Neem oil is safe to use when applied and stored properly. It should never be drunk and care should be taken so that it doesn't splash in your eyes.
'Even though it's non-toxic, wearing gloves is recommended to avoid potential skin irritation,' advises gardening expert Tony O'Neill. 'It should also be kept out of reach of children.
'As with all plant-care products, testing neem oil on a small portion of the plant first is advisable to ensure it does not cause any adverse reaction,' he adds.
Neem oil poses little threat to pollinators, such as bees, as they don't ingest foliage. However, spraying them directly with neem oil can harm them, so take care to avoid this.
Finally, although neem oil can be used on crops, remember to wash your fruit and veggies thoroughly before eating.