Neem / Hort Oil Possibly Dangerous?

Bonsai Nut

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There are a lot of terms being tossed around haphazardly here. "Neem oil" is a specific product of the neem tree - an evergreen tree from India. "Horticultural oil" can mean just about anything. Neem oil is, in the big scheme of things, a relatively subtle product. Though it has been used as an insecticide for 1000's of years, it is better termed an insect repellent. It has a strong initial impact with strong knock-down... but relatively low insect mortality. It must be reapplied frequently to provide a barrier to reinfestation.

For what it's worth, it has been used in folk medicines (on humans) for centuries.

More importantly is the possible interaction of any oil-based insecticide with sulfur, which can cause a toxic combination. On any sulfur product I have ever used, they always warn to not apply horticultural oils within 6 weeks of applying sulfur.
 
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