Bt mechanism of action diagram

How bt works — illustrated mechanism of action · PestControlBasics.com

Natural/Organic CAUTION 🌿 OMRI Organic

Bt kurstaki — DiPel, Thuricide

Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki  ·  Residual: 3–5 days

⚠️ Don't buy duplicates. All brands listed contain the same active ingredient. Buying two different brands is buying the same pesticide twice.
⚖️ Educational use only. Always read and follow the full product label — the label is the law under FIFRA. Full disclaimer → | ⚗️ Mixing Calculator →

🏷️ Brand Names — Same Active Ingredient

DiPel DF — Valent BioSciences — professional WDG
Thuricide — Certis — consumer liquid concentrate
Javelin WG — Certis — professional WDG
Dipel PRO DF — Valent — higher concentration

🎯 What It Kills

✓ Caterpillars ONLY — Lepidoptera larvae✓ Cabbage Looper✓ Imported Cabbageworm✓ Tomato Hornworm✓ Gypsy Moth✓ Fall Armyworm✓ Bagworm✓ Spruce Budworm

⚙️ How It Works

Bt kurstaki produces Cry1A proteins that destroy caterpillar gut lining. Completely selective — only caterpillar larvae are affected. Non-toxic to humans, mammals, birds, fish, and bees. OMRI-listed.

⚗️ Mixing & Application

Thuricide: 1–3 tsp per gallon. DiPel DF: 0.5–2 lb per 100 gallons. Spray leaves thoroughly — caterpillars must eat treated foliage. Reapply every 5–7 days and after rain.
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⚠️ Safety

  • ⚠ Not effective against adult butterflies or moths — larvae only
  • ⚠ Bt kurstaki does NOT work against Colorado potato beetle — need Bt tenebrionis
  • ⚠ Resistance has developed in some populations
  • ⚠ Degrades rapidly in UV — apply in evening

📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

📄

DiPel DF — Safety Data Sheet

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📄 DiPel DF — Safety Data Sheet · View the complete SDS document above or download below
📚 Sources: EPA Pesticide Labels · NPIC Pesticide Info
Published: Jan 1, 2025 · Updated: Apr 7, 2026