Use of Bt - is it safe or toxic?

krisgovols

Hi All,

If you have any input on the safety of using Bt for pests eating plants, I would sure appreciate it. Would you recommend it or is it toxic?

A farmer I know who is careful not to use insecticides, fungicides, herbicides or pesticides uses it. However, I don't trust something that 'might' kill bees.

Thank you!

Lisa K

My understanding is that it is safe and considered organic.

krisgovols

Thank you, Lisa. Do you know many people who use it or have used it for a while?

Torey

@krisgovols Welcome to TGN's forum.

I have used BTK in the past. Not often but anytime tent caterpillar get near by or once for an infestation of the most horrifying looking caterpillar type creatures that ate all the leaves of two Viburnum bushes. Just those and nothing else nearby.

BTK works quickly and very well. Its safe for bees. The only things that it kills are caterpillar-type, tomato hornworm-type or cabbage-worm type pests. It doesn't even affect the adult moths or butterflies of these species.

BTK is accepted by organic growers.

Lisa K

@krisgovols I have not used in a while, but both my dad and I have used it in the past.

krisgovols

Thank you so much! I think I will try on aphids.

Torey

@krisgovols It only works for caterpillar/worm type pests. Not insects like aphids.

You could try something like neem oil. Or plant some trap crops.

Do you know what kind of aphids you have? Different types of aphids are attracted to different types of plants. I have lovage in my garden and it is an excellent trap crop for black aphids. They collect in the flower/seed heads, so I just clip them off and into the burning barrel with them.

This is an article that talks about organic controls and which types of plants the different aphids are attracted to.

https://homesteadandchill.com/organic-aphid-control/

krisgovols

Thank you, @Torey!