Table of Contents
Introduction
Caterpillars can be very destructive pests in home gardens and farms. They voraciously feed on plant leaves, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, sometimes completely defoliating plants. Gardeners want to protect their plants from these crawling menaces safely and effectively. One organic pesticide product that can help is Novobac’s Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly known as BT. BT is a toxic natural bacterium when ingested by caterpillars but harmless to people and pets. This article will explore how BT controls caterpillars, its advantages over chemical insecticides, proper application methods, and other eco-friendly ways to stop caterpillars from damaging valued plants.
What is BT and How Does it Work Against Caterpillars?
BT incorporates spores and crystalline proteins from the considerable soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki. When caterpillars devour leaves sprayed with BT, their alkaline digestive systems activate the spores and proteins. This releases a toxin that binds to the gut wall receptors of the caterpillars, paralyzing their digestive tracts and inflicting them to stop feeding. The caterpillars die inside some days from septicemia and toxemia because of this gut paralysis. The caterpillars must eat BT to be effective, and it breaks down quickly in sunlight, so its effects are limited to the target insects.
Why Use BT Instead of Synthetic Insecticides on Caterpillars?
BT offers gardeners a natural, non-toxic way to control caterpillars. It carries no risk of groundwater contamination. Most synthetic chemical insecticides kill indiscriminately by disrupting insects’ nervous systems. But BT targets only the larvae of moths and butterflies that eat treated foliage. It is approved for organic gardening and farming. Using BT to stop caterpillars supports a balanced ecosystem.
When and How Should BT be Applied for Best Results?
For optimal caterpillar control, BT should be applied when larvae are young and most vulnerable. It is essential to coat leaf surfaces where they are feeding. A hand sprayer or sprinkler can work for small gardens. Tractor-mounted sprayers are used for large areas. Thorough coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces is key. Applying BT in the evening or early morning when caterpillars are actively feeding is best. Unlike synthetic insecticides that work on contact, caterpillars must ingest BT over several hours to receive a toxic dose. Repeat applications 7-10 days apart may be needed as new eggs hatch. Follow label directions carefully.
How Does BT Differ from Other Biological Insecticides?
Like BT, microbial insecticides include bacteria, viruses, fungi, or nematodes that infect and kill precise insect pests while sparing the most beneficial species. For instance, the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana controls aphids, thrips, and other tender-bodied insects. Bacillus firmus combats nematodes and root-feeding larvae. The nuclear polyhedrosis virus targets cabbage looper caterpillars. Each biological insecticide has a narrow target range, so gardeners must match the pest with the right natural enemy for control. BT is unique in its specificity for caterpillars.
What Are Some Other Eco-Friendly Ways to Stop Caterpillars?
In addition to using BT, gardeners can deter caterpillars with these earth-friendly approaches:
- Remove egg masses and pick off caterpillars by hand to reduce their numbers. Drop them into soapy water.
- Use pheromone traps to capture and kill male moths preventing them from mating and reproducing.
- Encourage natural predators like birds, parasitic wasps, and predatory insects that feed on caterpillars. Avoid pesticides that would harm them.
- Use row covers or screening to physically exclude moths from laying eggs on plants.
- Rotate between plant families each year to disrupt egg-laying patterns.
- Plant flowers that attract tiny parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside caterpillars.
How Does Novobac BT Compare to Other Brands?
Not all BT merchandise is created equal. Novobac BT carries a specific strain of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki that has been decided on for strong potency against commonplace caterpillars consisting of loopers, leafrollers, cutworms, armyworms, and webworms. Their rigorous manufacturing process ensures each batch delivers consistent performance. NovoBac BT has excellent shelf life stability compared to other brands. It carries a 4-hour worker re-entry interval and a 0-day pre-harvest interval for maximum convenience and flexibility. Field tests demonstrate that NovoBac BT provides superior control of major caterpillar pests while being environmentally safe. When you need fast, effective relief from ravenous caterpillars, choose NovoBac BT.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using BT on Caterpillars
1. Is BT harmful to honeybees and other beneficial insects?
No. BT is non-toxic to honeybees, ladybugs, green lacewings, and other beneficial insects. Only caterpillars are susceptible.
2. Does BT accumulate or persist in the environment?
No. BT breaks down quickly, especially in sunlight, and does not leave toxic residues in soil or water. It has no adverse environmental effects.
3. Can I apply BT on vegetables and herbs until harvest?
Yes. BT has a 0-day pre-harvest interval, so it can be sprayed until the produce is picked up. Always follow label directions.
4. How often should I reapply BT for complete caterpillar control?
Reapply BT every 5-7 days to target new generations of larvae as eggs hatch. More frequent applications may be needed for heavy infestations.
5. Will BT harm birds, pets, livestock, or people?
BT is non-toxic to humans and animals when used as directed. Its effects are limited to caterpillars that eat treated plants.
Conclusion
Caterpillars can destroy ornamental and edible plants unless controlled. Harsh synthetic pesticides often do more harm than good. Bacillus thuringiensis offers gardeners a safe, natural way to specifically target hungry caterpillars without disrupting the ecosystem. NovoBac BT contains a premium strain optimized to stop common plant-eating larvae in their tracks.
When appropriately used as part of an integrated pest management plan, BT can eliminate caterpillar problems without toxic risks. Protect your valuable plants and produce from crawling leaf eaters this season with NovoBac BT for effective organic caterpillar control.
