Description

• Pesticides are classified as organic or conventional pesticides. Organic pesticides are derived from natural sources, whereas conventional pesticides are human-made chemicals developed and manufactured specifically for use as pesticides. Organic pesticides often originate from plants, such as the botanical pesticides neem, pyrethrum, ryania and sabadilla, while conventional pesticides are referred to using their active ingredients, like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT).
  
  

Safety

• Safety is a major concern with pesticide use. Because a pesticide is organic does not mean it cannot be toxic; for example, ryania is harmful to fish. The EPA notes that biologically derived pesticides like pheromones often are safer than conventional pesticides. That said, the EPA also reports that reduced-risk conventional pesticides are available. Regardless of pesticide type, by law you must follow label instructions exactly as written.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Organic pesticides can be made economically using household items, such as chili peppers, liquid soap and baking soda. Conventional pesticides may have less overall environmental impact because more organic pesticide needs to be used to be effective.