[wfarler]

We use Bt (bacillus thuringus biological pest control) around the farm to suppress mosquitos. Since the bees drink out of the ponds is the Bt safe for them? I would guess that other bio controls like ladybugs and praying mantis are fine. Any other wisdom out there?

 

[Michael Bush]

Bacillus thuringiensis will kill wax moth larvae. It is safe for bees and humans.

You can buy it under the name brand Certan for that purpose (killing wax moths)
http://www.beesource.com/pov/lusby/waxmoth.htm
http://212.187.155.84/wnv/List_WPMod_Cont/westnile/Chemicals/bac.htm
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2174.html

 

[Gypsi]

is the liquid sold under brand name Thuricide safe to use on combs?

Gypsi

 

[Gypsi]

Bump, or do I need to start a new thread. I already bought the Thuricide....

 

[Walliebee]

There are different strains (varieties) of Bt available that have been selected to control different specific insects. Bt-kurstaki (BTK) controls the European corn borer, tomato hornworms, fruit worms, cabbageworm, cabbage looper, spring and fall cankerworm, spruce budworm, and other caterpillar-like larvae. Bt-san diego (BTSD) controls early larvae of the Colorado potato beetle. Bt-israelensis (BTI) controls mosquitoes, black flies and fungus gnats.

Bacillus thuringiensis -aizawai is used exclusively for the control of wax moth larvae.

Thuricide is Bt-kurstaki, so it is the wrong strain. It is also in an emulifised pertrolium oil that you should NOT put on your comb.

 

[Michael Bush]

My point was just that it is safe for bees. If you really want it to treat comb, I would buy the specific strains that are bred for that as Walliebee says.

 

[Gypsi]

Thank you. Can anyone tell me where to get the right stuff?

Gypsi

 

[Michael Bush]

www.beeworks.com has the Certan version. Sundance on here has been selling the Aizawai Bt

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?206458-Bt-Aizawai-(Certan-B401)&highlight=Wax+Moths

 

[yonderbob]

So the BT available from Home Depot and/or Lowes, etc. is not the right stuff?

thanks
bob

 

[SoylentYellow]

So the BT available from Home Depot and/or Lowes, etc. is not the right stuff?

thanks
bob

Depends what you are trying to control. First....read the label see what the active ingredient is, the label will also have the target insects listed. The OP would use BTi to control mosquitoes. Re-read Walliebees good answer.

 

[yonderbob]

To clarify. I want to use it to control wax moth in the hive. Just wanted to know if anyone used the type available at big box stores. Brand named Monterey. Does not mention wax moth. seems the aizawai is not readily available.

 

[Michael Bush]

None of it in the US will currently specify wax moths. But it should specify moths or caterpillars, not mosquitoes or other insects.