Nicotine / Tobacco Extract
Quick Facts
- Type
- Botanical alkaloid (banned)
- Source
- Nicotine extracted from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) — one of the first botanical insecticides in history
- OMRI Listed
- No
- Bee Safe
- No — apply in evening
- Pet Safe
- Caution
- Residual
- 2-3 days on surfaces; quickly absorbed into skin
- Best For
- Nothing. Historical interest only.
What Is Nicotine / Tobacco Extract?
Nicotine overstimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insect and mammalian nervous systems, causing convulsions, paralysis, and death. Readily absorbed through skin. Lethal dose in children as low as 1 mg/kg body weight.
Source: Nicotine extracted from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) — one of the first botanical insecticides in history
What Pests Does Nicotine / Tobacco Extract Kill?
Nicotine / Tobacco Extract is effective against the following pests:
How to Apply Nicotine / Tobacco Extract
Best for: Nothing. Historical interest only.
Avoid for: ALL uses. Nicotine is too dangerous for any pest control application.
Residual activity: 2-3 days on surfaces; quickly absorbed into skin
Safety Profile
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bee Safety | 🔴 Toxic to bees while wet |
| Pet Safety | 🔴 Use caution around pets |
| Overall Rating | Warning — Organic but toxic or dangerous to non-targets |
Why Isn't Nicotine / Tobacco Extract Working?
If Nicotine / Tobacco Extract isn't delivering results, check these common failure modes:
LETHAL to humans at low doses — absorbed through skin
Kills bees and all beneficial insects
Transmits Tobacco Mosaic Virus
Banned for agricultural use worldwide
Inspired synthetic neonicotinoids (colony collapse)