Hi Jan, according to the National Pesticide Information Center, “Neem oil is practically non-toxic to birds, mammals, bees and plants. Neem oil is slightly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Azadirachtin, a component of neem oil, is moderately toxic to fish and other aquatic animals. It is important to remember that insects must eat the treated plant to be killed. Therefore, bees and other pollinators are not likely to be harmed.”

Effect on birds visiting our flowering dogwood tree… ie hummingbirds?

G, you draw conclusions way too quickly. You assume that it doesn’t work, because it doesn’t work for you, and then call it the day. Pure ignorance on your part. Watch on Youtube “The Best Natural INSECTICIDE, Hands Down (Your Soil and Plants will Love it Too!) DIY”. It works really well for that guy, but you’re clearly not using the exact same product as shown in the video.

And look at what you wrote…. “I’m not sure “…. “I think”…. “probably doesn’t”….
That shows that don’t know the facts, instead you’re just making assumptions.

Hi Craig, we have not conducted research on the safety of using neem oil as a soil drench for food crops. However if studies have concluded that it is not fit to consume, you would want to find an alternative treatment that has been found either safe for consumption or that breaks down prior to the crops being harvested. The most reliable sources to find information for this would be through https://www.usda.gov/ and well established university studies.

Thank you for the information James! The link we provide in the article for the Neem oil states that it contains high Azadirachtin content.

James, I believe that if you’re careful enough you can buy pure neem oil from web sources, as a cold press product, which contains all the chemical benefits – including Azadirachtin – of the oil. I’m also aware of the other, more popular neem products, one being the extracted Azadirachtin that you refer to, and the other being the Azadirachtin-depleted oil that you also refer to. But there’s also the third option that I first mentioned.

Hi Rebecca, I have not heard of Neem being harmful to bees as they would need to consume the oil or plant itself (for neem with Azadirachtin in it) to be affected. Thank you!