Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis

Target Species

• Mosquitoes (Culiseta longiareolate)
• Fungus gnats (Bradysia impatiens)
• Black fly (Simulium vittatum Zetterstedt)

How does bti kill mosquito larvae

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (bti) larvacide produces an insecticidal protein called the insecticidal crystal protein (ICP). When ingested by pest larvae, the ICP can paralyze their intestinal tract within minutes and cause the destruction of the intestinal lining, allowing the vegetative cells of the BTI to invade and cause sepsis.

This process leads to the death of the larvae from starvation and sepsis. The effects of mosquito control are usually rapid, with some larvae dying within hours and complete larval mortality occurring within 24 hours. However, this mosquito larvicide  is only effective against pest larvae and will not affect pupae or adult mosquito. Late larval stages that are no longer actively feeding are also not affected by this bacteria.

Benefit

• Effective and fast-acting plant insect killer against larvae
• killing them within 2-24 hours
• Highly specific in its activity against mosquitoes and does not harm non-target organisms
• Easy to mix in water and can be sprayed through various equipment types
• Its effectiveness can be quickly assessed in the field

How to apply BTI mosquito larvicide

• Apply at a rate of 1 gram per square meter in the early stages of mosquito population development, with higher populations requiring double the dosage.
• Reapplied after 8-12 days to extend its effectiveness for treatment
• It can be sprayed by hand or spreader in smaller areas, or by using ground or aerial dispersal methods for larger areas.
• It is best to apply the product to pest eggs before the incubation period for optimize result.
• To ensure the best control effect, it is recommended to spray mosquito larvicide in the morning or on a cloudy day, and to reapply it if it rains within 6 hours after application.

Notes

• Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis does not persist in water or soil and is naturally present in soil. Its active ingredient and the protein crystals it produces will settle on the bottom of water bodies and break down organically or become food for other organisms.
• BTI fungus gnat insecticide does not show cross resistance to chemical insecticides and can be applied in areas where resistance to organophosphates or pyrethroids has been observed.
• The gnat insecticide is not poisonous to beneficial insects such as ladybugs, dragonflies, honeybees, and various types of flies, and does not harm aquatic creatures like Crustacea, oysters, shrimp, crabs, mollusks, flatworms, and Amphibia.
• BTI-based biological larvicide have been used in major mosquito and fungus gnats insecticide control programs for over 20 years without any reported harmful side effects.