Is my old bottle of Neem concentrate still good? - Ask Extension
If my bottle of Neem oil ever had an expiry or best-by date on it, it's long faded or fallen off, and I bought it about six years ago, so I'm wonderin...
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Is my old bottle of Neem concentrate still good? #250674
Asked June 06, 2015, 9:16 PM EDT
If my bottle of Neem oil ever had an expiry or best-by date on it, it's long faded or fallen off, and I bought it about six years ago, so I'm wondering if it's still good. I think this is the vendor (Green Light Organic) and identical bottle:
http://www.amazon.com/Green-Light-Organic-Neem-Concentrate/dp/B000A0ONB2
Any insight you could offer me? I'd be grateful!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
How long a pesticide remains effective depends on the pesticide formulation, length of storage and conditions during storage. I wasn't able to find information specifically on the shelf life of neem oil, but here are some general guidelines from the University of Illinois Extension.
The major concerns would be how the neem oil was stored (climate controlled vs a fluctuating temperature shed/garage) and that there is a possibility that the product will have separated.
In this case, because the pesticide is old enough that the label has degraded I would recommend purchasing fresh product. This way you can be assured that the active ingredient will be effective against the pests you are trying to control.
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The major concerns would be how the neem oil was stored (climate controlled vs a fluctuating temperature shed/garage) and that there is a possibility that the product will have separated.
In this case, because the pesticide is old enough that the label has degraded I would recommend purchasing fresh product. This way you can be assured that the active ingredient will be effective against the pests you are trying to control.
Thanks for using Ask An Expert!
Thanks!
