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Bon-Neem is the same as Neem Oil?

17 years ago

I bought an insecticidal soap called Bon-Neem from Bonide. It says it is derived from Neem tree. I know that neem oil is safe, but does anyone know if this Bon-Neem can be dangerous to my health? I just sprayed my violets and have them sitting in the living room now. Thank you!

Comments (8)

  • 17 years ago

    Sounds like you are fine if you did not inhale the mist while spraying indoors. "Potassium salts derived from NEEM seed oil fatty acids. A fabulous combination insecticidal soap plus NEEM."

    The online label cautions contact with skin, eyes, inhaling mist and does suggest washing contaminated clothing before rewearing. Hopefully you didn't bathe in it, and just gently sprayed your plants. :)

    It does mention it can be harmful to the flowers of african violets.

  • 17 years ago

    Neem Oil is used to kill things therefore, at least to those things, Neem Oil products are toxic, not safe. Nothing we use to kill insects or control diseases is totally safe, in the right quantities most everything, including water, can be toxic to us. Neem Oil products have been touted here as very safe and it was said that they are used by bee keepers to control the mites. But research by the National Institute of Health found that when Neem Oil was used in the hive there was a 50 percent mortality rate in the bees larva and queens, drastically affecting the hives ability to thrive.

  • 17 years ago

    Studies showed that the rate of the active ingredient determined the queens' demise. At 20%, about 15% of queens were lost; at 10% none were. Neem applications did affect a percentage of the sealed brood, but still far less than the damage of the mites.

    Neem has been used for quite a few years, now, as an exceedingly important tool in the battle against very resistant mites. It has been proven to be superior to other chemical control, which mites become resistant to. Scientists will continue to experiment with the active ingredient in neem oil, perfecting the dosages, methods of application, timing, additives, etc. but neem is probably here to stay as far as management of healthy honey bee populations goes.

    Neem has accomplished what no other product has been able to, as yet: SAVING hive populations from the parasites that will kill them.

  • 17 years ago

    Neem is used in India as toothpaste and has a million other uses. (I can't imagine with its smell.) You need minute quantities to ward off pests. The oil coats their shell much the way boric acid, which is used to wash eyes, suffocates cockroaches etc. Remember that you shouldn't use it if it's over 80 degrees. Reg neem oil should be kept in the fridge.

  • 17 years ago

    Keeping in mind that while parts of the " Azadirachta indica" tree are used for many purposes in its native land, India, that does not mean those people use the Neem Oil, an extract from the trees bark for brushing teeth or any other use. We have many products that may be very safe to use in one form but are potentially hazardous to your health in other forms.
    Also, like many other things, since Neem Oil sprays are very toxic (at least to the target insects) they should be used with due care since the target insects could, as they have with other pesticides, develop immunities to it rendering that product ineffective. Always start any pest control with the least toxic means available, not as with Neem Oil one of the most toxic means.

  • 17 years ago

    This from Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) ...Neem oil: Neem oil is extracted from the tropical neem tree, Azadirachta indica, contains insecticidal properties that are composed of a complex mixture of biologically active compounds. It has a strong, slightly garlic-like odor that some people describe as unpleasant. Its various active ingredients act as repellents, feeding inhibitors, egg laying deterrents, growth retardants, sterilants and direct toxins. Neem has both contact and systemic action in plants. The active ingredients biodegrade rapidly in sunlight and within a few weeks in the soil. Neem oil has very low toxicity to mammals. Clarified hydrophobic extracts of neem oil are used to control some fungal diseases of plants. In India, neem products have been used in toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, and as a grain protectant for centuries without apparent harm to humans.

    I can't remember which, but some US corp has patented neem oil specifically because of its low toxicity.

  • 17 years ago

    Neem smells like onions on steriods. What first made people clue into its insecticidal properties was durnig a horde of locusts and the neem tree did not get devoured. Kills head lice too.

  • 13 years ago

    Bon-Neem is derived from neem oil but is not the same. It's been made a little more effective by the saponification process but that graduated it from a class A unrestricted pesticide to a class B. Nothing to worry about but more care needs to be taken in storing and using the product than with straight neem oil including washing your hands and clothes after you use it or wear an apron and don't use it in a closed space with poor ventilation. Bon-Neem is a product that was produced and sold under the Organica label as K+Neem. When they went belly up during the recession Bonide bought the patent and put it out under a different name.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Dirt Works