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Q&A – Just how safe is Sevin insecticide?

Question:
Growing up my family relied on Sevin dust. Just how safe is Sevin?

Answer: 
Sevin (carbaryl) is very safe to humans. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says toxicity is judged based on LD50, the amount of the chemical per kilogram of body weight required to kill half the test population. Carbaryl has an LD50 of 350-500 mg/kg of body weight. He compares carbaryl’s toxicity to other common chemicals. Carbaryl is very toxic to insects including beneficials and it toxic to fish. Make sure you read and follow the label directions on any pesticide.

Related Videos:
Carbaryl
Pesticide Modes of Action
Pesticide Lifespan and Storage

Related Resources:
Pesticide Information Profile Carbaryl
National Pesticide Information Center: Carbaryl
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search