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Grub Control #834621

Asked June 08, 2023, 4:53 PM EDT

When is the best time to apply Bacillus Thuringiensis? Thanks.

Jackson County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for your question.  This is a bacterium that is toxic to a whole variety of organisms.  The optimum time to apply these bacteria will depend upon the organism to be controlled.  For this reason I cannot give an exact answer to your question.  What specifically are you trying to control with Bacillus Thuringiensis?

Looking forward to you getting back to us.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 08, 2023, 5:38 PM EDT

Thanks for the quick response! We suspect Asian beetle larvae, I dug up a couple that look like the picture that I've seen.  The wild grapevines on the back fence are being eaten, I think by beetles, leaving the lace-like remains I've seen in pictures. I don't have any larvae pics right now but I'll send some of the grapevines.  The grape vines looked worse last year than now, but it's early!



On June 8, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 11:20 AM EDT

The pic I sent was for question #0104547

The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT


On June 10, 2023, at 10:16 AM, Russ McFarlane <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


Thanks for the quick response! We suspect Asian beetle larvae, I dug up a couple that look like the picture that I've seen.  The wild grapevines on the back fence are being eaten, I think by beetles, leaving the lace-like remains I've seen in pictures. I don't have any larvae pics right now but I'll send some of the grapevines.  The grape vines looked worse last year than now, but it's early!



On June 8, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT

Thanks for getting back to us.

I pretty much suspected that you were going to use Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) on Japanese beetle grubs but just want to confirm your intentions. As you may know BT is a naturally occurring bacterium in the soil that produces toxins to a variety of insects, including Japanese beetle grubs. These toxins enter the digestive tract of the grubs and leads to the death of the grub. Most research indicates that BT is effective whenever grubs are present in the soil. Adult beetles will probably start to appear between now and the end of June (2023). Soon thereafter the adults will mate and lay eggs. These eggs will quickly hatch to produce grubs. This will occur in early July. You should make at least two BT applications separated by a couple of weeks during July. A third application before mid-August would be best. Different BT products may have different application procedures. Be sure to carefully read the directions on the label. For further information see:

https://www.vandermeernursery.com/controlling-grubs-in-your-lawn/

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/white-grub-management-lawns

https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/organic/bacillus-thuringiensis/

Good luck. Please get back to us with any further questions and/or clarifications

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 12, 2023, 12:17 AM EDT

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