Yes, It's Safe, but Does It Work?

When searching for alternatives, check with experts to see if the treatment will be effective. Some natural substances used to control insects that do not work are:

• Ultrasonic devices: Scientist have tested these products, and no evidence suggests that they repel insects or vertebrates when used in structures. They are being sold on the cable marketing channels and do not work.
• Copper wire: A commonly held folk remedy says that insects/slugs won’t cross a copper wire because the low voltage current repels them. Copper wire will not conduct electricity unless it is hooked up to an electrical source. This is an old gardeners’ tale that won’t work.
• Osage oranges (a.k.a., hedge apples): Despite a well ingrained belief, they do not repel insects.
• Cucumber, peppermint, hot pepper: These foods also do not repel or kill insects.
• Mothballs: Mothballs protect clothing stored in an airtight space, like a cedar chest or plastic storage box. But, they must be replenished regularly because the repellence dissipates over time. Moth balls do not work as a snake repellent. When moth balls are used against insects and wildlife pests in ways not given on the label, they are not likely to work.

  Some natural substances that do have insecticidal properties:

• Citrus extracts (limonene) are known to have insecticidal properties, and there are some flea shampoos on the market. Be careful how you use these concentrated citrus shampoos.
• Boric acid has insecticidal properties when ingested by insects. Be careful not to inhale it.
• Silica aerogel and diatomaceous earth will dry out soft-bodied insects.
• Some soaps (not detergents) that are sodium or potassium salts (like Safers soap) have some insecticidal properties against soft-bodied insects, like aphids. There is some evidence that coconut oil soap has some effectiveness against lice.
• Nicotine. This natural substance is effective and has been used for years, known to gardener’s as Black Leaf. It is also very toxic to humans and animals, more toxic than many synthetic pesticides. Be extremely careful with any products containing nicotine.
• Pyrethrum. This is the root of chrysanthemum and does have insecticidal properties. However, it has quick knock down activity, but often will not kill the insect. To make the product more effective, synergists are added which increase the toxicity.
• Citronella. This plant extract has a mild repellence against mosquitoes. But it cannot compare with DEET in effectiveness. Citronella is found in some lotions marketed as a repellent.

As with other products, it is important to read and follow the directions on the label.

SOURCE: Barb Ogg, The NebLine