Neem oil

Neem oil (or neem oil ) is a vegetable oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree.

Applications

It is used among other things as an aqueous emulsion to control pests on plants and parasites to humans and animals due to its insecticidal activity. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland azadirachtin - containing neem or containing plant protection product are approved. In Austria, neem oil is in itself, however, is no longer allowed. Also, personal care products such as soaps or shampoos with Niemextrakten are on the market. A product for the control of head lice is Niemolind. The residue at the presses ( Niempresskuchen ) is used as a mild fertilizers having insecticidal activity and even as animal feed.

Neem oil is indeed usually described as a health hazard for warm-blooded animals, but you should still the possibility of side effects can not be completely ignored, especially as they may fall into the product due to improper oil collection and storage and toxins, such as molds.

The use associated with house dust mite allergy is controversial.

Effect as an insecticide

Azadirachtin, the main active ingredient of the oil acts on the hormonal balance of the pests by interfering with the synthesis of chitin. This prevents that the larvae can successfully molt and pupate. Thus, the insect larvae can not be ignored in the growth cycle to the next step. Phytophagous pests are deterred in part, but the toxic effect against adult insects is low.