M&R DURANGO, INC.
INSECTARY		               P.O. Box 886
Bayfield, CO 81122
(800)526-4075phone
(970)259-3857fax
mail@goodbug.com


 

 

Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)

for Mosquito Control


 Bti is a naturally occurring bacteria that is specific to mosquitoes and black flies.  This means that it is non-toxic and safe to use around humans, pets, wildlife and other insects.  Bti is a spore forming bacteria that produces a protein crystal which is toxic when ingested by mosquitoes and black flies.  Bti is applied directly to the water in which the mosquito larvae are developing so it is readily ingested by them.  Mosquito larvae that have ingested the bacteria and its protein crystals stop feeding within hours and will die within days.  Bti remains effective in treated areas for some time.  Bti is available in appropriate formulations for nearly every situation.  Below are the available formulations and the appropriate situation(s) for each:

                      Bti formulationQuantityPrice

Mosquito Bits--puddles, marshes and smaller seasonally wet areas.  Treats up to 10,000 sq. ft., repeat every 10-14 days

 

36 oz. $12/each
Mosquito Dunks--stock tanks, ponds, lagoons. Use 1 dunk/100 sq. ft. of water surface.  Repeat every 3-4 weeks.

 

 6 pack $12/each
Aquabac Granules--larger areas such as small lakes, ponds, wet fields/pastures. 5-8 lb./acre, repeat every 10-14 days.

 

 40 lb. bag $125/each
Liquid Bti--large areas of moist soil or standing water. use 1/4 pint to 2 pints/acre, repeat every 10-14 days.  1 qt per 16 gallons treats up to 4,000 sq. ft. 2.5 gallons $150/each
While Bti is non-toxic to humans, it is not approved for use in drinking water supplies.  Anywhere that water can remain in puddles for several days is potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Effective reduction of larval mosquito populations can reduce or eliminate the need for aerial spraying of pesticides to kill adult mosquitoes.  A list of some smaller potential mosquito breeding areas follows.  Reduction of these areas along with Bti treatment to areas that will have water can greatly decrease the number of mosquitoes in any given areas.

-eliminate standing water in flower pots, toys, trash cans/recycling bins, dumpsters, tires, wheelbarrows, rain gutters, trash under bushes/shrubbery, outdoor light fixtures and lawn ornaments.

-remove plastic sheeting under bark and rock and replace with landscape fabric that allow water to pass through.

-frequently change water in pet dishes and birdbaths.

-cover rain barrels tightly and be aware of other areas where puddles can exist for several days.