Spinosad is a relatively new insecticide that is made up of two complex organic compounds, spinosyn A (right) and spinosyn D. These compounds are produced by certain microbes that were first discovered in soil found at an abandoned rum factory.
Spinosad is a broad-spectrum, organic insecticide. The term "broad-spectrum" means that it is toxic to a wide variety of insects but, surprisingly, spinosad is relatively non-toxic to mammals. Even though it is toxic to most insects, it is relatively safe to use around beneficial and non-target species because it is only toxic if ingested or if a treated surface is contacted while wet.
If used carefully only insects that actually ingest (eat) something that has been treated, such as a leaf, are affected. This is different than a lot of other broad-spectrum insecticides that are toxic if the insect merely comes in contact with even the dry
