Pesticides available for

Home Gardeners
RHS Gardening Advice, April 2023

The RHS believes that avoiding pests, manufacturer’s instructions. To check MAPP
diseases and weeds by good practice in numbers, see
cultivation methods, cultivar selection, https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/garden/prodse
garden hygiene and encouraging or arch.asp
introducing natural enemies, should be the
first line of control. If chemical controls are Technically the definition of pesticides also
used, they should be used only in a includes fungicides and weedkillers, this leaflet
minimal and highly targeted manner. For only covers pesticides that control animals
example, where pests, diseases or weeds (primary insects and mites) that affect garden
pose a serious threat to the wider and house plants. Information on weedkillers
environment, to important heritage and fungicides are available separately. Some
specimens, to habitat, or to native wildlife products listed in this leaflet, for example plant
extracts which act by physical means, are not
The mention of any product, supplier or considered pesticides and do not always
service does not constitute an endorsement require approval.
by RHS Gardening Advice. It is a list of
products available to the home gardener. To use pesticides safely the following rules
should be observed:
The RHS statement on pesticides in horticulture
and how gardeners can help bees and other  Avoid the use of pesticides, use them
pollinators by avoiding the use of pesticides can only when really necessary. Tolerate
be found at https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the- some damage and use cultivation
rhs/policies/pesticide-statement techniques such as rotation of crops or hand
removal. Using biological controls and
Trained staff are present, by law, in larger retail encouraging natural enemies can eliminate
the need for spraying.
outlets who can give good advice on what
 Do not spray open blooms because of
products to buy, how to use them and the danger to bees, butterflies and other
alternative methods of control. pollinators, some of which are active at
night.
Introduction  Identify the problem correctly in order to
apply appropriate control.
All relevant EU law in relation to the regulation  Select a pesticide that is approved for the
of plant protection products has been retained purpose; always read the label before
in GB law. Northern Ireland will continue to be choosing a product. Do not purchase large
subject to existing EU law. An independent amounts of pesticide that will require some
pesticides regulatory regime is in operation (as time to use up. If only a few plants require
of 01/01/2021) in Great Britain (England, treatment, a ready-to-use formulation may
Scotland and Wales); new decisions taken be more appropriate.
under EU regulations will not apply in Great  Read the manufacturer’s instructions and
Britain, this includes any new EU plant check for any limitations or specific
pesticide legislation. precautions you should take. As an added
safety measure you could wear rubber
Products approved in the UK are assigned a gloves when applying or handling
registration number, printed on the packaging – pesticides.
MAPP numbers for pesticides for use on plants  Avoid contact with exposed parts of the
and HSE numbers for household products. body, particularly the eyes and mouth. Wash
Products with currently listed numbers are off any splashes immediately.
approved and considered to meet current
safety standards if used in accordance with the
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 Avoid breathing in sprays, for example by information on waste disposal sites see
standing up-wind while treating. www.garden-care.org.uk
 Wash after using pesticides.
 Do not smoke, eat or drink while applying Choosing pesticides available to
pesticides. home gardeners
 Make sure no one or pets are nearby when
spraying and keep them away until the This leaflet is not a complete list of pesticides
foliage is dry. available to home gardeners but it includes
 Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions many widely available products. It is largely
and apply the pesticide at the stated rate based on information supplied by the
and in the manner described. It is a legal manufacturers. Some active ingredients listed
requirement to comply with the Statutory under manufacturers’ brand names may be
Conditions on the label. available from some outlets as “own brand”
 Spray at the correct times and intervals as products. It is not practicable to list these.
this is often crucial for effective control. Check the label carefully to confirm the active
 When spraying an edible plant, check that ingredient.
the pesticide is approved for that plant and
note the instructions for the period of time The following list of retail packs has been drawn
that must be left between treatment(s) and up to assist gardeners in choosing pesticides.
harvest (harvest interval) and the maximum Proprietary products sold for the control of
number of applications permitted per insects and mites are listed under the chemical
growing season. name of their active ingredient. Manufacturers
 It is illegal to mix two pesticides together of pesticides subject to regulations made under
unless the manufacturer indicates that this is UK legislation are obliged by law to print the
permissible. Some products are sold as name of the active ingredient on the label but
combined insecticide/fungicide for use on this may be in small print. It is emphasised that
ornamental plants. the RHS is not liable in any way for any
 Spray plants thoroughly, including stems, consequences that may ensue from the use of
buds and the underside of leaves but these products.
without excessive run-off or drift.
 Do not spray plants that may be damaged The lists of insects and mites controlled given
by pesticides or allow spray to drift on to under the names of the active ingredients are
them. Because of the large numbers of for guidance only. The instructions for the
species and cultivars of ornamental plants products’ use must be read carefully and
grown in gardens and greenhouses, followed. Harvest intervals (the period of time
sensitivity to products should always be that must elapse between treatment and
checked on a small area or number of harvesting edibles) are not given in this leaflet
plants. and reference must be made to the product
 To avoid drift and potential plant damage do label. Products with the same active ingredient
not use pesticides in wet, windy, completely may vary in the range of pests controlled and
calm or hot sunny weather, or when plants the plants on which they can be used.
are suffering from drought. Spray in the
early morning, late afternoon or evening. Products for control of mammal problems such
 All pesticides pose a risk to fish, amphibians as mice and rats are not included on this leaflet.
and other pond life. Keep pesticides, away Products for controlling animals which do not
from ponds, ditches, streams and other directly affect plants are also not included.
water bodies.
 Clean all equipment after spraying. Do not Further details about most of the products listed
apply pesticides with apparatus that has can be obtained from The Common Sense
been used for weedkillers. Gardening Group of the Crop Protection
 Store pesticides in a cool, safe place away Association (www.garden-care.org.uk/about) .
from children and pets, keeping them tightly Further information on pesticide approvals and
closed and in their original containers. safe use can be obtained from
 Dispose of unwanted or out-of-date http://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/user-
pesticides by taking them to a manned local areas/garden-home.htm.
authority household waste site where they
should be handed over to the staff. For
Online www.rhs.org.uk/myadvice Tel 01483 479700 (Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm) Follow us on
Write to RHS Gardening Advice, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB
The mention of any product, supplier or service does not constitute an endorsement by the RHS Gardening Advice.
©RHS – not to be copied or reproduced without prior permission. RHS Registered Charity No.222879/SC038262
Pesticide products available to home gardeners
Key
* These active ingredients are fungicides. Detail are given in Fungicides for Home Gardeners
RTU Ready to use sprays

1. Natural (organic) insecticides

These products are derived from plants or are other naturally occurring substances. They are contact in
action and require thorough application, especially to the undersides of leaves. They can affect a broad
range of small invertebrates, including beneficials if they are present at the time of treatment. The short
persistence may mean that frequent applications are required. They are considered safe to use on most
plants, including listed fruits and vegetables, these can be treated close to harvest (see label
instructions).

a) Natural pyrethrum/pyrethrins
Derived from the flowers of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (syn. Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium). Broad
spectrum insecticide, that can control a wide range of invertebrates including whitefly, small caterpillars,
aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, capsids, ants and some beetles.

Sprays Bug Clear Ultra 2 concentrate (also contains vegetable oils)

Neudorff Bug Free Bug and Larvae Killer RTU and concentrate (also contains
vegetable oils)
Dusts & Py Insect Killer Powder
Granules

b) Plant oils, fatty acids and extracts

Refined plant oils, such as those derived from rapeseed and sunflowers, which block the breathing
pores (spiracles) of small insects and mites, including aphids, whitefly, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects
and red spider mite. Larger invertebrates such as bees and ladybirds are less likely to be harmed. No
harvest interval required but do not use on fuchsias or begonias. Also available as winter wash for use
against overwintering aphid eggs on dormant deciduous fruit trees and bushes.

Sprays Bug Clear Fruit & Veg Concentrate

BugClear Fruit & Veg Ultra RTU (Rapeseed oil)
Growing Success Winter Tree Wash Concentrate
RoseClear 3 in 1 Action RTU
Vitax Plant Guard Pest & Disease Control RTU & Concentrate (contains fish oils)
Vitax Rose Guard RTU
Vitax Winter Tree Wash

2. Compounds with a physical mode of action (not-organic)

Plant invigorators
Consisting of blends of surfactants and nutrients or fatty acids and algae extracts, plant invigorators aid
the optimal nutrition of plants and can help control whitefly, aphids, mealybugs and red spider mite as
well as some plant diseases. Healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases and the
invigorators give some control by a sticking and a washing process.

Spray Spot-On Bug Control RTU

Doff Universal Bug Control RTU
Doff Roseshield 2 in 1 Bug & Fungus Control RTU
Ecofective Bug and Mildew Control RTU and concentrated refill
Ecofective Bug Control RTU and concentrated refill
Ecofective Houseplant Bug Control RTU
Ecofective Rose Defender 3 in 1 RTU and concentrated refill
Growing Success Bug Stop RTU

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The mention of any product, supplier or service does not constitute an endorsement by the RHS Gardening Advice.
©RHS – not to be copied or reproduced without prior permission. RHS Registered Charity No.222879/SC038262
 Growing Success Rose Guard RTU
Phostrogen Organic Bug Plant Defence RTU
RHS Bug and Mildew Control RTU and concentrate
SB Plant Invigorator RTU and concentrate

3. Synthetic insecticides: contact action

Synthetic pyrethroids
Contact and broad spectrum, effective against a wide range of insects including aphids, whiteflies,
leafhoppers, thrips, beetles, ants and small caterpillars. By making alterations to the molecular structure
of natural pyrethrum, synthetic photostable pyrethroid compounds, such as cypermethrin, lambda-
cyhalothrin deltamethrin and permethrin, were developed. These synthetic pyrethroids retain the low
mammalian toxicity of other pyrethroids but can remain active against insects for several weeks. Natural
pyrethroids break down quickly in sunlight losing their activity within days. Some products can be used
on listed food plants.

a) Deltamethrin
A spray concentrate and ready to use for controlling aphids, whitefly, caterpillars, codling moth, plum
moth, tortrix moths, raspberry beetle, flea beetles, weevils, sawfly larvae, apple and pear suckers,
leafhoppers, capsid bugs, scale insects and mealybugs on ornamental plants and a wide range of listed
edibles.

Sprays Baby Bio Houseplant Bug Killer RTU

Provanto Ultimate Bug Killer RTU and concentrate
Provanto Ultimate Fruit & Vegetable Bug Killer RTU and concentrate
Provanto Sprayday Greenfly Killer concentrate
Toprose Bug Killer RTU

b) Lambda-cyhalothrin
A concentrate and ready to use spray for controlling aphids, capsid bug, thrips, whitefly, beetles,
caterpillars, pea moth, pea and bean weevil, sawflies, leaf curling midges, carrot fly adults and some
other insects. Can be used on ornamental plants and a wide range of listed fruits and vegetables.

Sprays Resolva Bug Killer Ready to use

Resolva Bug Killer Concentrate

c) Cypermethrin
Available as a ready to use spray and concentrate for application to a wide range of ornamental and
edible plants. There is also a ready to use spray for aphid control with a fungicide that is effective
against rose rust, blackspot and powdery mildew that can be used on ornamental plants.

Sprays Py Bug Killer RTU and concentrate

RoseClear Ultra Gun 2 RTU (+ myclobutanil*)

d) Permethrin
Smoke formulations for use against aphids, whitefly and other insects in greenhouses.

Smoke DeadFast Greenhouse Smoke Generator 2

Vitax Greenhouse Fumigator

4. Synthetic insecticides: systemic action

Systemic insecticides are absorbed into plants through the roots and/or foliage, they usually also have
contact action. Invertebrates are affected when they feed on the treated roots and/or foliage.

Withdrawal of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam

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Two neonicotinoid pesticides that were available to the home gardener (imidacloprid and thiamethoxam)
were withdrawn in 2013. Following concern over their effects on bees and other pollinators the European
Commission restricted there use whilst further evidence was gathered and evaluated. In April 2018 the
withdrawal was made permanent and extended to include plants that are either not pollinated by bees
such as cereal crops, which are wind pollinated, or ones that are harvested before they flower such as
sugar beet in outside spaces. This withdrawal of approval became effective at the end of 2018.
Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam may still be used by professional growers on plants grown in a fully
enclosed greenhouse environment with stringent conditions that prohibit treated plants being put outside
until they have finished flowering, nor planted in the soil until nine months have elapsed after growing
medium treatment. Two other neonicotinoids, both considered of lower bee toxicity, remain available to
professional growers; acetamiprid and thiacloprid. The only neonicotinoid available to home gardeners is
acetamiprid. It is illegal to use unapproved products and these should be taken to a local authority
household waste site where they should be handed over to the staff. For information on waste disposal
sites see www.garden-care.org.uk. It remains legal to use the neonicotinoid-based products that are not
affected by the withdrawal, listed below.

a) Acetamiprid
A broad spectrum, systemic and contact action pesticide for use as a foliar spray on ornamental plants.
Some formulations can be used on tomato, aubergine, pepper, potato, lettuce, apple, pear, cherry and
plum. Also as a compost drench on container grown ornamental plants, primarily against vine weevil
grubs. This pesticide also controls aphids, whitefly, scale insects, mealybugs and thrips. The spray
formulations can also be used against red spider mite, lily beetle and caterpillars. Sprays containing the
fungicide triticonazole also control mildew, rust and blackspot on roses.

Sprays BugClear Ultra concentrate

BugClear Ultra Gun RTU
RoseClear Ultra concentrate (+ triticonazole*)
RoseClear Ultra Gun RTU (+ triticonazole*)
Compost drench BugClear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer

b) Flupyradifurone
Flupyradifurone is a newly developed systemic insecticide, chemically classified as a butenolide. It
has the same mode of action and a similar chemical structure to neonicotinoids. It is used as a foliar
spray for the control of sucking insects such as aphids (greenfly, blackfly), whitefly, scale insects and
leafhoppers. It can be used on ornamentals and a variety of edibles: tomato, pepper, chilli, cucumber,
aubergine, courgette, summer squash and can also be used on apple.

Sprays Provanto Smart Bug Killer RTU

5. Slug control pesticides

In addition to the chemicals listed below for controlling slugs and snails, there are many products
available that deter or act as a barrier to these pests. There are also biological controls available.
Further details of these products are given in the advisory information on “Slugs and Snails”
https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/slugs.

a) Ferric (iron) phosphate

A pelleted bait for use against slugs and snails. Less toxic to birds and mammals than metaldehyde and
is approved for use by organic growers around ornamental and edible plants.

Pellets Doff Slug & Snail Killer

Doff Power Up Slug & Snail Killer
Growing Success Slug Killer Advanced
Spot-on Garden Slug Killer
SlugClear Ultra3
Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer
Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer Ultra
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 Spot-on Garden Slug Killer
Vitax Slug Rid
Withdrawal of metaldehyde
In September 2020 the government announced the withdrawal of metaldehyde slug control, with
product sales ending in March 2021. The withdrawal was planned following advice from the UK expert
committee on pesticides and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who consider that metaldehyde
poses an unacceptable risk to birds and mammals. An initial withdrawal in 2019 was overturned due to
problems with incorrect implementation. Remaining stocks of the following products should have been
used up or disposed of by 31st March 2022.

Pellets Doff Slug Killer Blue Mini Pellets

Protect Garden Slug & Snail Killer

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL

USE PESTICIDES SAFELY

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Pesticide and plant protection product companies

Job Done, Baby Bio, Provanto, Phostrogen, Protect Garden and Toprose products are marketed
by SBM Life Science Ltd. Hyperion House, Ground Floor, Fordham Road, New Market CB8 7XN.
https://www.seezon.co.uk/Tel: 03303 303563

Doff products are marketed by Doff Portland Ltd, Aerial Way, Watnall Road, Hucknall,
Nottingham NG15 6DW. www.doff.co.uk Tel: 0115 983 4300

Ecofective, RHS and SPOT-ON products are marketed by Sipcam Home & Garden Ltd, 4c Archway
House, The Lanterns, Melbourn Street, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 7BX. www.ecofective.uk.com Tel:
01763 212103

SB Plant Invigorator is marketed by Stan Brouard Ltd, PO Box 383, Landes du Marche, Vale,
Guernsey GY1 3FE. www.sbproducts.co.uk Email [email protected]

Bug Clear, Rose Clear and Slug Clear products are marketed by EverGreen Garden Care, 1
Archipelago, Lyon Way, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7ER. www.lovethegarden.com Tel: 01276 401300

Neudorff and Sluggo products are marketed by DLF Seeds Ltd, Thorn Farm, Evesham Road,
Inkberrow, Worcestershire WR7 4LJ. www.neudorff.co.uk

Resolva, Growing Success and Deadfast products are marketed by Westland Horticulture Ltd,
Alconbury Hill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4HY.. www.gardenhealth.com Tel: 01480 443789

Vitax, Py and Nippon products are marketed by Vitax Ltd, Owen Street, Coalville, Leicestershire
LE67 3DE. www.vitax.co.uk Email [email protected] Tel: 01530 510060

Online www.rhs.org.uk/myadvice Tel 01483 479700 (Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm) Follow us on

Write to RHS Gardening Advice, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB
The mention of any product, supplier or service does not constitute an endorsement by the RHS Gardening Advice.
©RHS – not to be copied or reproduced without prior permission. RHS Registered Charity No.222879/SC038262