Natria is not organic. When reviewing the product information for Natria Grass & Weed Control you will not see the word “organic” in the company’s claims or labeling. This is because Natria includes Maleic Hydrazide, a chemical herbicide. Natria is not more “natural” or “organic” than any other commercial herbicide.
What Ingredients are in Natria Weed Killer?
Natria weed killer contains two active ingredients—ammoniated soap of fatty acids and Maleic Hydrazide. Ammoniated soap of fatty acids is plant-derived and relatively harmless. However, Maleic Hydrazide is a chemical herbicide. If you compare Natria vs. Roundup, you will see that both weed killers contain potentially harmful chemical herbicides.
Is Natria Weed Killer Safe for Humans?
There is currently conflicting evidence about the toxicity of the Maleic Hydrazide in Natria. Some studies have suggested that the Maleic Hydrazide in Natria could be a cause of cancer.
- Natria contains Maleic Hydrazide, a herbicide that breaks chromosomes and is harmful to insects and small mammals.
- Some studies have linked Maleic Hydrazide to increased cancer rates in mammals.
- Currently, no studies have established a clear link between Maleic Hydrazide and cancer in humans.
A study backed by the European Food Safety Authority did not identify Maleic Hydrazide as a high risk to humans. So, no clear link between Natria’s ingredients and danger to humans has been established.
Is Natria Dog Safe?
Some previous scientific studies have linked the Maleic Hydrazide in Natria to cancer and mutation in mammals, such as mice, which implies it may not be safe for dogs. However, recent studies show a low risk for Maleic Hydrazide to harm animals. The Natria website states that you should allow Natria weed killers to dry before allowing pets into the area. So, Natria is likely to be dangerous to pets when it is still wet. If you use Natria in a yard with dogs, make sure the weed killer is allowed to dry for at least 2 hours before your dogs are allowed to enter the area. If you want to be extra certain your pets are safe, use an organic weed killer instead.
Is Natria Safe for Bees?
Currently, both the active ingredients, Ammoniated soap of fatty acids and Maleic Hydrazide, in Natria are classified as non-toxic to bees.
- Pesticide classification resources show that the active ingredients in Natria are not toxic to bees.
- Inactive ingredients not tested by the FDA may be harmful to bees and other pollinators.
Just because the active ingredients in a herbicide are not dangerous to bees does not mean the product is necessarily bee-safe. Evidence that Roundup is highly deadly to bees found that the active ingredients are not the culprit. In fact, the inactive ingredients in Roundup kill bees at high rates. The FDA does not test the toxicity of inactive ingredients.
Is Natria Weed Killer Environmentally Friendly?
The same European Food Safety Authority study found that Natria is considered “low risk” when it comes to harming the environment. It’s important to note though that “low risk” is not the same as “no risk.” Natria includes ingredients that are more environmentally friendly than some competitor weed killers, but it is not as safe as organic weed control measures.
Is Natria All Natural?
Natria is not an all-natural product. Although it contains the plant-derived weed killer ammoniated fatty acids, it also contains chemical herbicides. The Maleic Hydrazide in Natria is a chemical herbicide. Despite what the name and branding imply, Natria is not a natural weed killer.
What is the Best Organic Weed Killer?
The best organic weed killer sprays are those that contain citrus oil. A citrus oil weed killer can take the place of non-selective herbicides in your weed control arsenal. Some manufacturers advertise vinegar-based weed killers as organic solutions. Do not use these products. The acetic acid in vinegar has been shown to be deadly to bees.
- This organic weed killer contains citrus oil and is a great alternative to synthetic herbicides.
- Avoid “organic” weed killers that contain vinegar—they are harmful to bees and other pollinators.
- Hand-weeding is a super-effective organic weed control method.
One of the best ways to kill weeds naturally is by hand-weeding. Digging up weeds by the root kills weeds permanently and prevents them from returning. Since there are no chemicals involved, using a weeding tool to get the job done is an organic way to remove weeds.
Is Natria Grass and Weed Control Organic?
Natria Grass & Weed Control is not an organic product. It contains chemical herbicides as well as plant-derived weed killers. Although the Maleic Hydrazide in Natria has not been as strongly linked to human, animal, and environmental health risks as some other herbicides, it is not a natural solution. If you want to use an organic weed killer spray, search for a product made from citrus oil. These organic weed killer sprays are natural products that can help wipe out weeds in flower beds and the rest of your yard.