Using homemade natural insecticides is considerably safer than the synthetic chemical alternative but some precautions should be considered mainly due to the possibility that some people are more inclined to be reactive to irritation from outside stimuli. Always use gloves when preparing and handling the product, a suitable glove will also have a moisture barrier as well as being able to protect the hands from laborious work. A disposable mask is another recommendation to help reduce the inhaling of the insecticide. Wearing long sleeves and long pants is another way of protecting the skin from excess product floating in the air and landing on the skin It is just good practice to do these things and would be almost mandatory if you were spraying synthetic chemicals.
Some other ideas might include inspecting the whole garden at least a few days before using natural insecticides. It is wise to make a check list of insect activity and how many are they. They should be a hands-on evaluation. It is wise to check under the leaves and move high grass around in order to see the whole plant and its stems. Insect pests spend a lot of time and energy on the underside of leaves and plants. Also spraying should be done when the wind is very light. Keep in mind that if it is raining or if it rains after insecticide application, repeated spraying will be necessary. It is always good when mixing insecticides to follow instructions very carefully. The instructions exist to protect humans, environment, the plant or plants and other insects.
It is really helpful to understand EPA warnings. These warnings appear on all pesticides and natural insecticides that are sold over the counter. Class four is a rather relatively nontoxic insecticide; the EPA gives this a caution level. A class three level is slightly toxic and also has a caution level. A class two is moderately toxic; the EPA gives this level a warning. Finally, class one is highly toxic and receives a danger or poison label.
Disposing of natural insecticides and pesticides is an issue as well. Most people do not realize there are high expectations in throwing away containers and spray cans. Only a small percentage of people dispose of insecticide containers appropriately. The percentage of people that do this is probably in the 5% ballpark figure. If natural insecticides and other pesticides are not taking care of properly, the chemicals will affect water and have impact on wildlife. People should not pour down chemicals down drains. Everyone should strive to maintain a clean and healthy environment. This will ensure safety for adults, children, our neighbors, plants, good insects and the environment.
Using homemade natural insecticides is something everyone should seriously consider as the normal way to protect their home from pests and insects. The health benefits alone are enough reason to use these homemade natural insecticides. There are not a lot of books and materials out there that can guide someone who wishes to follow the path of using environmentally safe insecticides, research and finding this knowledge is paramount to success.