Unlike the other organic products, this product has resulted from simple chemical changes. Insecticidal soap is included with these pesticides because it is relatively nontoxic and has a broad spectrum of action. Spinosad is a fermentation process of Saccharopolyspora spinosa , a soil bacterium. Very small amounts of this product are needed to control insect pests. Unfortunately, spinosad is not yet available to the homeowner.
Sulfur is a very old, mineral-based organic pesticide derived from the element sulfur.
It is relatively nontoxic when orally ingested, but it is a skin irritant to some people. It controls mites, thrips and scale crawlers and is also a fungicide. Zinc phosphide is a mineral-based pesticide made from the elements zinc and phosphorus. Like Neem, it has a garlic-like odor.