Nicotine, one of the ingredients found in tobacco, works as an effective pesticide to control insects such as aphids and spider mites. Nicotine sometimes carries the tobacco mosaic virus, which can infect plants such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), which grow as annuals in all U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones. Nicotine doesn't hurt grass, however, nor does the tobacco mosaic virus.
Nicotine serves as a pesticide, but not an herbicide. The nicotine is unlikely to cause damage to your lawn when sprayed to control pests. It's more dangerous to you than to your lawn. Nicotine absorbs through the skin, carrying toxic levels of chemicals into the bodies of people and animals. For this reason, it's not usually recommended for home gardeners and isn't readily available at many garden supply stores. If you decide to use nicotine on your lawn or plants, cover yourself completely with protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles, and keep pets away from the area. The toxic effects dwindle quickly after application, but it's best to avoid the area until the nicotine solution dries completely.
- Colorado State University Cooperative Extension: Some Pesticides Permitted in Organic Gardening
- Colorado State University Cooperative Extension: Pesticides -- Natural Isn't Always Best
- University of Minnesota Extension: Tomato-Tobacco Mosaic Virus Disease
- Penn State Extension: Tobacco Mosaic Virus
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Antirrhinum Majus Snapdragon
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