There is nothing wrong with them when used as needed and according to label directions. However, they also are the types of pesticides that have been misused and overused by urban Gardeners. Alternative controls can be used in place of the more common synthetic pesticides. They can give the home Gardener a satisfactory way to control pests while eliminating the potential for pesticide misuse. The types of pesticides allowed in organic production under COCA include microorganisms, microbial products, and materials derived or extracted from plants, animals or mineral-bearing rocks.
Exceptions also exist for certain synthetic pesticides such as soap, oil and lime sulfur.
As a general rule, pesticides approved for organic production break down rapidly and often are less destructive to natural enemies and other organisms. However, just because the materials are natural does not mean that they are always less toxic than the synthetic pesticides. Sabadilla dust can be highly irritating to eyes and can produce sneezing if inhaled. No residue is left after application of sabadilla because it breaks down rapidly in sunlight. Sabadilla acts as a contact and stomach poison and has been effective against caterpillars, leaf hoppers, thrips, stink bugs and squash bugs.