What is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is a natural pesticide found in neem tree seeds that can reduce insect feeding and act as a repellent.
It is non-toxic to humans and pets, but toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms.
Neem oil is commonly used in household products like toothpaste, cosmetics, soaps, and pet shampoos. When used on plants, it can control over 200 species of indoor plant bugs and is safe for greenhouses, herb gardens, and fruit trees.
So, what exactly is neem oil?
Neem oil concentrate used by uBloomd is organic and sustainably sourced.
The oil is made up of many components, but essentially, it reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent. It interferes with the pest’s hormone and growth system, making it harder for them to grow and lay eggs. It could be considered a fungus gnat spray as it works directly to end their lifecycle.
Is neem oil toxic?
Neem oil has also been used for centuries as an animal pest remover (flea control), so animals have also built up a resistance to it. However, it is toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. It’s recommended to keep the exposure low and avoid rolling around in it. Children may have a sensitive reaction, but it won't cause any long-term issues.
Plants aren’t affected by low contact with neem oil.
As it is natural, it doesn't have any effect on their growth or health. If high levels are added, it can have a negative effect as the plant can become overpowered.
Now that you know what neem oil is and its effects, let’s look at some of its many uses.
One of the most common uses of neem oil is for plant care. It is an excellent tool for controlling over 200 species of indoor plant bugs, including aphids, mites, scale, leaf hoppers, leaf eaters, whiteflies, red spider mites, caterpillars, mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats, to name a few.
Insects don’t become resistant to neem oil as they aren't genetically able to become neem oil impervious, so you'll always be able to treat your insect issues with neem oil.
If you've ever lost a plant to thrips, aphids, or fungus gnats, you know how sad it can be. But with neem oil, you can keep your plants safe and healthy.
Neem oil is also safe for greenhouses, herb gardens, and fruit trees.
Greenhouses provide the perfect environment for many insects. But if you have neem oil, you don’t give these insects a chance. You can prevent all these insects from destroying your precious plants.
Wipe down leaves, spray in soil, and clean hard-to-reach areas with neem oil to keep your plants safe from plant bugs.
Fun Fact: Neem oil is also useful in keeping mosquitos away, so when you treat your garden or home jungle, you are also protecting yourself from mosquito bites!
Neem oil also boosts earthworm productivity.
Chemical pesticides can harm earthworms by burning their skin and damaging their soil. Neem oil has the opposite effect and boosts their activity. Earthworms are beneficial to all garden soil as they tunnel through the dirt and create superhighways for air and water to seep through to the plant’s lowest roots. They also leave behind essential nutrients like potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Therefore, if you want to improve the health of your plants and soil, using neem oil as a natural pesticide is a smart choice that doesn't harm the earthworms that are essential to your garden's ecosystem.
In summary, neem oil is a valuable resource for any plant parent looking for a natural, non-toxic solution to pest and fungal problems in their garden. It is safe to use around humans and animals, and won't harm the earthworms, bees, butterflies, and ladybugs that are crucial to maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.
So, next time you reach for your bottle of neem oil, remember that it's not just an insecticide - it's a multi-purpose solution for all your plant care needs.