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Botanical
Insecticides
For self-defense purposes, many plants generate chemicals that are toxic
to insects. Because these naturally occurring insecticides are
derived from plants, they are called botanical insecticides or
botanicals.
Before World War II, botanical insecticides were commonly used
throughout the world to defend against insect pests. However, just
before the war, a highly effective 'synthetic' (man-made) insecticide
called DDT was introduced which changed the nature of pest control
worldwide. Because these chemicals were cheaper, easier to apply and
longer lasting, other synthetic insecticides soon followed, which
quickly displaced botanicals in the marketplace and greatly slowed the
research and development of natural, botanical compounds. Unfortunately,
these synthetic insecticides target a nervous system common to people
and animals, and can be toxic to fish and the environment. In addition,
many of the chemicals persist for long periods & cause residue
problems. Insect pests have also developed resistance to many of the
synthetic chemicals over time. As awareness of the health and
environmental hazards of many residual synthetic insecticides increases,
and as pests become resistant to more and more synthetic compounds,
interest in plant-derived pesticides is increasing.
Types of Insecticides
Botanicals
'Natural' insecticides. Derived from plants. Generally used with a
'synergist' to inhibit the insect's ability to rapidly metabolize the
product. Typically degrades faster than conventional pesticides. Mode of
Action: Affects the insect's nervous system. Pyrethrum is the most
widely used botanical, but its supply is limited and it is very
expensive. Not approved as food and beverage additive.
Synthetic Pyrethroids
Synthesized or man-made insecticides. Generally have improved
insecticidal activity versus 'natural' pyrethrum (i.e. persistent, more
stable, etc.). Most common active ingredient used in home aerosols. Mode
of Action: Affects the insect's nervous system. Insects have developed
strong resistance to certain pyrethroids, and health concerns for
mammals have risen.
Inorganics
'Natural' insecticides. Generally mined from earthen deposits. Typically
slow killing action and long residual. Mode of Action: Stomach poison or
desiccant. Boric acid is the most widely-used inorganic, but large
amounts of product must be applied.
Organophosphates
Synthetic insecticides. Most deteriorate rapidly in the environment.
Mode of Action: Reversible inhibition of the cholinesterase enzyme in
the nervous system. Breaks down nerve communications. Mammals such as
humans, dogs and cats also have cholinesterase and could be targeted by
these chemicals. Under review by the EPA.
Carbamates
Synthetic insecticides. Less persistent in the environment and lower
mammalian toxicity than organophosphates. Mode of Action: Reversible
inhibition of the cholinesterase enzyme in the nervous system. Breaks
down the nerve communications. Under review by the EPA.
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Synthetic insecticides. Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, the EPA banned
most chlorinated hydrocarbons (i.e. DDT, aldrin, chlordane) from use in
the U.S. because they persisted in the environment and accumulated in
the fatty tissue of animals.
Insect Growth Regulators (IGR's)
Generally have very little toxicity to mammals since they disrupt the
growth and development processes specific to insects. Slow acting.
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