Toxicity of Pesticides to Natural Enemies and Pollinators
This table is intended as a guide to the relative toxicity of orchard pesticides to beneficial arthropods (predators) and pollinators. Whenever possible, select pesticides with the lowest toxicities. L = Low, M = Moderate, and H = High.
| Pesticide |
Aphid Predators
|
Mite Predators
|
Honey Bee |
Comments |
| Lady Beetles |
Lacewings |
Stethorus Lady Beetle |
Predatory Mites |
| acetamiprid |
M |
M-H |
M |
L |
M |
|
| azadirachtin |
L |
L |
L |
L |
L |
Organic formulations available |
| Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) |
L |
L |
L |
L |
L |
Non-toxic except to caterpillars; organic |
| bifenthrin |
H |
H |
H |
M-H |
H |
Can flare spider mites |
| carbaryl |
H |
M |
H |
H |
H |
Best if used early-season or post-harvest to avoid killing beneficials |
| codling moth virus |
L |
L |
L |
L |
L |
Non-toxic except to codling moth; organic |
| entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi |
L |
L |
L |
L |
L |
Non-toxic except to soil-dwelling insects or those living in moist environments; organic |
| gamma-cyhalothrin |
H |
H |
H |
M-H |
H |
Can flare spider mites |
| horticultural mineral oil |
L |
L |
L |
L-M |
L |
Rate, spray volume, and coverage determine toxicity to pests and beneficials; negative effects are reduced due to short residual |
| imidacloprid |
M |
M-H |
M |
L |
M |
Apply as a soil drench only; avoid contact with beneficials |
| insecticidal soap |
L |
L |
L |
M |
L |
Organic |
| kaolin clay |
M-H |
M-H |
M-H |
M-H |
L |
Best if used early-season to avoid killing beneficials; organic |
| malathion |
L-M |
L |
L-M |
L-M |
M |
|
| permethrin (peach and pear only) |
L-M |
L-M |
H |
H |
M-H |
Use only in early-season to avoid killing beneficials |
| pyrethrin and pyrethrum |
L |
L |
L |
L |
L |
Organic formulations available |
| spinosad |
L |
M-H |
L |
L |
L |
Organic formulations available; fresh residues (<3 hr) are toxic to bees |
| sulfur |
L |
L |
L |
M-H |
L |
Organic |
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