Spinosad is produced by the fermentation of a soil-dwelling bacterium, Saccharopolysora spinosa. It is quick acting, attacking the nervous system of insects. It is most effective against caterpillars, flies (mostly leafminers), and thrips and is also reasonably effective against leaf beetles and grasshoppers and similar insects that consume a lot of foliage. Examples include Garden’s Alive Bulls-EyeTM, Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew, and Green Light Lawn and Garden Spray.
- Jeffrey Hahn, entomologist with University of Minnesota Extension (link here)
2 comments:
Wikipedia describes it as "highly toxic" to bees, but a little more research shows that to be a bit of an exaggeration.
You should always take the utmost of care with any neurotoxin.
I am inclined to skip using it.
I got interested in learning about it from a question on the MGV list serve.
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