Monterey B.t.

Could not find this product locally despite a 3 year state-wide infestation of western grapeleaf (Harrisina metallica) skeletonizer caterpillars, the first destructive pest affecting Tecoma Stans including hybrids. The vitis arizonica grape was able to hold it's own but they destroying all new growth on my many Tecoma Stans and profoundly stunted them, the bushes actually got smaller each year than big-box purchase size because of the caterpillar damage. Western grapeleaf (Harrisina metallica) skeletonizers are colorul small yellowish-green fuzzy caterpillars that require gloves to prevent the spines from penetrating the skin like fine cactus spines. They skeletonize the leaves and cocoons are nearly impossible to get with spray insecticide because they curl the leaf around their cocoon. If the destroyed leaves aren't enough of a clue you need BT for effective treatment, the 1/2" shiny black moths that emerge can confirm. The base BT product is targeted to caterpillar/larva stages and is supposedly not harmful to birds, lizards, or pollinators, but additives can be harmful and this was reportedly a reliable safe product. I purchased a small 1 gallon sprayer to dedicate to this niche insecticide. BT was very effective and with one season of use, two applications over the summer about a month apart, the skeletonizer population came down to balance plant health and their part in the ecosystem. I did not notice any abnormal number of dead bees, may beetles, birds, or lizards, but I did discover that I had (very welcome) horn worm caterpillars that surprised me by migrating from my willows to my grape vines and Tecoma Stans when I sadly found their substantially sized dead bodies after the first BT spray application. A couple years later the skeletonizer population has largely lost their taste for my Tecoma Stans, and remains well managed with manual pruning of overladen grape leaves every few weeks during the summer.

I grow much of our own food and try to do so as organically as possible. Earlier this year we were hit by a very nasty worm that was eating every single one of our broccoli and cauliflower plants. I was devastated. I had raised them from seed and to watch them being eaten a little more each day was tearing my heart straight out of my chest. A friend suggested I try this because she knew I don't use chemicals on my yard or in my garden. I have small grandchildren who like to visit and pull things straight off the bush or vine and eat them while we work in the garden together. I also have free range chickens and dogs and cats and bunnies who partake of goodies from our garden sometimes while it is still attached to the plant. I didn't want to risk the safety of those counting on me to keep them safe. So finding something that was human and pet friendly was difficult to say the least. I bought this thinking that it might work it might not but I was desperate for anything that might help. It not only helped it surpassed what I expected. I had used DE last year in our garden with a lot of success. DE kills anything with an exoskeleton pretty much and is used by our locals farmers as a micro wormer and duster for their lifestock. But caterpillars were a whole different animal all together. I mixed this with some neem oil concentrate I already had and sprayed my plants. My Broccoli, my cauliflower, my peppers, my tomatoes, my roses, and my berry bushes. It did far more than I ever would have thought possible. I have even sprayed it and the wind carried it back into the faces of my chickens with no ill effects. I am very impressed with this product and will be laying in a supply for future gardening use. I also learned that it treats the dreaded Japanese beetle in the larva stage. They burrow deep in the ground to lay their eggs and as they hatch the go towards the plants in your garden until the come out full grown and ready to consume anything in their path. I have treated my rose bushes which the beetles where feasting on with this product with the neem oil mixed in (this is a concentrate 1.5 ounces makes 3 gallons) along with dusting with my DE and my beetle problem is solved. I have to retreat after it rains because the rain washes it off the leaves but I am very happy with this product and the end result which is a pest free yard and safe environment for our my grandchildren and my pets. The woman who recommended this said she treated her tomatoes with it every year with great success. I have noticed my tomatoes are looking better than ever since I started using this product am not sure if it the organic nutrients in this product or the fact that are no longer attack from tomato worms but either way well worth the money spent. I give this product two thumbs up and I am a very picky consumer when it comes to my garden and the safety of my environment. A great organic choice well worth the money spent.

If you hate mosquitos...then look no further. This product is great at controlling mosquito larva in bodies of water. Good value, lasts a long time if kept cool, and does its job. It is totally safe for pets too. I've been using BT for many years and it works great...just use it before the mosquitos beat you to the water. Highly recommeded for those that don't like harmful chemicles and deet. Thanks so much for offering this product on Amazon!!

Works great just more expensive than big box stores

This was brilliant for my brassicas. Not a single caterpillar in sight! I had to apply it once a week, because it rained very often this summer. But I'm very pleased with it!