A Guide to Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) for Natural Pest Control

How do you spray Bacillus thuringiensis?
What insects does Bacillus thuringiensis kill?
Is BT safe for organic gardening?
What is the best natural insecticide?
How long does it take for Bacillus thuringiensis to work?
What is Bacillus thuringiensis for?
What does Bacillus thuringiensis eat?
Is Bacillus thuringiensis harmful to humans?
Where is Bacillus thuringiensis found?
Will BT kill earthworms?
Will BT kill bees?
Do organic farmers use Bt?

How do you spray Bacillus thuringiensis?

Bacillus thuringiensis products are highly susceptible to degradation by sunlight, so the best time to spray your garden is early morning or evening. Most of these products adhere to the foliage for less than a week following application and the period shortens with rain or overhead watering.

What insects does Bacillus thuringiensis kill?

Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) is the best known and most widely used strain of Bt. It kills the larvae of many types of moths and butterflies. This means that you can control most caterpillars with Btk.

Is BT safe for organic gardening?

Bt is safe for use in organic gardens because it has a specific target and is nontoxic to humans, animals, and beneficial insects. It's approved for use in vegetable gardens up to the day of harvest, though all vegetables and herbs should still be thoroughly washed before eaten.

What is the best natural insecticide?

Here's what to look for if you suddenly find yourself drawn down the insecticide aisle.

Soap Sprays. ...
Diatomaceous Earth. ...
Milky Spore. ...
Iron Phosphate. ...
Neem Oil. ...
Pyrethrum.

How long does it take for Bacillus thuringiensis to work?

The bacteria may remain effective for as long as 22 days, or may become ineffective after 24 hours, depending on conditions. Under normal conditions, BT products are active for three to seven days after spraying. In comprehensive spray programs on some crops, repeated application is recommended at regular intervals.

What is Bacillus thuringiensis for?

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), soil-dwelling bacterium that naturally produces a toxin that is fatal to certain herbivorous insects. The toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been used as an insecticide spray since the 1920s and is commonly used in organic farming.

What does Bacillus thuringiensis eat?

Bt-k is a naturally occurring soil bacteria ideal for controlling tent caterpillars, gypsy moth, cabbage looper, tomato hornworm and other leaf eating caterpillars on trees, shrubs, tomatoes and other vegetables.

Is Bacillus thuringiensis harmful to humans?

Bt is a bacterium that is not toxic to humans or other mammals but is toxic to certain insects when ingested. ... Over two decades of review, the EPA and numerous scientific bodies have consistently found that Bt and engineered Bt-crops are not harmful to humans.

Where is Bacillus thuringiensis found?

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a widespread endospore-forming bacteria with a complex life cycle, which has been commonly found in soil, water, plants, stored cereals and dead insects.

Will BT kill earthworms?

BT does not infect earthworms, nor does it kill honeybees or many other species of insects. but beware, lady beetles and other beneficial may be killed if they are hit with bT when they are in their worm stage.

Will BT kill bees?

While a B.t. strain works well for its target pest, it also breaks down quickly in sunlight, becoming ineffective after a few days. This makes B.t. very safe for pollinators, predatory insects and mammals. B.t. can be sprayed even when bees or butterflies are present.

Do organic farmers use Bt?

Organicgrowers have been using Bt since the 1950's. ... This means that Bt has been engineered/spliced into the genetic material of corn itself and is effectively in every bite the insect eats (or we eat). In contrast, organic farmers spray Bt directly onto the plant.