Bee safety - Ask Extension
Neem oil has been targeted as bad for the bees. What else can I apply to my fruits and vegetables to get rid of aphids and grasshoppers?
Knowledgebase
Bee safety #903468
Asked May 29, 2025, 2:41 PM EDT
Neem oil has been targeted as bad for the bees. What else can I apply to my fruits and vegetables to get rid of aphids and grasshoppers?
Delta County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Lorchin,
Neem oil is generally safe for bees and pollinators. Direct contact to bees can be potentially harmful. Timing however is important to not harm them. You will need to apply neem oil in the late evening or early morning when they are inactive.
Neem oil will have no effect on grasshoppers. The only available grasshopper bait that is available is ecobran. If you are looking for something organic to assist with the aphids you can use peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil. I will say that if the problem is bad enough these oils will be basically ineffective and you might need to consider using something synthetic.
