bacillus thuringiensis shelf life

[Harold Lindaberry]

    Bt is not a true biological agent in that it is an insecticide produced by a
bacteria and infection has little or nothing to do with the insect control. I is
fair on some leaf feeding ( chewing ) species others not effective. I expect
considering etiology and the feeding habits of squash borers I doubt that you
will have much success.

Harold Lindaberry
visit OXGORE website at  http://www.epix.net/~harlind
RESEARCH GOES WHERE RESEARCH LEADS

Dan Jones wrote:

> We've been plagued with squash vine borers both this year and last, and I've
> been trying to exterminate them using "Safer Caterpillar Killer", a product
> containing bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) var. kurstaki.  I've tried both
> injecting it into the stems and spraying it onto the plants, and neither has
> been successful.
>
> What I'm wondering about is, since this is a biological agent, how long is
> it effective?  The package has no expiration date on it.  One mixes it with
> water before use.  How long is it effective once mixed with water?
>
> Please reply by email as well.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dan Jones