Pyrethrin vs Spinosad
| Feature | Pyrethrin | Spinosad |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Tier A | Tier A |
| Type | Botanical | Microbial-derived |
| Safety | Caution | Caution |
| Bee Safe | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Pet Safe | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| OMRI Listed | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Residual | Very short — degrades in sunlight within 12-24 hours | 7-14 days on leaf; breaks down in sunlight within 1-2 days on exposed surfaces |
| Best For | Quick knockdown of visible pest infestations. Emergency "rescue treatment" when populations spike. | Thrips, leafminers, caterpillars, and fire ants. Broad-spectrum organic workhorse. |
Verdict
Pyrethrin for fastest knockdown; spinosad for more complete kill. Pyrethrin knocks down but insects may recover.
Full Guide: Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin is a botanical insecticide extracted from chrysanthemum flowers that causes rapid insect knockdown by disrupting sodium channels. It degrades within hours in sunlight, making it one of the fastest-breaking organic options — but many insects recover without a synergist.
Full Guide: Spinosad
Spinosad is a naturally derived insecticide that kills thrips, caterpillars, leafminers, and fire ants through nervous system disruption. OMRI-listed and effective, but must be applied in evening hours to protect pollinators.