Pesticides: Spinosad

Common Brand Names:

Chemical Action and Usages: Spinosad is derived through the fermentation of a naturally occurring bacterium (Saccharopolyspora spinosa). It is highly effective at low rates, is active by ingestion and contact exposure but has less impact on certain predatory beneficial insects. It has a quicker speed of control when compared to most biological insect pest control products. Control by contact is highly effective but control via ingestion is 5-10 times more effective. Spinosad is labeled for use on vegetables, fruits, citrus, trees, shrubs, ornamentals and lawns. On vegetable, fruits and citrus it controls coddling moths on apples, caterpillars, asparagus beetles, thrips, leaf miners, Colorado potato beetle, listed borers and other listed pests. On lawns and ornamentals, it controls spider mites, thrips, fire ants, leaf miners, loopers, tent caterpillars, bagworms, sawflies and other listed insects.

Cautions/Instructions: Read the label carefully of the brand and formulation you have selected. Apply product according to the directions on the label. The spray formulation of Spinosad is highly toxic to beneficial bees. Do not apply this product when bees are active.

Toxicity: May cause eye irritation, but other wise non-toxic to humans. Spinosad is not acutely toxic to birds, wildlife or fish. Highly toxic to beneficial bees, but is negligible when applications are made when bee activity is low and the spray deposits have been allowed to dry. In 1999, Spinosad received the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for chemical products that reduce negative impacts on human health and the environment.