Conversely, using botanical insecticides prudently when needed can aid the gardener. Pyrethrum based insecticides are widely available but the supply may be limited. Check with your local supply source to see which they carry and what they can special order. This compound was first used in the sixteenth century, and grew in popularity in this country during the second World War when other botanicals such as pyrethrum and rotenone were in short supply. The insecticidal dust is made from the seeds of a small perennial bulb in the Lily family.
Commercial supplies come from South and Central America.
Sabadilla is a broad spectrum contact poison, and may have some action as a stomach poison also. Sabadilla is toxic to honeybees. It is most effective against leafhoppers and true bugs. It degrades rapidly on exposure to air and sunlight, leaving very little residual toxicity. The insecticidal properties are contained in the stems and roots of Ryania speciosa, a South American shrub.