Is Safari 20SG Insecticide Safe for Carnivorous Plants?

Evaluating Safari (Dinotefuran) for Aphid Control on CP

A grower uses Safari 20SG on orchids and wants to treat aphids on Venus flytraps, Sarracenia, and sundews in a sunroom.

Expert Caution

Jeff Dallas: No direct experience with Safari on CP. Products safe for orchids may be safe for Nepenthes and Sarracenia, but delicate sundews and flytraps need testing. Test on a few plants first.

Safari Concerns

• Powerful systemic agricultural pesticide (not for home consumer sale).
• Very long residual activity in plants.
• Highly toxic to honey bees (caused a massive bee kill in Oregon, leading to temporary restrictions).

Better Alternatives

• Neem oil or pyrethrins (short-lived, botanical).
• Wash aphids off with water for small infestations.
• See Sarracenia Northwest podcast on insecticides.