Biopesticide

When it comes to pest management, the best-case scenario is to use a solution that is both effective in addressing the specific pest issue while also being safe to use and not being the detriment to the environment and non-intended targets. A type of chemical that focuses on delivering this result are Biopesticides.

On this page, we will cover what a Biopesticide is, how it functions in controlling pests and its benefits. You can also use this page to shop our Biopesticide product recommendations.

What are Biopesticides?

Biopesticides are a type of pest management chemical formula that is derived from natural non-toxic products or microorganisms that are harmful to insects but harmless to humans and non-insects.

Biopesticides are made from materials derived from plants, bacteria, fungal pathogens, and other naturally-occurring substances as opposed to synthetic chemicals that could possibly be toxic and harmful if not used properly.

How Do Biopesticides Work?

The materials in biopesticides work by manipulating the normal functioning of the target insect or pest, causing the pest to be unable to eat, grow, develop, move or reproduce, depending on the mode of action of the substance.

For example, one type of biopesticide is a microbe called Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt for short) that is toxic to immature beetles, mosquitoes, flies, and moths. When eaten by the larvae, the Bt creates toxins in the gut of the insect which leads to complications resulting in death. A Bacillus strain is also used in Forid Drain Gel cleaner to breakdown complex grease molecules found in kitchen grease. This controls drain flies attracted to the grease.

Other biopesticides include essential oils, black pepper and corn gluten which can repel insects, control their behavior or causes some sort of body dysfunction.

Benefits of Biopesticides

Biopesticides are environmentally-friendly forms of pest management. They usually have little to no toxicity and only small amounts are needed to be effective. Since biopesticides contain natural substances, they break down more quickly when applied, which lessens pollution and harm to the environment.

If you are someone that would like a "green" method of pest control or have pets and children in the home, biopesticides should be a top choice over synthetic chemicals.

Drawbacks of Biopesticides

Biopesticides usually kill target pests much slower than conventional pest control chemicals. Another downside is the residual effect being slim to no residual at all. Biopesticides can also be negatively affected by environmental conditions such as rainfall. Biopesticides may only be effective for very specific small numbers of insects rather than being a broad-spectrum application of multiple common pests. 

If you have a heavy infestation of pests, Biopesticides may not deliver satisfying results in eliminating the pest totally.

Are Biopesticides Safe?

Biopesticides are safe to use and carry very little risk to persons and the environment. Even so, when handling and applying Biopesticides, do so with care by following the label directions carefully and having on the proper personal protective equipment in the form of gloves and protective eyewear.

What To Expect

When applying a Biopesticide, you should monitor the pest situation or observe the specific pest to see if there are changes in behavior and activity. Since Biopesticides break down quickly, repeat applications may be necessary if you have a persistent pest problem. 

Featured Products

Forid Drain Gel Cleaner-  Forid Drain Gel Cleaner is a ready-to-use (RTU) drain cleaner made from a natural Microbial Grease Degrader (MGD) that cleans fly attracting grease and grime out of drain pipes. When the drain gel is poured around and down the drain, it eliminates the flies' food source, causing them to leave. It is a safe, organic product and 100% guaranteed to clean drains and get rid of drain flies.

BTI Mosquito Briquets - BTI Mosquito Briquets is a slow-release larvicide that conveniently floats right on the water surface where mosquito larvae grow. As the briquettes float, the active ingredient BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis) is slowly released in the water. The larvae consume this and die before reaching adulthood, putting a stop to the growth of the mosquito population