To help sift through the best options for every need, we rounded up the organic pesticides that were effective and easy to apply. Our top pick is the easy-to-find Monterey LG 6135 Garden spray. Here are our top recommendations for the best organic pesticides. If you live in the South, Spinosad works wonders against fire ants, which are every homeowner’s nemesis. We love how easy this is to apply, and the range of variations offered. If you would rather have a ready-to-use spray or a hose-end attachment, Monterey offers those as well. Spinosad products are not residual, meaning they do not persist in the environment after application. Since Spinosad is broad-spectrum, it harms all insects, including butterflies and bees. If you are trying to bring in the pollinators, be sure to avoid spraying blooming flowers or host plants that may be supporting caterpillars. Price at time of publish: $31 Oils perform best on slow-moving insects, such as scales and mealybugs, and when used over several weeks to ensure that all lifecycle stages are taken care of. It can also work to suffocate exposed eggs. The adhering quality of oil can also close off leaf pores from engaging in gas exchange, so it’s best to avoid soaking the plant. Price at time of publish: $10
You apply this product the exact same way as All-Seasons Mineral Oil. It works best on slow-moving insects. Neem oil also moonlights as an excellent fungicide. I use Natria Neem oil exclusively to treat outbreaks of Rust fungi on my edible figs and blooming plumerias each year. If you want to treat a fungal outbreak, the same rules of application apply, making sure you cover the fungi entirely. It is not a silver bullet, but it does offer multi-purpose protection for indoor and outdoor plants. Price at time of publish: $11 Cedar oil acts as a strong repellent for a variety of pests, including roaches, ants, fleas, and ticks. If mosquitoes are keeping you indoors, this product also keeps those at bay. You see the best results if you have a backpack sprayer. You may need to apply Wondercide several times to ensure summer-long control. Price at time of publish: $75 Safer brand has the same exact ingredients as most other soaps on the market, at a much lower price point, making it one of our favorites. We were delighted that this product can be used indoors on houseplants as well. Price at time of publish: $10 When a caterpillar munches on a desirable leaf sprayed with Bt, it ingests the bacteria, which lead to its demise. Since Bt needs to be consumed, it does not offer immediate control, but it is extremely effective with patience. Since it is intended for caterpillars, be sure to use caution when applying it in areas where beneficial insect larvae dwell. Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $27

Granules and dusts. Pests that are best controlled by granules and dust tend to be ground dwellers such as beetles, cockroaches, and even snails. Needing to be spread on the ground and/or watered in, these products work best in areas that are low in humidity and not expecting much rain since they can quickly turn into a slurry.Systemic. These products are absorbed at the foliage or root level of the plant and integrated into the tissue. Generally, this control method takes longer to work but is effective once the insect starts feeding on the plant tissue. Products that include biopesticides such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) work well for leaf-feeding caterpillars. Some chemicals, such as pyrethrins, are broader-spectrum and suitable for any plant feeder.Spray. Typically, this erects a barrier deposited directly onto an insect, blocking its ability to breathe. Examples include spray oils and soaps, which adhere directly to the insect body, causing suffocation. 

Ingredients

Organic pesticide ingredients can be split into several groups, including bacteria, pyrethrin, natural oils, dusts, and soaps. Many are broad-spectrum, so they can harm good insects as well.

Bacteria, such as Bt and Spinosad, affect only the specific body chemistry of insects, and in the case of Bt, only larval forms which lessens potential harm to humans or animals.Pyrethrin is derived from chrysanthemums and is one of the oldest pesticides. For that reason, many insects, such as white flies, are resistant to it, and it is why most products we recommend do not include it.Natural oils can be used in two ways: as a suffocant applied directly to insects, or as a repellent to keep insects away. Mineral oil and Neem oil are the most common.Diatomaceous earth is composed of fossilized diatoms, which make a fine powder that is easy to sprinkle around home perimeters and in garden beds. Ground-dwelling insects can’t walk through it without injury. As long as it’s not the rainy season, it offers long-lasting protection.Soaps are highly effective because they suffocate slow-moving pests, such as mites, scales, and mealybugs. Insecticidal soaps contain no degreasers, making them much more suitable for pest control than home dish soap.

Location

Not all organic pesticides are suited for indoor use. For example, diatomaceous earth should not be used in homes with children and pets. Soaps and oils can be used on houseplants, edibles, and just about everywhere else in the landscape. Spinosad and Bt are best suited for outdoor use. When determining whether a product should be used in the desired location, pay special attention to the ingredient list, targeted pests, and application method. 

Targeted Pests

Despite labels, not all pesticides are effective against all bugs. It’s important to do your homework, as many insects, especially those that are common in commercial greenhouse operations, where pesticides are used frequently, have developed resistance to once-effective treatments. Here is a general primer on best practices:

Oils: Best for slow-moving insects you can hit directly, such as scales and mealybugs.Soaps: Like oils, these work best when you hit the insect, not the plant. A go-to for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scales.Diatomaceous earth: Since it is spread on the ground, it’s for ground-dwelling pests, such as beetles, grasshoppers, and snails.Spinosad: Broad-spectrum, meaning just about every insect group.Bt: Larval stages of insects, particularly caterpillars and mosquito larvae.

Why Trust the Spruce?

This article was written by Amanda Rose Newton, an entomologist, freelance writer, and garden reviewer for The Spruce. Amanda Rose holds master’s degrees in entomology and plant health management with a strong emphasis on organic gardening and sustainable agriculture. An organic gardener, she delighted in personally testing out the products in our roundup to provide advice to those with different needs, yards, and values when it comes to pest control. Many of these products have been her personal “go-tos” for years. She also spoke with the founder of the popular natural Wondercide brand, Stephanie Boone.