Pesticides and insecticides have been changing a lot in the last few years, with many being taken off the market due to health and ecological concerns. Chlorpyrifos, a chemical used in pesticides like Dursban and Lorsban has been banned in Canada as of 2021. The insecticide known as Ambush now goes by Bug-X Out. Neem oil is now banned in garden centers since it is not technically registered as pesticide, however is still sold in many beauty products at drug stores.

Confusing right?

With many names and available products changing, it can be difficult to know what to use in your garden. For insects, pyrethrins are a major group of chemicals that work against many little critters including ants, red lily beetles, Japanese beetles, aphids, whiteflies, and more. Pyrethrum is an insecticide that is extracted from the chrysanthemum flower and pyrethrins are the active molecules. This is a neurotoxin that paralyzes the bugs by over-firing their neurons. Eventually, this will lead to their death.

There are also synthetic compounds that are similar, known as pyrethroids. The group of pyrethrins are found in most insecticides like Ant BGon, Doktor Doom Residual Foam, Doktor Doom Plant Spray, Trounce Insecticide, Safer’s End-All, Schultz Insect Spray, and Knockdown X-Max. Permethrin, a synthetic version of these chemicals, is found in Bug X-Out, Doktor Doom Surface Residual Insect Killer, and Doktor Doom House & Garden Spray.

If you’re looking to avoid using chemicals in your garden, there are other options, too. Worm castings won’t kill your pests, but they do act as an insect repellent (including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites). It contains chitinase which is an enzyme that breaks down the outer shell of insects. The microorganisms in worms also helps to benefit the soil microbiome and makes it a great addition to your garden soil.

Some products contain Bacillus species, a type of bacteria that is a biopesticide. This type of bacteria acts as a pathogen to insects. Just like we can get bacterial infections like pneumonia or respiratory infections, bugs can get bacterial infections, too. This is in Safer’s BTK, Beetle BGon Max, and Grub BGon Max. Beneficial nematodes are another great way to deal with insect infestations. Nematodes act as a parasite to insects and release toxins in order to kill them. These are able to treat ant, white grub, and fungus gnat infestations.

Insecticidal soaps are based off of potassium or sodium salts that work against soft-bodied insects like thrips, mealybugs, aphids, mites, and whiteflies. These salts disrupt the cell membranes of bugs. Green Earth, Schultz, and Safer’s have insecticidal soaps.