Monterey B.t.
Best organic solution for gardeners managing caterpillar pests on edible crops.
Monterey B.t. is an easy-to-mix liquid concentrate that effectively controls caterpillar-type insects without harming beneficial insects, birds, or earthworms when used as directed. Caterpillars stop feeding immediately after consuming treated foliage, preventing further plant damage. This OMRI-listed product is suitable for organic gardening and can be applied to fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. It is safe for use on edible plants right up to the day of harvest, making it a versatile solution for garden pest management.
$24.75
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
23
/ 1717
#23 in Pesticides
Price vs Category Average
-44%
Below average
Formulation
Liquid Concentrate
/ Liquid Concentrate
Who it's for
- Organic gardeners growing vegetables and fruits for consumption
- Eco-conscious growers protecting pollinators and beneficial garden insects
- Busy gardeners needing quick turnaround times for harvest
Who should skip it
- Gardeners expecting instant knockdown of active pest infestations
- People living in regions with intense sun or frequent rain
- Growers dealing with diverse infestations like aphids or beetles
Performance breakdown
Organic Compliance
OMRI listing ensures full compatibility with strict organic gardening standards.
Target Specificity
Eliminates destructive caterpillars while sparing essential pollinators and beneficial garden wildlife.
Harvest Flexibility
Zero-day pre-harvest interval allows for worry-free application on edible crops.
Feeding Inhibition
Rapidly halts caterpillar consumption to prevent further damage to foliage.
Application Versatility
Highly effective across diverse plant types from ornamentals to vegetable gardens.
Mixing Convenience
Liquid concentrate formula simplifies preparation for standard garden sprayers.
Key Specs
Formulation
Liquid Concentrate
Certification
OMRI Listed for organic gardening
Application Timing
Usable up to the day of harvest on edible plants
Available Sizes
Pint, Quart, Gallon, Case of 4 Gallons
Active Ingredient
Spinosad
Target Life Stage
Larvae
Application Method
Concentrate, Requires Sprayer
Safe for Beneficial Insects
Yes
Features
- Controls caterpillar pests effectively
- Stops feeding immediately
- Safe for beneficial insects and wildlife
- OMRI Listed for organic gardening
- Use on fruits, vegetables, and trees
- Safe for use up to harvest day
What customers say
Customers consistently praise Monterey B.t. for its remarkable reliability in eliminating destructive caterpillars and worms, particularly in vegetable gardens. Gardeners appreciate that this biological solution targets pests like cabbage loopers and hornworms without harming beneficial insects or pollinators. The product is frequently highlighted for its straightforward mixing and application process, making pest control accessible even for novice users. While it requires reapplication after rain, users find the results justify the effort, confirming its status as a highly effective and trusted organic solution.
Know before you buy
Monterey B.t. is specifically formulated to target caterpillar-type insects, such as cabbage loopers, tomato hornworms, and bagworms. It works by affecting the digestive system of these larvae, causing them to stop feeding immediately upon ingestion.
Yes, it is perfectly safe for use on vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. Because it is OMRI-listed for organic gardening, you can apply it to edible crops right up until the day of harvest.
No, Monterey B.t. is designed to be selective. It targets caterpillar pests while remaining safe for beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, as well as birds and earthworms, when used according to the label instructions.
This is a liquid concentrate that must be diluted with water before use. You will need a garden sprayer to apply the mixture thoroughly to the foliage where caterpillars are feeding.
Once the caterpillars consume the treated foliage, they stop feeding almost immediately. While they may remain on the plant for a short time, they will no longer cause damage and will die within a few days.
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$25