Spices work like valium hammer on pests

By Sheilah Downey (sheilahd@foodconsumer.org)

A concoction of plant oils from rosemary, clove, thyme and peppermint, called "essential oil pesticides," are an environmentally friendly way of killing off garden pests, say researchers.

The four-spice mixture works by targeting octopamine levels in the insect's heart, which eventually breaks down its nervous system, according to researcher Dr. Murry Isman, of the University of British Columbia.

"Basically it has a calming effect on the insect, like its own supply of Valium," said Isman in a news release. "Blocking octopamine causes hyperactivity and quickly leads to death of the insect."

With the world waking up to the problems of toxins in the environment, calls for organic pesticides are increasing in demand.

"For consumers, these natural ingredients have a long history of safety based on their use as flavorings in foods and beverages and as fragrances in cosmetics." said Isman.

Isman, professor of entomology and toxicology at the University, helped develop the "killer spices" for use in Eco-SMART, the trade name of the organic insecticide.

"We also suggested the company market the product for agricultural purposes since they're non-toxic to fish," said Isman. "They breakdown naturally within 24 hours in water and therefore can be used around waterways."

The product kills ants, cockroaches, dust mites, flies, wasps, hornets and other common pests. It has also been found effective against a range of agricultural pests, according to a UBC press release.