Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki
The kurstaki strain of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterial disease organism that has been formulated into a number of microbial insecticides. Trade names include Dipel, Thuricide, Javelin, Deliver, MVP II, and Foray, among others. Applied as a dust or spray to foliage, applications of this strain is effective for control of most leaf-feeding Lepidoptera - webworms, cabbageworms, leafrollers, tussock moths, etc. (Cutworms and armyworms are often less sensitive to Bt). This product is widely available at nurseries and mail order garden catalogs.
Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis
The israelensis (or H-14) strain of Bacillus thuringiensis is effective for control of certain fly larvae, notably mosquitoes, blackflies, and fungus gnats. (It is not effective against house flies, blow flies, shore flies and many other fly species.) Formulations sold for use as a soil drench to control fungus gnats include Knock-Out Gnats and Gnatrol. Vectobac, Mosquito Dunks, Mosquito Rings, Aquabac, and Bactimos Briquets are sold for use in water to control mosquitoes and black flies. Increasingly formulations to control mosquito larvae in water are available through nurseries; formulations for fungus gnats apparently are only available through mail order.
Bacillus thuringiensis var. san diego
The san diego (= tenebrionis) strain of Bacillus thuringiensis is effective for control of certain leaf beetle larvae, notably Colorado potato beetle and elm leaf beetle. Formulations sold as Novodor and Colorado Potato Beater are available from some suppliers.
Commercial Suppliers
