Currently, spinosad is only available to commercial applicators. Botanical pesticides are derived from plants. One of the most common botanical insecticides, pyrethrin, is made from chrysanthemum flowers grown in Africa and South America. Two or more pyrethrins mixed together are called pyrethrum. The most effective pyrethrin products include the synergist piperonyl butoxide.
Rotenone comes from the roots of legume plants that grow in South America and the East Indies.
It has been used since the 1800s as a crop insecticide. While it does have some contact toxicity, it primarily works as a stomach poison and requires that the insect feed on it. It kills insects slowly, but causes them to stop feeding almost immediately. Like other botanical insecticides, rotenone breaks down quickly in sunlight and only remains effective for 1 to 3 days after application. Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs.