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Insects are part of a healthy garden ecosystem. Bees and other pollinating insects ensure a plentiful harvest from herb and veggie gardens and fruit trees, while ladybugs and praying mantises help control plant-damaging pests. When fruit worms, aphids, Japanese beetles, roaches, and their destructive ilk gain a toehold in a garden, they can quickly ruin crops. A targeted insect killer can help prevent this.
The best insecticides for pest control in vegetable gardens are fast and effective at killing destructive bugs without harming their beneficial brethren—or pets and humans. They’re even better when they’re easy to apply without specialized equipment. Read on to learn how insecticides for vegetable gardens work and why the following options rank as some of the best in their respective categories.
- BEST OVERALL: Bonide (BND857) Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray
- RUNNER-UP: Monterey LG6135 Garden Insect Spray
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Garden Safe Neem Oil Extract Concentrate
- BEST BOTANICAL: Plantonix Neem Bliss 100% Cold Pressed Neem Seed Oil
- BEST INSECTICIDAL SOAP: Natria 706230A Insecticidal Soap
- BEST LONG-LASTING: BioAdvanced Advanced Insect Spray
- BEST FOR CATERPILLARS: Bonide Thuricide (BND803) Leaf Eating Worm Killer
- BEST FOR JAPANESE BEETLES: St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Grub Control
- BEST FOR APHIDS: Safer Brand 5118-6 Insect Killing Soap Concentrate
Before You Buy Insecticide for Vegetable Gardens
While we understand that chemical insecticides are an effective way of warding off insects that can wreak havoc on a garden, Bob Vila believes there are more responsible ways to protect your garden from pests.
The fact is that there’s often collateral damage even with well-intentioned eco-friendly products. Insecticides will undoubtedly take out some beneficial insects along with the pests you’re trying to eliminate. Given that some of these species are so beneficial to the environment—honeybees, for example—it’s good sense to first consider some nonlethal options.
Essential oils are safe and effective repellents. Peppermint, rosemary, and thyme oil will repel a variety of garden pests ranging from squash bugs to caterpillars.
Companion planting is also an excellent alternative to pesticides for vegetable gardens. This method calls for gardeners to pair vegetable plants with other plants that naturally ward off pests. For example, planting basil with tomatoes repels tomato hornworms while attracting bees that improve tomato yields. Placing potted mint plants in a garden will deter aphids, ants, and certain types of beetles.
These natural methods for repelling bugs are often all that’s needed to protect vegetable gardens.
How We Chose the Best Insecticide for Vegetable Gardens
Healthy plants are resilient to minor insect infestations. Sometimes, though, outside influences lead to big bug problems, and gardeners may need a little help. When garden ecology gets out of balance, it may be necessary to spray powerful insecticides. The best insecticides may have either synthetic or organic formulas, are long-lasting and effective, and work on an array of noxious pests.
The above list includes natural and chemical formulas that are made to target specific pest types or a variety of insects at once. Many are also odorless; leave no residue; and are safe for multiple plant, lawn, and houseplant types. Plus, some select options can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The above bug killers also avoid damaging beneficial insects while being safe to use around people, children, and animals. Be advised that some do not come with sprayers and require dilution before use.
Our Top Picks
There are many options when it comes to insecticides for a vegetable garden. Listed below are some of the best in specific categories. These garden insecticides are made by the most trusted brands in the industry to control difficult pests effectively, yet are safe for people and pets when used as directed. The products we chose use formulas that have minimal impact on the environment while also being generally safe to use around pets and children.
Best Overall
Bonide (BND857) Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray
Fast and effective Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray controls aphids, beetles, webworms, leafhoppers, and many other yard and garden insects on vegetables, trees, flowers, and ornamental plants. Pyrethrin, one of the active ingredients, naturally occurs in chrysanthemums and is considered one of the best biodegradable insecticides. However, it is highly toxic to honey bees, so it’s best to use at dawn or dusk when bees tend to be less active.
It kills insects by targeting their nervous systems and quickly degrades, leaving no objectionable residue. Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray is safe to use on vegetables up to the day of harvest. Mix the concentrate with water and apply with a sprinkler can, hand sprayer, or low-pressure sprayer.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical liquid for spraying
- Targeted pests: Aphids, beetles, webworms, leafhoppers, and more
- Quantity: 8 ounces
Pros
- Biodegradable pyrethrin formula
- Leaves no residue
- Works for multiple pests
- Affordable
Cons
- No sprayer included
- Requires dilution before use
- Can kill honey bees
Get the Bonide Pyrethrin insecticide for vegetable gardens on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Runner-Up
Monterey LG6135 Garden Insect Spray
Monterey Garden Insect Spray rapidly controls many insects, including caterpillars, leaf miners, codling moth, tent caterpillars, thrips, borers, and fire ants. Use it on vegetable plants, lawns, and outdoor ornamentals. The active ingredient, spinosad, is a bacterial product produced by fermentation. Spinosad affects the nervous system of insects that consume it, killing them within 1 to 2 days.
It’s odorless, approved for organic gardening, safe around people and pets, and can be used up to the day of harvest. It comes as a liquid concentrate. To use, mix with water according to label directions and apply with a trigger, handheld, backpack, or hose-end sprayer.
Product Specs
- Type: Organic liquid for spraying
- Targeted pests: Caterpillars, leaf miners, loopers, trips, moths, fruit flies, borers, flea beetles
- Quantity: 32 ounces
Pros
- Organic; Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)-certified spinosad formula
- Safe for multiple plant types
- Effective on a variety of insects
- Large quantity
Cons
- Requires dilution before use
- Expensive
- Sprayer not included
Get the Monterey insecticide for vegetable gardens on Amazon or at The Home Depot (for 19.2 ounces).
Best Bang for the Buck
Garden Safe Neem Oil Extract Concentrate
If bugs aren’t the only thing threatening plants, Garden Safe Neem Oil may come to the rescue—at a great price. It quickly kills aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied insects as well as spider mites, plus it’s equally effective against fungal diseases like powdery mildew, black spot, and rust. Use it on veggies, shrubs, trees, fruits, and even houseplants. It’s also a good dormant season spray for fruit trees, killing insects and eggs that may be overwintering in the bark.
Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide extracted from seeds of the neem tree that does not have adverse impacts on humans and other nontarget organisms. Used as a pesticide for centuries (and having numerous other household and industrial purposes, too), it reduces insect feeding, acts as a repellent, and makes it harder for insects to grow to maturity and lay eggs. Mix the concentrate according to label directions and apply with a sprayer, but don’t use on foliage during hot weather to avoid foliage burn.
Product Specs
- Type: Oil spray
- Targeted pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, beetles, leaf rollers
- Quantity: 10 ounces
Pros
- Works as a repellent and pesticide
- Uses naturally occurring neem oil
- Works on a variety of plants, vegetables, and trees
Cons
- Can harm beneficial insects as well as pests
Get the Garden Safe insecticide for vegetable gardens at The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Best Botanical
Plantonix Neem Bliss 100% Cold Pressed Neem Seed Oil
Killing insects such as aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and soft-bodied insects while also tackling fungal bacteria (including mildew, black spot, and rust) becomes a cinch Plantonix Neem Bliss 100% Cold Pressed Neem Seed Oil. A naturally occurring pesticide, neem oil comes from neem trees and won’t harm the environment and in fact will only kill insects and mold bacteria.
This pick reduces insect feeding, repels insects, and makes it difficult for insects to mature into adults or lay eggs. Safe to use on veggies, shrubs, trees, fruits, and houseplants, this product is useful in both dormant and active seasons. Simply mix the concentrate according to the label’s instructions and apply with a sprayer. However, to prevent burning, this pick should not be used on foliage in hot weather.
Product Specs
- Type: Oil spray
- Targeted pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, soft-bodied insects
- Quantity: 16 ounces
Pros
- Works against fungal diseases as well as bugs
- Acts as a repellent as well as an insecticide
- Concentrated formula makes a lot of insecticide
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Must be dilated and added to a sprayer before using
Get the Plantonix insecticide for vegetable gardens on Amazon.
Best Insecticidal Soap
Natria 706230A Insecticidal Soap
Natria Insecticidal Soap is a multipurpose insecticide that kills on contact and works in minutes. It is safe to use on indoor and outdoor plants for treatment of whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, mites, and many other listed insects. Use it against the adult, larval, or nymphal stages of pests.
This is not a preventive treatment; targeted pests must be present for the treatment to work. It is safe to use up to the day of harvest on fruits and veggies as well as on roses, flowers, and houseplants. The convenient ready-to-use trigger-spray bottle makes it easy to apply. Be sure to target upper and lower leaf surfaces as well as stems. Since soap salts degrade quickly in soil, they pose a minimal risk to the environment, though care should be taken not to release them directly into aquatic habitats.
Product Specs
- Type: Organic soap spray
- Targeted pests: Aphids, mealybugs, mites, whiteflies, and more
- Quantity: 24 ounces
Pros
- Nontoxic neem oil formula
- OMRI certified
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Effective on pests, rust, mildew, and black spot
Cons
- Requires dilution before use
- Not suitable for use in hot weather
- Strong odor
Get the Natria insecticide for vegetable gardens on Amazon or at Ace Hardware.
Best Long-Lasting
BioAdvanced Advanced Insect Spray
BioAdvanced insect spray is a powerful, long-lasting topical spray that lasts up to 3 months. Use it to save fruit and vegetable crops from more than 100 insect pests, including Japanese beetles, aphids, and tomato hornworms. However, this insecticide is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates as well as bees.
Follow the label directions carefully to protect beneficial insects. Once it dries, the garden area is safe for people and animals. The active ingredient, cyfluthrin, is a stomach poison that kills feeding insects within 24 hours. Pest insects must consume treated plant tissue for the chemical to work properly, so reapplication may be necessary as plants grow. The 32-ounce concentrate makes up to 64 gallons of spray and treats up to 5,000 square feet.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical spray
- Targeted pests: Aphids, Japanese beetles, cutworms, tomato hornworms, and others
- Quantity: 32 ounces
Pros
- Strong, topical formula
- Kills more than 70 insect types
- Rainproof after 1 hour
- Lasts up to 14 days
Cons
- Outdoor use only
Get the BioAdvanced insecticide for vegetable gardens on Amazon or at Tractor Supply Co.
Best for Caterpillars
Bonide Thuricide (BND803) Leaf Eating Worm Killer
Bonide Thuricide is a biological control for the larval stages of moths and butterflies. It has no effect on adults of the species and is completely safe around people, pets, other insects, and animals—including birds that may eat treated caterpillars. Use it wherever caterpillars are damaging a garden, such as on tomatoes, greens, cabbages, and even roses.
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) is a bacterial insecticide that is toxic to caterpillars when eaten; it dissolves and colonizes in the gut, killing off the caterpillars in 1 to 2 days. Despite its toxicity to caterpillars, it has minimal impact on nontargeted species. Mix the concentrate with water according to directions. Apply to foliage using a hose-end or pressurized tank sprayer.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical liquid concentrate
- Targeted pests: Leaf-eating worm and gypsy moth
- Quantity: 16 ounces
Pros
- Natural Btk formula
- Fast acting
- Effective on multiple plant types
- Safe for people and animals
Cons
- Sprayer not included
- Made for caterpillars and gypsy moths
- Not effective on adult insects
Get the Bonide Thuricide insecticide for vegetable gardens on Amazon or at Ace Hardware.
Best for Japanese Beetles
St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Grub Control
St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Grub Control is a formulation of the Paenibacillus popilliae bacteria, which occurs naturally in soil. It causes a disease within the white Japanese beetle larvae as they develop underground, but it has no effect on other soil dwellers like desirable earthworms, making it an environmentally safe option.
Use where Japanese beetles have been problematic to reduce local populations of this noxious exotic species significantly. The larvae consume milky spores as part of their natural feeding pattern. As the bacteria colonize, larvae die within 1 to 3 weeks, releasing millions of new bacteria spores into the surrounding soil.
Spread milky spore granules with a calibrated garden spreader at any time spring through fall. Though the product begins to work immediately after application, full control—which protects against the beetle for up to 20 years—takes 1 to 3 years in warm climates and up to 5 years in cool areas. A 20-pound bag treats up to 7,000 square feet.
Product Specs
- Type: Organic granules
- Targeted pests: Japanese beetle
- Quantity: 20 pounds
Pros
- Paenibacillus popilliae bacteria formula
- Works immediately
- Kills for 15 to 20 years
- 7,000 square feet of coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Made for grubs and Japanese beetles only
- Heavy weight
Get the St. Gabriel Organics insecticide for vegetable gardens on Amazon or at Ace Hardware.
Best for Aphids
Safer Brand 5118-6 Insect Killing Soap Concentrate
Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate uses a mixture of potassium salts and fatty acids to penetrate the cuticles of soft-bodied insects, ultimately causing them to dry out. It’s an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and effective pesticide for a host of common pests, including aphids, earwigs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, sawfly larvae, soft scales, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Insecticidal soap needn’t be consumed to be effective; simply spray on the bugs and they die on contact. It’s safe to use on edibles up until the day of harvest and will not persist in the environment. Mix according to directions on the label, and apply with a trigger or pressure tank sprayer. Avoid spraying insecticidal soap while beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators are present. Highly mobile insects like whiteflies may require multiple treatments for complete control.
Product Specs
- Type: Insecticidal soap spray
- Targeted pests: Aphids, earwigs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, sawfly larvae, soft scales, spider mites, and whiteflies
- Quantity: 16 ounces
Pros
- Works against many different types of insects
- 1 bottle makes 6 gallons of solution
- Biodegrades quickly
Cons
- Can kill beneficial insects such as bees
Get the Safer Brand insecticide for vegetable gardens on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Or, DIY Your Own Insecticide for Vegetable Gardens
While there are plenty of pest control products you can purchase to take out pests in your garden, you can also save money and stay all natural by making your own insecticide out of ingredients you already have at home. Create an oil spray that will smother thrips, mites, and aphids by mixing a cup of vegetable oil with a tablespoon of mild liquid soap.
You can also use the leaves of your tomato plants to create an insecticide. Soak two cups of tomato plant leaves in a quart of water overnight. Strain the solution and then load it into a sprayer to take out a variety of insects that like to feast on vegetable plants.
In addition to tomato leaves, bugs also hate hot peppers. Puree the peppers and then place them in water and let sit overnight. Strain the liquid the next day and use it in a sprayer. The spray will kill bugs on contact, then work as a repellent to keep other pests at bay.
Our Verdict
The Bonide Pyrethrin insecticide for vegetable gardens is effective at ridding one’s garden of pests while remaining environmentally friendly thanks to the use of its naturally occurring active ingredient, pyrethrin. However, it can be toxic to honey bees. Those looking for a versatile and affordable pesticide may want to consider the Garden Safe insecticide for vegetable gardens, which is harvested from Neem trees and is effective at taking out harmful insects and fungus.
Types of Plant Diseases
When fruit trees and vegetables are looking poorly, it’s important to understand the reason before reaching for any pest treatment since most insecticides have no effect on diseases. The presence of insects feeding on the plant is the most obvious indicator that an insecticide will help. Below are more ways to figure out the cause.
Fungal, Bacterial, and Viral
Plant diseases, caused by fungus, bacteria, or a virus, can cause symptoms that look similar to insect damage, like holes in leaves, leaf discoloration or malformation, and stunted growth. Diseases often appear first as discolored spots on leaves. Some affect stems or fruits exclusively, while root diseases weaken the plant, leading to stunting or wilting of the above-ground parts.
In fungal diseases, spots are often round and may appear as brown concentric circles, while bacterial and viral diseases often look more angular, as they follow the leaf veins. As disease spreads, leaves may take on a powdery or fuzzy appearance before turning brown or black and finally dropping. Choose an appropriate fungicide to treat fungal diseases. Plants suffering from viral or bacterial disease must be severely pruned or removed altogether.
Insect-Derived
Beetles and caterpillars chew irregular patterns, often consuming leaves beginning at the tender edges and working their way in. Some insects eat the softer parts of leaves and avoid the tougher veins, giving leaves a lacy appearance.
To kill insects, it’s best to choose a product formulated to control that particular pest. Broad-spectrum insecticides kill a diverse variety of bugs, both “good” and “bad.” Care must be taken to minimize collateral damage to nontargeted species.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Insecticide for Vegetable Gardens
In selecting the best insecticide for vegetable garden use, it’s important to match expectations with the abilities of the product. Some features to consider are organic versus chemical formulas, targeted pests, duration of efficacy, and liquid versus granular products.
Organic vs. Chemical
The active ingredients in an organic insecticide are derived from natural sources, such as minerals, plants, and bacteria. Although many of these products can harm both beneficial bugs and pests, they have a short residual activity time after application, which helps reduce collateral damage.
Timing of the application is critical to ensure effective control, as these products are most effective on immature insects. An organic insecticide can be comparatively expensive, with a less immediate effect and a potential need to reapply multiple times for complete control.
Chemical insecticides typically work much faster, last longer, and cost less per application than their organic counterparts. As with organic insecticides, chemical insecticides can kill both good and bad bugs, so care must be taken to avoid collateral damage.
These products are derived from chemicals that also can be toxic to people, pets, and the environment if used or stored improperly. The slow rate at which they break down in the environment can lead to buildup in soil or groundwater if chemical insecticides are overused. Whenever possible it’s best to go with a repellent that won’t harm beneficial insects or an insecticide that’s deemed safe for the environment by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Targeted Pests
While broad-spectrum insecticides can kill hundreds of different insect species, most vegetable crops are only threatened by one or two different pests. To minimize the chance of damaging beneficial insects, gardeners try to identify and then target the specific enemy. Evidence of tomato fruit worms, for instance, appears as an entry hole in the tomato.
Mexican bean beetles resemble pale orange ladybugs, but they chew on bean plant leaves. Squash bugs attack the stems of squash plants, right at ground level; the larvae bore into the stems, weakening and eventually killing the whole plant. Although the same broad-spectrum insecticide may be appropriate for all three pests, application timing and location on the plant will be different for each.
Another way to target pests that eliminates collateral damage is by using insecticides that only kill the targeted bugs, ensuring that beneficial insects, such as honey bees, are not harmed. Bacillus thuringiensis, for instance, is a biological control for caterpillars that is safe for other insects. Milky spore kills Japanese beetle grubs in the ground, but it’s safe for earthworms and all other soil dwellers.
Application
Liquid insecticides, either targeted or broad spectrum, are fast acting because they immediately deliver the active ingredient to the problem. Spray liquid insecticides directly on foliage, stems, or the root zone of plants to eliminate current pests. Liquids come in both concentrated and ready-to-spray formulas. Concentrates, which cost less per treatment, must be diluted with water before use. Pricier ready-to-spray products save time and the mess of mixing.
Most granular insecticides are broad-spectrum treatments that are effective and persistent at treating soil-level garden pests—but will harm beneficial bugs, too. Granules are easy to apply—simply sprinkle on the soil in the problem area—and store in a closed canister.
Most dust insecticide is a broad-spectrum treatment. They store easily, have a long shelf life, and work fast when applied to foliage, stems, or soil, as needed. Dusts can be tricky to apply evenly, however, especially on lower leaf surfaces. These chemicals are easily and efficiently applied with a garden duster that mixes the product in a gentle air stream and dispenses the dust in a cloud to coat the plant evenly.
In all cases, applying these products according to the instructions is crucial to minimizing any negative impact on the environment. Use only what’s necessary to take care of the problem. It’s particularly important to make sure insecticides do not find their way into bodies of water. Some chemicals that are safe for use can cause significant harm to aquatic life if added directly to water.
Safety
Gardeners should always heed manufacturer safety precautions when applying insecticides. Safety measures may include wearing protective gear like long sleeves, rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask. Be aware of the risks and possible reactions to product exposure. Keep product labels intact, and never reuse insecticide containers for other purposes.
Be prepared for emergencies. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of an adverse reaction to insecticide exposure, which can include stinging eyes, rashes, blisters, dizziness, nausea, or diarrhea. Then check the product label for directions on first aid for exposure to that product. Call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 for first aid information.
For the safety of plants, pay close attention to sunlight and temperature, as some insecticides for vegetable gardens may damage foliage if applied in the heat or bright sunlight. Protect pollinators and other beneficial insects by avoiding treatments while plants are in bloom.
Longevity
When insects are present at all life stages, part or all of the mature population may be controlled by insecticide on contact. But often, in early stages, the egg protects the developing insect, so in a few weeks the pest problem resurges. The more advanced the infestation, the more important it is to apply an insecticide that lasts long enough to kill on contact and be effective on eggs. Otherwise, with less persistent insecticides, frequent applications will be needed to banish bugs.
FAQs
Now that you know more about vegetable garden insecticides, there may be new questions about how to use them. Before you enter a battle with bugs, check out the following answers to common questions about the best insecticides for vegetable gardens.
Q. How do I keep bugs out of my vegetable garden?
Insects tend to attack unhealthy plants. To keep pests away from your veggies, start by providing plentiful sunlight, fertile soil, and good air circulation, along with consistent water that plants need to thrive. Allow beneficial species like praying mantises, garden spiders, and ladybugs to stay in the garden and feast on pests. When necessary, apply an insecticide that will quickly and efficiently eliminate insect pests.
Q. What can I spray on my vegetable garden to kill bugs?
The possibilities are numerous. Do your best to identify the culprit before choosing and applying garden insecticides. Bonide Pyrethrin insecticide for vegetable gardens is the best overall product because it kills a wide variety of insect pests, is easy to apply, and limits damage to nontargeted insects when applied as directed.
Q. What pesticides are safe for vegetable gardens?
There are numerous organic and nonorganic pesticides that are safe for vegetable gardens when applied according to label directions. Pay special attention to the recommended timing of the application for each crop to avoid damaging plants or nontarget insects.
Q. What is the safest pesticide for vegetables?
An argument could be made for Plantonix insecticide for vegetable gardens as one of the safest pesticides for vegetable gardens. It is plant-based and nontoxic to people. Still, be cautious to protect nontargeted species like bees and other beneficial bugs. Follow the label directions carefully, and avoid spraying flowering plants, especially during times of high pollinator activity.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.