Here's an article I wrote about Neem Oil. It's completely safe around birds & mammals - can't vouch for fish, though. ;o) Neem Extract as an Insecticidesize> In India mainly, but also Asia and Africa, grows a tree all plant enthusiasts should be aware of, Azadirachta indica, commonly known as the "neem" tree, and a relative of mahogany. Extracts from the trees seeds contain azadirachtin, a relatively safe and effective naturally occurring organic insecticide. Let me preface the comments following, by reminding you that the terms "naturally occurring and/or organic" do not universally mean safe. Pyrethrums, rotenone, and even the very dangerous nicotine are all organic insecticides that should be handled with great caution. Neem extracts, on the other hand are very safely used in a wide variety of cosmetics, as a topical treatment for minor wounds, as an insecticide in grain storage containers, bins, and bags, and a whole host of other applications. Neem is very safe for use around birds & mammals. I'll limit this discussion to its use as an insecticide. Neem works in many ways. It is effective both in topical and a systemic applications. It is an anti-feedant, an oviposition deterrent (anti-egg laying), a growth inhibitor, a mating disrupter, and a chemosterilizer. Azadirachtin, a tetranortriterpenoid compound, closely mimics the hormone Edison, which is necessary for reproduction in insects. When present, it takes the place of the real hormone and thus disrupts not only the feeding process, but the metamorphic transition as well, disrupting molting. It interferes with the formation of chitin (insect "skin") and stops pupation in larvae, thus short-circuiting the insect life cycle. It also inhibits flight ability, helping stop insect spread geographically Tests have shown that azadirachtin is effective in some cases at concentrations as low as 1 ppm, but some producers use alcohol in the extraction of neem oil from plant parts which causes the azadirachtin to be removed from the oil. Some products touting neem oil as an ingredient actually have no measurable amounts of azadiractin. I use what is referred to either as cold pressed or virgin neem oil. You may also occasionally find it referred to as "raw" neem or "crude" neem oil. Neem oil is most often used in an aqueous (water) suspension as a foliar spray or soil drench. Commonly, it is diluted to about a .5 to 2% solution, but the suggested ratio for use in container plant culture is 1 tsp. per quart of warm water. A drop or two of dish soap (castile or olive oil soap is best) helps keep the oil emulsified. The mixture is then applied as a mist to all leaf and bark surfaces and as a soil drench to the tree's root system. It should not be applied as a foliar spray on hot days or in bright sun as leaf burn may occur. Remember to agitate the container frequently as you apply and do not mix anymore than you will use in one day. Neem breaks down rapidly in water and/ or sunlight. Some users of insecticides feel the need to observe the instant results of their efforts in order to be convinced of the effectiveness of what they are using. The application of neem derivatives does not provide this immediate gratification. There is virtually no knockdown (instant death) factor associated with its use. Insects ingesting or contacting neem usually take about 3 - 14 days to die. Its greatest benefit; however, is in preventing the occurrence of future generations. It is also interesting to note that in studies it was found that when doses were given, purposefully insufficient to cause death or complete disruption of the metamorphic cycle, up to 30 surviving generations showed virtually no resistance/ immunity to normal lethal doses, so it appears that insects build no Âresistance to azadiractin. I have been using neem oil for five years as both a preventative and fixative and have had no insect problems on my container plants. Applications of cold-pressed neem oil are most effective for use on mites, whitefly, aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, caterpillars, beetles, mealy bugs, leaf miners, g-moth, and others. It seems to be fairly specific in attacking insects with piercing or rasping mouth parts. Since these are the pests that feed on plant tissues, they are our main target species. Unless beneficial like spiders, lady beetles, certain wasps, etc., come in direct contact with spray, it does little to diminish their numbers. Neem oil does have an odor that might be described as similar to that of an old onion, so you may wish to test it first, if you intend to use it indoors. I've found the odor dissipates in a day or two. As always, read and follow label instructions carefully. Neem oil can be purchased from many net or local sources. My favorite brand is Dyna-Gro, pure, cold-pressed neem oil. If you have trouble locating a source, you can contact me via the forum or directly. Al Fassezkesize>

SOUNDS Great. I just posted to YOU ... about carpet roses...LOL> THANK YOU ...the plants are FULL of blossoms and small eggplants. I am so excited. I have been mt biking and running trails since Sunday. Home and back at it today. c

Grandmom, Chandra is heavy on my mind. Jordan is the locale my taste buds were tainted. Oh the hummus he's eating daily!! I'm envious! Street vendors.. hummus is like cheap fast food! the streets of Jordan swell with aroma of roasted chick peas and pine nuts. OH.... but I digress... Lisa, I thought about the growing Asian markets. Availability is enlarging (thank, goodness). Then, there is the internet. Shipping for imported food stuffs is not justified on my budget. In fact, I'll be buying my next paste from one in Stillwater or Tulsa. These places don't have USDA standard practices in mind which helps eliminate outbreaks. (Nowadays I think the USDA is pretty lax or, at least, cannot keep up. Well, OK, it's NOT keeping up, apparently but reporting after the fact.) There's a scary thought. Was I at risk all these years? I guess we're always at risk with manufactured goods. In the accompany of Jordanians, it was different. Culturally they keep up with "who's who and what's what" on an informal basis that parallels the effectiveness of government organizations! That's no longer my case, though I have relations with my daughter. She resides in Illinois in a Jordanian community, but she frequently travels missing my stock. I still depend on her for Jameed. Many take advantage of Jordanian travels for the sake of gold. Me? Food, baby. But these are why I should grow it myself, mishandle it myself and give my self Salmonella, too. LOL Bonnie

Here's the one I have made a few times. It was from Yahoo and seems to be a lot like Tyler's above. I add sesame seeds also. I haven't tried it with Tahini, but I'm sure it would be better. It's not as good as what I used to get in the NY. restaurants (the local Chinese restaurants don't offer it,) but it's a good no-frills estimation. Btw... the peanut butter absorbs the flavor of the toasted sesame oil. Without it (or tahini) the toasted sesame oil is going to be strong. "Cold Sesame Noodle: 1 lb Spaghetti or Linguini (cooked, drained, rinsed w/cold water) Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced (qty up to you) Snow Peas, thinly sliced (qty up to you) 1/2 C Peanut Butter 1/3 C Water 1/4 C Rice Vinegar (not the "flavored" kind) 1/4 C Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil 1 Jalapeno Chile, chopped (seeds & veins optional) 1/4 tsp Salt 2 Garlic Cloves DIREX: 1. Prepare the bell pepper and snow peas. 2. Cook spaghetti. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer to a large bowl. 3. In the blender or food processor, blend together the peanut butter, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, jalapeno chile, salt, and garlic cloves. Thoroughly scrape the contents and distribute evenly to coat the noodles and vegetables. That's it! I would add a little ground black pepper since the jalapeno won't set off the heat I want (I'd use a small serrano chile, which is definitely much hotter). This recipe seems very flexible...you can add sliced scallions (i.e., green onion), julienne or matchstick carrots, peanuts or almonds or cashews, toasted sesame seeds, cooked cubed chicken or spam (I know, right?!)...use your imagination. Bon appetit and happy cooking!"