Brand new insect control technology!
It is called Spinosad and it is considered better than Bt. Eventually it will probably repalce Bt
What is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)?
Bacillus thuringiensis, usually referred to as "Bt" (pronounced “bee-tee”), is a naturally occurring bacterium that is lethal to most leaf-eating caterpillars on trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables.
Bacillus thuringiensis variety kurstaki (B.t.k.) is the general purpose material that homeowners buy when they see just the words Bt or Bacillus thuringiensis without the variety name attached. This is the type of Bt that is appropriate for home landscape use to kill caterpillars. As you can see on the left, there are also varieties designed to kill mosquitoes or potato beetles.
Bt is harmless to all other insects, animals, and humans. It comes in powder form for use as a dust or, diluted with water, for use as a foliar spray. It is also available in liquid form. It is sprayed or dusted on leaves of plants that are under attack by caterpillars so that the pests will ingest the bacteria as they eat the leaves. The Bt causes paralysis of the caterpillar's digestive tract, causing it to stop feeding within two hours. Within a day or two, certainly no longer than 72 hours, the caterpillars die.
For information about how to use Bt in the home landscape see “Using Bacillus thuringiensis”.
Safer Brand 5160 Caterpillar Killer with BT - 8-Ounce Concentrate
by Safe
- Kills caterpillars, gypsy moth larvae, worms and cabbage loopers
- Effective method of eliminating your garden or field of the tomato hornworm without environmental concerns or harm to wildlife and beneficial insects.
- It is recommended that this product be applied late in the afternoon or on cloudy days since B.t. breaks down in the sunlight.
- OMRI Listed and compliant for use in organic gardening
- Safer Brand is the leader in alternative lawn and garden products.