📋 Key Facts at a Glance
🎯 Primary Uses in Pest Control
Spinosad is used for: fire ant bait (Fertilome Come and Get It, Monterey Garden Insect Spray), caterpillar/worm control in gardens, veterinary flea treatments (Comfortis, Capstar for dogs; Natroba for human lice), thrips control, and leafminer treatment. It's particularly valued where resistance to conventional insecticides is a problem.
🛡️ Safety Summary
Among the safest insecticides for mammals, birds, and most non-target invertebrates. Well-tolerated by dogs and cats at veterinary use rates. Approved for use around food crops close to harvest. Primary non-target concern: moderately toxic to bees when wet — apply in evening after bees have returned to hives.
🔬 Resistance Status
Limited resistance documented — the dual mode of action slows resistance development. Some resistance in diamondback moth (agricultural) after extended use. In structural pest control, resistance is not a significant concern.
