Why I Will Never Use Neem Oil in My Garden Again

🚫There is a lack of concrete evidence proving the effectiveness of neem oil in controlling insect pests.

💰Neem oil is more expensive than other natural insecticides that have been proven to work effectively.

👃Neem oil has a foul smell and leaves behind an oily residue that can burn plants and affect the taste of produce.

🐝Contrary to popular belief, neem oil is not necessarily safer for pollinators than other natural insecticides.

🔎Alternatives like spinosad and pyrethrin are cheaper, more effective, and have fewer negative side effects.

Is neem oil completely ineffective against insect pests?

—There is a lack of concrete evidence showing that neem oil effectively reduces insect populations. Its mode of action and effectiveness vary greatly depending on different explanations.

Why is neem oil more expensive than other natural insecticides?

—Neem oil costs about $140 per gallon, while alternatives like natural pyrethrin can be purchased for around $10 per gallon.

What are the negative side effects of neem oil?

—Neem oil leaves behind a thick oily residue that can burn plants when exposed to sunlight. It also has a foul smell and affects the taste of produce.

Is using neem oil safer for pollinators like bees?

—Neem oil is not necessarily safer for pollinators than other natural insecticides. It can still harm bees and other beneficial insects if they come into contact with it.

What are some alternatives to neem oil?

—Spinosad and pyrethrin are effective natural insecticides that are cheaper, more reliable, and have fewer negative side effects compared to neem oil.

00:00Winter is coming to an end, and insect pests will soon wake up. Homemade neem oil sprays, commonly recommended for organic insect control, have a cult-like following. However, I have decided to stop using neem oil in my garden.

00:32I need to provide a disclaimer before sharing why. Some people actively use neem oil sprays and believe in their effectiveness. I am simply sharing my experiences and opinions.

00:56The first reason I will not use neem oil again is the lack of concrete evidence proving its effectiveness in controlling insect pests. Different explanations and responses make it difficult to determine if neem oil works as an insect repellent, stomach disruptor, or insecticide.

03:15The second reason is the cost. Neem oil is much more expensive than other natural insecticides that have been proven to work, such as natural pyrethrin.

05:35The third reason is the negative side effects. Neem oil leaves behind a thick, oily residue that can burn plants when exposed to sunlight. It also has a foul smell and affects the taste of produce.

08:40Lastly, I found alternatives like spinosad and pyrethrin to be cheaper, more effective, and have fewer negative side effects. These natural insecticides have been proven to work and do not have the same drawbacks as neem oil.