Safer’s BTK Biological Insecticide Concentrate

Biological Caterpillar Control for Gardens, Fruit and Ornamentals

Safer’s BTK Biological Insecticide Concentrate is a biological insecticide designed to control listed caterpillar pests on vegetables, fruit, trees, and ornamental plants.

Its active ingredient is Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, strain ABTS-51. Also known as Btk, this naturally occurring bacterium targets susceptible caterpillar larvae when they feed on treated plant foliage.

The concentrated formula is mixed with water before application. The 100 mL bottle makes approximately 33.3 litres of spray solution, making it a convenient choice for home gardens and larger planting areas. (Woodstream Brands)

Key Features

• Biological insecticide for caterpillar control
• Contains Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki
• Strain ABTS-51
• Controls listed caterpillar pests
• Suitable for vegetables, fruit, trees, and ornamentals
• Concentrated formula
• 100 mL makes approximately 33.3 L of spray
• Easy to mix with water
• Ideal for home gardens and outdoor plants

What Is Safer’s BTK?

Safer’s BTK is a biological insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, commonly called Btk.

Btk is particularly useful because it targets the larval stage of susceptible caterpillars.

Caterpillars must eat treated foliage for the product to work. After feeding on treated leaves, susceptible caterpillars stop feeding and die over the following days. (Woodstream Brands)

This makes BTK a useful tool for gardeners looking for a targeted biological approach to managing listed caterpillar pests.

Caterpillars Controlled

Safer’s BTK is labelled for control of listed caterpillars, including:

• Cabbage worms
• Tomato hornworms
• Tent caterpillars
• Gypsy moth caterpillars
• Leafrollers
• Other listed caterpillar pests

The product is intended for use on approved vegetables, fruit, trees, and ornamental plants. Always check the current product label for the specific crop and pest before application. (Woodstream Brands)

How Does BTK Work?

Btk works when susceptible caterpillars consume treated plant material.

The bacterium produces proteins that affect susceptible caterpillar larvae after ingestion. This causes feeding to stop and eventually results in death.

Because the product must be eaten by the target larvae, thorough coverage of foliage is important.

BTK is therefore best used when caterpillars are actively feeding and are still in the susceptible larval stage. (Canada)

A Targeted Biological Insecticide

Unlike broad-spectrum insecticides, Btk is specifically associated with susceptible caterpillar larvae.

It is not an all-purpose insecticide.

For example, Safer’s states that BTK is not intended for use against aphids. (Woodstream Brands)

This makes it important to identify the pest before choosing BTK as your treatment.

How to Mix Safer’s BTK

Safer’s current product information states that the 100 mL concentrate makes approximately 33.3 litres of spray solution. This works out to approximately:

3 mL of concentrate per 1 litre of water. (Woodstream Brands)

Mixing Guide

Water	Safer’s BTK Concentrate
1 L	Approximately 3 mL
5 L	Approximately 15 mL
10 L	Approximately 30 mL
20 L	Approximately 60 mL
33.3 L	100 mL

Measure the concentrate accurately rather than relying on a bottle cap.

Always follow the current Canadian product label for the approved application rate and directions.

How to Apply

Mix the concentrate with water and spray the foliage thoroughly.

The treated leaves must be eaten by susceptible caterpillars for Btk to work.

For best results, apply when young caterpillars are actively feeding.

Reapply according to the product label and pest pressure.

Avoid applying more product than the label permits.

Where Can You Use Safer’s BTK?

Safer’s BTK can be used on approved:

Vegetables

Protect listed vegetable crops from susceptible caterpillar pests.

Fruit Plants

Use on approved fruit crops where caterpillar pests are listed on the product label.

Trees

BTK can be used on approved trees affected by listed caterpillar pests.

Ornamental Plants

Use on approved ornamental plants where listed caterpillar pests are present.

Always verify the crop and pest combination on the current Canadian label before spraying.

When Should You Apply BTK?

Timing is important with biological caterpillar control.

BTK works best when susceptible caterpillars are young and actively feeding.

Once caterpillars become mature, effectiveness can be reduced.

Regularly inspect plants for feeding damage and young caterpillars. Treat according to the product label when susceptible larvae are present.

What BTK Does Not Control

BTK is specifically designed for susceptible caterpillar pests.

It should not be treated as a general insecticide for every garden pest.

It does not target common pests such as aphids simply because they are present on the same plant. Safer’s specifically confirms that BTK is not intended for aphid control. (Woodstream Brands)

Correct pest identification is therefore an important part of an effective pest-management program.

Product Specifications

Brand: Safer’s
Product: BTK Biological Insecticide Concentrate
Product Type: Biological insecticide
Active Ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, strain ABTS-51
Form: Concentrate
Size: 100 mL
Makes: Approximately 33.3 L of spray solution
Application: Foliar spray
Use: Vegetables, fruit, trees, and ornamentals
Model: 17-2110CAN (Woodstream Brands)

Storage

Store the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Safer’s recommends using BTK within two years of the manufacturing date for best results. Once opened, the manufacturer advises that the product has an approximate one-year shelf life when stored appropriately. (Woodstream Brands)

Check the manufacturing information on the bottle when determining product age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Safer’s BTK?

Safer’s BTK is a biological insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. It controls listed caterpillar pests by ingestion.

What does BTK stand for?

BTK stands for Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki.

It is a naturally occurring bacterium used as a biological insect-control product. (Canada)

What insects does Safer’s BTK control?

The product controls listed caterpillars, including cabbage worms, tomato hornworms, tent caterpillars, gypsy moth caterpillars, leafrollers, and other approved pests. (Woodstream Brands)

Will Safer’s BTK control aphids?

No. Safer’s states that BTK is not intended for aphid control. (Woodstream Brands)

How much Safer’s BTK makes 1 litre?

Approximately 3 mL of concentrate makes 1 litre of spray solution based on the manufacturer’s current 100 mL to 33.3 L mixing information. (Woodstream Brands)

Does BTK need to be eaten by caterpillars?

Yes. Susceptible caterpillars need to consume treated foliage for Btk to work.

How quickly does BTK work?

Caterpillars typically stop feeding within hours after consuming treated foliage. Death occurs over the following days. (Woodstream Brands)

Is Safer’s BTK a chemical insecticide?

BTK is a biological insecticide based on Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. It is regulated as a pest control product in Canada.

Always read and follow the approved Canadian product label before use.

Buy Safer’s BTK Biological Insecticide

Control listed caterpillar pests with Safer’s BTK Biological Insecticide Concentrate.

The convenient 100 mL concentrate makes approximately 33.3 litres of spray, making it an economical option for gardens, fruit plants, trees, and ornamentals.

Shop Safer’s BTK from Jon’s Plant Factory.

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