Neem Oil

Neem oil is a horticultural oil harvested from the seeds of the Azadirachta indica tree in India.

Neem oil as pesticide

Neem oil is an organic pesticide used against thrips, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, locusts, nematodes, cabbageworms, fungus gnats, moth larvae, elm leaf beetles, scales, mushroom flies, leaf miners, caterpillars, and Japanese beetles. It can also be used against ants, snails, termites, mosquitoes, and flies.


Neem oil as fungicide

Neem oil has been shown to control powdery mildew, rust, anthracnose, sooty mold, and black spot.

Neem leaves and seeds (Hayavadhan) CC BY-SA 3.0

Neem oil toxicity

As with most other pesticides, neem oil has its drawbacks. Neem oil exposure may cause abortion or lead to infertility, and it may cause liver damage in children. Pesticides containing neem oil (Azadirachtin) are banned in the UK. 


Using neem oil

Neem oil products are sold at varying concentrations, so it is important to follow package directions exactly. These safety precautions should be used any time pesticides are used:

• Wear eye protection.
• Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Wear gloves.
• Wash protective clothing after each exposure.