Spinosad

Uses

Spinosad controls a wide variety of pests including fleas, caterpillars, fruit flies, spider mites, fire ants, leaf beetle larvae, thrips, leaf miners and leaf beetle larvae to name only a few.  It is recommended as one component of Integrated Pest Management for greenhouses because it does not target beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory mites. Another common use of Spinosad is as an anti-flea medication for dogs and cats.

Mode of Action

When target pests ingest or simply come into contact with the active ingredient Spinosad, it causes rapid excitation of that insect's nervous system. It will then die within one to two days. Spinosad is valued as an active ingredient in part because it has little effect on non-target predatory pests.

Toxicity

Spinosad carries the signal word CAUTION on its label. There is little known risk to workers and applicators and no specific protection requirements are listed. Spinosad shows very low toxicity to mammals if ingested.

Products Containing Spinosad

Spinosad Landscape and Garden Insecticide
Captain Jacks Deadbug Brew Concentrate