Its residual period is longer than the other botanicals. This important, widely used insecticide is derived from several tropical leguminous plants, including derris, cube and timbo. These plants range from the Far East to the Amazon Valley of South America. Many plant species have been shown to contain rotenone. In general, the rotenone principles are contained in the roots, which are dried and powdered to be used as a dust.
Liquid rotenone is available commercially.
Rotenone was originally employed by Native American and other indigenous cultures to poison fish. Dermatitis may result if rotenone comes in contact with the skin, but it does not appear to be absorbed through the skin. Rotenone is effective against a wide range of insects and has a short residual life. It acts as a stomach poison and as a contact insecticide. It is not toxic to honeybees, but will kill some beneficial insects.