Apply soap or oil sprays early in the morning or late in the evening to slow drying time and improve effectiveness.

Insecticidal Soaps

Insecticidal soaps kill by damaging an insect’s protective outer coating, causing dehydration.

Homemade soap recipes are not recommended because they are more likely to injure plants. Commercial insecticidal soaps are tested on plants and are less likely to cause foliage damage.

Products are available as:

• Concentrates to dilute before spraying
• Ready-to-Use (RTU) pre-mixed bottles

Examples of Insecticidal Soap Products

• Bonide Insecticidal Soap Multi-purpose Insect Control Ready to Use
• Garden Safe Brand Insecticidal Soap Insect Killer
• Miracle-Gro Nature’s Care Insecticidal Soap
• Natria Insecticidal Soap Ready-to-Use
• Natural Guard by ferti-lome Insecticidal Soap Concentrate
• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II
• Whitney Farms Insecticidal Soap 1

Horticultural Oils

Oil-based insecticides control soft-bodied insects by smothering them.

Oil products are formulated as either dormant oils or horticultural oils.

Dormant Oils

Dormant oils are heavier, less refined oils used on dormant, leafless plants to control overwintering insects such as:

• Aphids
• Scales
• Spider mites

Dormant oils may damage foliage if applied during the growing season.

Horticultural Oils (Summer Oils)

Horticultural oils, also called summer or superior oils, are lighter and more refined than dormant oils.

They can be applied to:

• Actively growing plants
• Dormant plants

Do not apply horticultural oil sprays when:

• Temperature is above 90°F
• Temperature is below 45°F
• Rain is forecast within 24 hours

Mixing Rates for Horticultural Oil Sprays

Most horticultural oils are applied at a 1 to 2% solution (2½ to 5 tablespoons of oil per gallon of water) for actively growing plants.

To use horticultural oil as a “dormant oil” spray on woody plant bark, mix at 4%:

• Approximately 10 tablespoons of oil per gallon of water

Always spray late in the day to slow drying time and improve pest control.

Horticultural oils are commonly available as:

• Concentrates for dilution in sprayers
• Ready-to-Spray (RTS) hose-end bottles
• Ready-to-Use (RTU) pre-mixed spray bottle

Examples of Horticultural Oil Products

• Bonide All Seasons Horticulture Spray Oil Ready-to-Use
• Bonide All Seasons Horticulture & Dormant Spray Oil Ready-to-Spray
• Ferti-lome Horticultural Oil Spray
• Monterey Horticultural Oil Concentrate
• Monterey Horticultural Oil RTU
• Safer Brand Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil Concentrate
• Southern Ag Parafine Horticultural Oil
• Summit Year-Round Spray Oil

Sesame Oil Sprays

Sesame oil sprays work similarly to horticultural oils, smothering insects.

Follow label directions for mixing and use.

Example Sesame Oil Product

• Organocide Bee Safe 3-in-1 Garden Spray Insecticide Fungicide Miticide

Botanical Insecticides for Less Toxic Pest Control

How Botanical Insecticides Work

Botanical insecticides are derived from plant materials and are commonly used in home landscapes and gardens. Many act as contact insecticides, feeding deterrents, repellents, or growth regulators that interfere with insect development.

Botanical insecticides are often used to control soft-bodied insects and other common garden pests. Because many botanical insecticides break down relatively quickly in the environment, repeated applications may be necessary for effective pest control.

Pyrethrins

What Are Pyrethrins?

Pyrethrum is made from the finely powdered flowers of a species of daisy. The word pyrethrum refers to the flower dust, while pyrethrins are the insecticidal compounds extracted from pyrethrum.

Pyrethrins vs Pyrethroids

Pyrethroids are not botanical insecticides but synthetically produced pesticides chemically similar to pyrethrins. They are generally stronger and remain active longer on plants.

Limitations of Pyrethrins

Pyrethrin is a contact insecticide and must be applied directly to the insect to be effective. Pyrethrin rapidly paralyzes insects but may not kill them. For this reason, pyrethrins are often formulated with another insecticide to prevent affected pests from recovering.

Pyrethrins have very low mammalian toxicity and can be used on food crops near harvest. However, they are highly toxic to many beneficial insects, although insecticidal activity usually lasts only a few hours.

Pyrethrin Product Examples

Pyrethrins:

• Monterey Bug Buster–O
• PyGanic Crop Protection EC 1.4 II
• PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0 II

Pyrethrins & Neem Oil:

• Bonide Bon-Neem II Fungicide/Miticide/Insecticide Ready to Use
• Ortho Tree & Shrub Fruit Tree Spray Concentrate

Pyrethrins & Pipernyl Butoxide:

• Bonide Bon-Neem II Fungicide/Miticide/Insecticide Ready to Use
• Bonide Japanese Beetle Killer Ready to Use
• Ferti-lome Fruit Tree Spray With Neem Py
• Garden Safe Brand Multi-purpose Garden Insect Killer
• Garden Safe Brand Rose & Flower Insect Killer
• Garden Safe Houseplant & Garden Insect Killer
• Ortho Tree & Shrub Fruit Tree Spray Concentrate
• Southern Ag Natural Pyrethrin A Botanical Concentrate

Pyrethrins & Sulfur:

• Bonide Captain Jack’s Orchard Spray Concentrate
• Bonide Captain Jack’s Orchard Spray Ready to Spray
• Bonide Captain Jack’s Tomato & Vegetable Ready to Use
• Natria Insect, Disease & Mite Control Ready-to-Spray
• Natria Insect, Disease & Mite Control Ready-to-Use
• Natria Rose & Flower Ready-to-Use Insect, Disease, & Mite Control
• Ortho Insect, Mite & Disease 3-in-1 Ready to Use
• Whitney Farms 3-in-1 Rose & Flower Care

Pyrethrins & Canola Oil:

• Espoma Insect! Insect Spray
• Monterey Take Down Garden Spray

Neem Oil and Azadirachtin

Neem oil and azadirachtin are derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) but differ in composition and mode of action.

Differences Between Neem Oil and Azadirachtin

Neem oil products typically contain multiple compounds extracted from neem seeds and act primarily as contact insecticides, repellents, and feeding deterrents. They may also suppress certain fungal diseases when used in combination with fungicides.

Azadirachtin products contain a refined concentration of the active ingredient azadirachtin. They act primarily as insect growth regulators (IGRs) by interfering with molting and the development of immature insects, while also acting as a feeding deterrent.

Because azadirachtin affects immature stages and insect feeding behavior, repeated applications may be necessary for effective pest control.

Neem oil products are commonly used to control:

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Mites
• Scale crawlers
• Thrips
• Other soft-bodied insects

Products labeled as neem oil extract may contain clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil, which typically contains little azadirachtin. These products act primarily through smothering, repellent activity, and feeding disruption.

Azadirachtin products contain a concentrated form of the active ingredient that disrupts insect growth and inhibits feeding.

Azadirachtin products are typically labeled for use on:

• Ornamental plants
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Greenhouse crops

Neem Oil Product Examples

• Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Oil Concentrate
• Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Oil Ready-to-Use
• Bonide Rose Rx 3-in-1 Concentrate
• Bonide Rose Rx 3-in-1 Ready-to-Use
• Garden Safe Fungicide 3
• Garden Safe Fungicide 3 Concentrate
• Garden Safe Neem Oil Extract Concentrate
• Monterey 70% Neem Oil Fungicide/Insecticide/Miticide
• Natria Neem Oil Concentrate
• Natria Neem Oil Ready-to-Use
• Natural Guard Brand by ferti-lome Neem
• Safer Brand Neem Oil Concentrate Fungicide/Miticide/Insecticide
• Safer Brand Neem Oil RTU Fungicide/Miticide/Insecticide
• Southern Ag Triple Action Neem Oil

Some neem oil products also contain pyrethrins, including:

• Ferti-lome Triple Action
• Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus

Examples of Azadirachtin Products

• Aza-Direct Botanical Insecticide
• AzaGuard Botanical Based Insecticide/Nematicide
• AzaMax Botanical Insecticide, Miticide, and Nematicide
• AzaSol Non-oil Based, Water Soluble Powder
• Azatin O Biological Insecticide
• Azera Gardening (with Pyrethrins)

Essential Oil Insecticides for Less Toxic Pest Control

How Essential Oil Insecticides Work

Essential oil insecticides contain concentrated plant oils. Many act as contact insecticides or repellents and may help reduce feeding damage from certain insect pests.

Essential oils are volatile compounds extracted from plant tissues.

Many essential oil insecticides disrupt insect neurotransmitters that are not present in people, pets, and other vertebrates.

Essential oil insecticides may contain oils extracted from:

• Cedar
• Cinnamon
• Citronella
• Citrus
• Clove
• Eugenol (a component of clove oil)
• Garlic
• Geranium
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Essential Oil Insecticide Product Examples

• Aunt Fannie’s
• Cedarcide
• Dr. Earth
• Essentia
• Maggie’s Farm
• Monterey
• Some Ortho Home Defense products
• Wondercide

Always review product labels to confirm active ingredients and labeled uses.

Limonene (Citrus Oil)

Limonene (also known as d-limonene) is derived from citrus peel oils and is commonly used to control:

• Ants
• Fleas
• Palmetto bugs
• Roaches
• Silverfish
• Other household insects

Limonene products are typically used for indoor pest control.

Limonene can cause skin irritation or sensitization in some individuals.

Do not apply limonene directly to plants because injury may occur. Some natural herbicide products contain d-limonene for weed control.

Example Limonene Product

• Orange Guard Home Pest Control Insect Killer Concentrate & RTU (indoor insect control)

Capsaicin Repellent

Capsaicin is derived from hot peppers and acts primarily as a repellent, helping reduce feeding damage from certain insect pests and animals.

Capsaicin-based products are commonly used to protect garden and ornamental plants, as well as structures, from pest damage.

Insects controlled include:

• Aphids
• Lace bugs
• Leafhoppers
• Spider mites
• Thrips
• Whitefly
• Other pests

Animal pests repelled include:

• Deer
• Rabbits
• Squirrels

Homemade hot pepper sprays are sometimes used for insect pest control on plants.

Example Capsaicin Product

• Bonide Hot Pepper Wax Animal Repellent Ready-to-Use (animal repellent)

Garlic-Based Repellents

Garlic-based insecticides act primarily as repellents and may reduce feeding damage from certain insect pests and animals.

Examples of Garlic-Based Products

• Captiva Insect Repellent/Insecticide (with capsicum & soybean oil)
• Safer Brand Critter Ridder Deer & Rabbit Repellent Concentrate (with putrescent egg solids & capsaicin)
• Safer Brand Critter Ridder Deer & Rabbit Repellent Ready-To-Use (with putrescent egg solids & capsaicin)

Discontinued Botanical Insecticides

Several botanical insecticides, once commonly used, are no longer available due to toxicity to people and the environment.

Examples include:

• Nicotine
• Ryania
• Sabadilla
• Rotenone

Although naturally derived, these insecticides are more toxic than many commercially produced insecticides and are no longer recommended for home garden use.

Microbial Insecticides for Garden Pest Control in South Carolina

Microbial insecticides are used in integrated pest management programs.

Microbial insecticide products contain microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, or nematodes) or substances produced by these organisms that control insect pests.

Many microbial insecticides are highly specific to certain insect groups or life stages, which helps preserve beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.

Products containing a single microorganism species may control a broad group of insects or only a few closely related species.

Microbial insecticides are often most effective when applied to early life stages of pests and may require repeated applications for control.

Several types of microbial insecticides are available for controlling caterpillars, beetles, flies, and soil-dwelling pests.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Bacillus thuringiensis products are the most widely used microbial insecticides in the United States and are commonly known as Bt.

Different Bt subspecies control specific insect groups or larval stages.

Guidelines for Using Bt Effectively

• Select a Bt product labeled for the specific insect pest
• Apply when insects are in susceptible life stages, typically early larval stages
• Thoroughly spray plant surfaces where insects feed, including undersides of leaves
• Apply in late afternoon, evening, or cloudy conditions because Bt breaks down in sunlight
• Liquid formulations generally provide better coverage than dust formulations

Insects must consume Bt products for them to be effective. Affected insects typically stop feeding soon after ingestion but may take several days to die.

Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk)

Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) products are toxic only to larvae of butterflies and moths.

They are used to control many leaf-feeding caterpillars, including:

• Bagworms
• Caterpillar pests on vegetables
• European corn borer larvae
• Tent caterpillars on trees and shrubs

Some caterpillars are not effectively controlled by Bt, especially those that live in the soil or bore into plant tissues without consuming treated plant surfaces.

Liquid Bt products are often marketed under the name Thuricide, and Bt dust products are often sold under the name Dipel.

Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki Product Examples

• Bonide Thuricide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
• Ferti-lome Dipel Dust Biological Insecticide
• Garden Safe Brand Bt Worm & Caterpillar Killer
• Monterey Bt
• Natural Guard by Fertilome Caterpillar Killer Spray with Bt
• Natural Guard by Fertilome Caterpillar Killer Spray with Bt Ready to Use
• SA-50 Southern Ag Dipel Dust
• Safer Brand Caterpillar Killer For Trees, Shrubs, & Vegetables Concentrate II
• Southern Ag Thuricide Bt Caterpillar Control

Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti)

Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) formulations control mosquito, black fly, and fungus gnat larvae.

Bti is most effective for mosquito or black fly control when used on a community-wide basis.

For most homeowners, eliminating standing water sources is often more effective than applying insecticides.

Floating products sold as dunks or pellets can control mosquito larvae in ornamental ponds and other areas.

Bti Product Examples

• Bonide Mosquito Beater WSP
• Gardenique Mosquito Treatment
• Microbe-Lift Biological Mosquito Control (BMC)
• Summit Mosquito Bits
• Summit Mosquito Dunk Chunks
• Summit Mosquito Dunks

Spinosad

Spinosad is an insect toxin derived from a soil-dwelling bacterium.

It primarily controls insects after ingestion and is used against:

• Caterpillars
• Fire ants
• Leaf miners
• Some beetles
• Thrips

Spinosad is also used to control caterpillar borers of fruit trees.

Caution: Spinosad is toxic to bees and should not be applied to plants in flower.

Affected insects stop feeding soon after exposure but may remain on plants for up to two days. Always spray late in the day to reduce risk to pollinators.

Spray formulations are labeled for ornamentals, lawns, and vegetables, while bait formulations are used in landscapes and in vegetable gardens.

Spinosad Product Examples

Concentrates (spray):

• Bonide Colorado Potato Beetle Beater Concentrate
• Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Concentrate; & RTU
• Ferti-lome Borer, Bagworm & Leafminer Spray Concentrate
• Monterey Garden Insect Spray Concentrate
• Natural Guard Spinosad Landscape & Garden Insecticide RTS
• Southern Ag Conserve Naturalyte Insect Control Concentrate

Fire Ant Baits (granular):

• Conserve Fire Ant Bait
• Ferti-lome Come and Get It! Fire Ant Bait
• Southern Ag Payback Fire Ant Bait
• Terro Fire Ant Bait Mound or Broadcast Treatment

Beauveria bassiana

Beauveria bassiana is a naturally occurring fungus that infects and kills many immature and adult insects.

Affected insects may include:

• Aphids
• Bark beetles
• Boll weevils
• Caterpillars
• Chinch bugs
• Codling moths
• Colorado potato beetles
• Cutworms
• European corn borers
• Fire ants
• Grasshoppers
• Japanese beetles
• Leaf hoppers
• Mexican bean beetles
• Mites
• Sod webworms
• Whiteflies

Some beneficial insects, such as lady beetles, may also be susceptible.

Products containing Beauveria are most effective when applied early in an infestation.

Thorough spray coverage is essential because fungal spores must contact insects for infection to occur.

After application, spores germinate, penetrate the insect’s body, and grow internally, killing the insect within three to seven days.

Beauveria Product Examples

• Certis Biologicals BotaniGard 22WP
• Certis Biologicals BotaniGard ES
• Certis Biologicals Mycotrol ESO
• Certis Biologicals Mycotrol WPO

Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic, worm-like parasites that attack insect pests.

Although some nematodes are plant pests, beneficial species parasitize harmful insects and are very safe because they cannot develop in vertebrates.

Beneficial nematodes control larvae of several insect pests, including:

• Black vine weevil
• Clearwing borers
• Cutworms
• Sod webworms
• Mole crickets
• White grubs

Selecting the correct nematode species is important for effective pest control.

Using Beneficial Nematodes Successfully

Beneficial nematodes can be difficult for home gardeners to use successfully.

They must be shipped, stored, and applied under specific temperature and moisture conditions.

They are typically ordered immediately after a pest problem is observed.

Several nematode products are available by mail order.

Successful use generally requires:

• Moist conditions
• High humidity
• Temperatures between 55°F and 90°F
• Minimal exposure to direct sunlight

Milky Spore for Japanese Beetle Grub Control

Milky Spore products contain the bacterium Paenibacillus popillae.

These products are applied to turf and watered into the soil to control the larval (grub) stages of the Japanese beetle, and, to a lesser extent, other beetle grubs.

When applied to lawns with established grub populations, milky spore bacteria can remain active beneath undisturbed turf for 15 to 20 years, reducing the need for repeated applications.

Milky Spore Product Examples

• St Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Granular Grub Control
• St Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Powder Japanese Beetle Control

Mineral-Based Insecticides for Garden Pest Control in South Carolina

How Mineral-Based Insecticides Work

Mineral-based insecticides provide pest control using naturally occurring compounds. Many have relatively low mammalian toxicity, but they must still be used carefully and according to label directions.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a powder composed of fossilized, one-celled organisms called diatoms.

It is used to control:

• Ants
• Cockroaches
• Millipedes
• Slugs
• Soft-bodied insects like aphids
• Sowbugs

Diatomaceous earth has low mammalian toxicity but may irritate lungs if inhaled during application.

Use the “natural-grade” product rather than the type used for swimming pool filters.

Because it can also harm honeybees, avoid applying diatomaceous earth to crops in flower.

Examples of Diatomaceous Earth Products

• Bonide Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer
• Garden Safe Crawling Insect Killer Diatomaceous Earth
• Harris Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer
• Natural Guard by ferti-lome Diatomaceous Earth
• Safer Brand Ant & Crawling Insect Killer

Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay forms a protective barrier on plant surfaces, irritating insects and disguising the host plant from pests with a distinctive white film.

It is commonly used to protect apple and pear trees from insect pests.

Kaolin clay may also help control:

• Colorado potato beetles
• Cucumber beetles
• Japanese beetles
• Leafhoppers
• Tarnished plant bugs
• Thrips

Kaolin must be applied preventively and will not control established infestations.

It can be applied up to the day of harvest and is considered non-toxic.

Kaolin Clay Example Product

• Nova Source Surround WP

Boric Acid

Boric acid is derived from the mineral boron and acts as a stomach poison, causing insects to starve.

It is available as:

• Powder
• Paste
• Aerosol
• Tablet
• Liquid forms

Boric acid is commonly used for indoor pest control of cockroaches, ants, and other household insects.

It should not be applied around landscape plants because boron, although an essential plant micronutrient, can become toxic to plants at elevated levels.

Boric acid labels may list this ingredient as:

• Orthoboric acid
• Sodium tetraborate

Examples of Boric Acid Products

• Avenger Boric Acid Roach Killer II
• Bonide Boric Acid Roach Powder
• Hot Shot Maxattrax Roach Killing Powder with Boric Acid
• Terro Multi-Purpose Insect Bait
• Zap-A-Roach Roach & Ant Killing
• Zone Defense Kills Roaches

Silica Gel

Silica gel is an inert material that absorbs moisture and damages an insect’s waxy coating, causing dehydration and death.

Pest control professionals commonly use silica gel to control:

• Cockroaches
• Silverfish
• Other household pests

Examples of Silica Gel Products

• PT Tri-Die Aerosol
• CimeXa Insecticidal Dust
• Bayer Drione Insecticide (dust)

These products contain amorphous silica gel.

Sulfur

Sulfur is one of the oldest pesticides still in use and is available as:

• Dust
• Liquid
• Wettable powder

Sulfur as Fungicide and Miticide

Sulfur is primarily used for disease control, but also controls certain insect and mite pests, including psyllids and thrips.

Sulfur has low mammalian toxicity but may irritate skin or eyes.

Sulfur is commonly used as a fungicide to control:

• Powdery mildew
• Rusts
• Brown rot
• Leaf spots

Sulfur may damage plants in hot, dry weather and should not be applied when temperatures are above 80°F.

Do not apply sulfur within 20 to 30 days of applying horticultural oils because the combination may injure foliage.

Sulfur Product Examples

Sulfur:

• Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide Micronized Spray or Dust Ready to Use
• Hi-Yield Snake Eyes Brand Dusting Wettable Sulfur
• Safer Brand Garden Fungicide For Flowers, Fruit And Vegetables Concentrate
• Safer Brand Garden Fungicide II For Flowers, Fruit And Vegetables
• Southern Ag Wettable or Dusting Sulfur

Sulfur & Pyrethrins:

• Bonide Captain Jack’s Orchard Spray
• Natria Insect, Disease & Mite Control Ready-to-Spray
• Natria Insect, Disease & Mite Control Ready-to-Use
• Ortho Insect, Mite & Disease 3-in-1 Ready To Use

Sulfur with Insecticidal Soap:

• Safer Brand Rose & Flower 3-in-1 Garden Spray II
• Safer Brand Tomato & Vegetable 3-in-1 Garden Spray Concentrate OMRI

Insect Growth Regulators for Less Toxic Pest Control

How Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) Work

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) affect insect development rather than directly killing adult insects.

IGRs act as juvenile hormone analogs that interfere with egg development and molting of immature insects.

Because of their mode of action, IGRs are very safe for vertebrates.

IGRs are among the safest pesticides for home use and are commonly used for indoor flea control.

Common Insect Growth Regulator Active Ingredients

Common IGR active ingredients include:

• Methoprene (Precor)
• Pyriproxyfen (Nylar)

Pyriproxyfen (Nylar) is photostable and labeled for outdoor use. It is sold under the name Martin’s IG Regulator.

Bait Stations for Lower-Risk Indoor Pest Control

Why Bait Stations Reduce Risk

Bait stations provide effective control of certain indoor insect pests while reducing exposure risk.

Bait stations deliver insecticide within a sealed chamber that insects enter to feed. Because the active ingredient is enclosed, exposure risk to people, pets, and non-target organisms is reduced.

Bait stations are especially useful in areas where minimizing exposure is important, including locations where:

• Children are present
• Pets are present
• Food is prepared or stored
• Direct contact with pesticides must be minimized

Common Active Ingredients

Bait stations are commonly used to control:

• Cockroaches
• Ants

Some of the more effective bait products contain fipronil as the active ingredient.

Other commonly used bait active ingredients include:

• Boric acid (may be listed as orthoboric acid or sodium tetraborate)
• Hydramethylnon

Each company below offers bait stations or gel formulations.

Examples of Bait Station Products

• Bayer Maxforce FC Ant Bait Stations
• Bayer Maxforce FC Magnum Roach Killer Bait Gel
• Combat Max Ant Killing Bait
• Combat Roach Killing Bait
• Terro Liquid Ant Bait

Safe Use of Less Toxic Insecticides in South Carolina Landscapes

Safe Use Guidelines

Always read and follow all pesticide label directions.

• Only use the pesticide on labeled sites or crops
• Observe all label precautions
• Wear protective clothing or equipment listed on the label
• Mix pesticides only at labeled rates
• Never apply more pesticide than directed
• Follow the label for safe storage and disposal

Always remember to read and heed the six most important words on the label:

“KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN”

Protecting Pollinators

Pollinating insects, including honey bees and bumble bees, can be harmed by pesticide applications.

Avoid using spray pesticides (insecticides and fungicides) and soil-applied systemic insecticides unless necessary.

If pesticide applications are required, apply late in the evening to reduce exposure to pollinators.

When possible, select less toxic alternatives for insect pest and disease management, including:

• Insecticidal soap
• Horticultural oil
• Neem oil extract
• Spinosad
• Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.)
• Botanical oils

Neem oil extract and botanical oils may also reduce plant damage by repelling insect pests.

Cultural Practices that Reduce Pesticide Use

Cultural practices can reduce pest and disease problems and the need for pesticide applications.

Recommended practices include:

• Pre-plant soil improvement
• Proper plant spacing
• Crop rotation
• Applying mulch
• Applying lime and fertilizer based on soil test results
• Avoiding overhead irrigation when possible
• Avoiding frequent watering of established plants

Less toxic fungicides that may be used when needed include:

• Sulfur
• Copper soap

Biological disease control products may contain:

• Bacillus subtilis

For more information, contact the Clemson Extension Home & Garden Information Center.

Pesticides are updated annually. The last updates were made on 3/26 by N. Jordan Franklin.

Originally published 08/05