Please note the following reaserch of internet data; 1: A very popular pest control product is neem oil. Neem oil is extracted by pressing the seeds of the Indian neem tree. The resulting oil concentrate can be purchased at quality garden stores. Neem is generally applied in a spray to the entire plant. Don��t forget to spray the underside of leaves, because many insects will hide there. The dilution rate for mixing the neem oil is one to two teaspoons per quart of water. To help the oil and water mix, try adding a couple drops of hand soap; make sure the soap is not antibacterial. When the sprayed neem oil comes in contact with the garden pests, the active ingredient, azadirachtin, confuses the insect��s growth hormones. On young garden insects or eggs this contact will cause the insect to never reach sexual maturity, meaning that no offspring will be produced. Neem oil is effective against spidermites, aphids, scales, fungus gnats and even harms beneficial insects. Neem can also effectively remove powdery mildew and rust. HOWEVER; Neem oil should not be used on edible plants and are going to be consumed. Neem oil is a SYSTEMIC PESTICIDE and will be ABSORBED DIRECTLY INTO the plant that it is being used on (you may also only just place it in the surrounding soil and it WILL absorb it). If one does intend to use neem oil on a plant that is edible, it is best to make sure that none of the neem oil comes into direct contact the with fruits or vegetables (Best Practice). 2: Reported effects of neem oil on humans are summarised. Two cases were described where oral administration to young children resulted in acute toxic effects. The oil, even in small amounts (5ml)was reported to cause toxic encephalopathy. Features were vomiting, drowsiness, tachypnoea, and recurrent generalised seizures. Laboratory tests showed that the oil causes leukocytosis and metabolic acidosis (Lai et al., 1990). Sinniah et al. (1982) reported the case of a child, who died after administration of the oil as treatment for a cough. Autopsy findings revealed changes in the liver and kidneys consistent with Reye��s syndrome but unlike those described in acute aflatoxicosis. As aflatoxins have been identified in oil samples, the toxic action of the oil may have been due to the synergistic effects of aflatoxins and other toxic components in the oil. In indigenous medicine in India, the oil is considered to have a contraceptive activity 3: It should NOT be given internally to the weak, very young or the old and must be avoided by any pregnant women, or women trying to become pregnant. High continuous intake could cause liver problems. Neem seed oil CAN (as its been reported), when taken internally, produce a toxic effect in humans, and side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, acidosis, encephalopathy, etc amongst other things. The toxic effects might be due to the presence of aflatoxin and other toxic compounds present in Neem oil. Neem oil shows toxicity to fish like tilapia and carp, and oral administration of the oil in rats and rabbits (at 14 ml/kg and 24ml/kg respectively) produced a severe hypoglycaemic effect and possibly targets the central nervous system and lungs. Taking Neem oil internally is not recommended and taking internal doses as small as 5 ml has killed infants �V I would recommend to err on the side of safety. Neem capsules containing the aqueous extract are also sold �V but it is an extract from the leaves, and is not the oil itself. If you do your research beyond the blue i think there is more to the story. Personally try these Red Pepper, Garlic and Onion Spray Chop an unpeeled onion and a head of garlic. Simmer the onion and garlic with 15 ml (1 tbsp) cayenne pepper in about 1.5 litres (2 �� pints) water for 20 minutes. Cool the mixture, pour into a jar, seal, stand for six weeks and strain into bottles. To use, mix 15 ml (1 tbsp) of this mixture with 750 ml (1�� pints) water. Add a little soap solution. Use as a general pest spray as well as for caterpillars. Note: Do not allow this to come into contact with eyes or skin. You can find these and more at www.angelfire.com/ri/ixia/Insect.html other organic sites also state use of edible oil to be mixed in to these "like" ingredients.

Follow up for the ANTS. I finally had to call an exterminator. First they were just in my yard, patio and garden...finally they were coming in my house. The exterminator found that they are Big Headed Ants. Imported probably from Africa after landscape plants were brought in to help after the hurricanes. Nasty aggresive ants that will displace native insects. They are very small except for the workers which really do have "big heads". He put down dust and baits in the switch plates, sprayed the baseboards and sprayed the entire yard (excluding my veggie garden). Guaranteed for 2 months, we will see. Here is a link that might be useful: Big Headed Ants

This from Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) ...Neem oil: Neem oil is extracted from the tropical neem tree, Azadirachta indica, contains insecticidal properties that are composed of a complex mixture of biologically active compounds. It has a strong, slightly garlic-like odor that some people describe as unpleasant. Its various active ingredients act as repellents, feeding inhibitors, egg laying deterrents, growth retardants, sterilants and direct toxins. Neem has both contact and systemic action in plants. The active ingredients biodegrade rapidly in sunlight and within a few weeks in the soil. Neem oil has very low toxicity to mammals. Clarified hydrophobic extracts of neem oil are used to control some fungal diseases of plants. In India, neem products have been used in toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, and as a grain protectant for centuries without apparent harm to humans. I can't remember which, but some US corp has patented neem oil specifically because of its low toxicity.

Vickie, the damage caused by the oil and/or detergent is to the epidermal tissues.....you can't help the plant by watering. The damage is done. As a matter of fact, be careful about over watering. It's been about thirty years since I used Sevin myself or recommended it to anyone so I don't remember any application warnings at all about the chemical. I do know that it can take a long time for a garden to recover its natural eco balance after applications of Sevin. Plant epidermis is as essential to a plant as ours is to us! Your plants have received a chemical burn. Your job is to keep an eye out on the extent of damage and remove the dead or dying parts as they start to look bad. Hopefully, your peppers will be productive in spite of what is, hopefully, a minor setback.