A: Ken, Thank you for reaching out regarding the problem you are having with Squash Vine Borers. The product that we produce that is most effective for this specific pest is our Summit Biological Caterpillar and Webworm Control. The active ingredient is Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk), a species specific biological larvicide that kills only leaf eating caterpillar pests (Lepidoptera). Btk products will not harm birds, earthworms, or beneficial insects such as honeybees and ladybugs as it is OMRI listed and approved for organic gardening. However, because borers live inside the stem, topical sprays are largely ineffective once infected. You will have to resort to injecting Btk into the plant where it is infected. See below for methods you can use. How to Use Btk for Squash Vine Borer infestations: Mix and Inject: Dilute your Btk concentrate with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions or use a ready to spray solution. Draw about 1 cc (or 1 ml) of the mixture into a syringe. Find the entry hole on the vine where the frass (orange, sawdust-like material) is oozing out. Inject the solution directly into the stem just above that area. Preventative Injections: To stop borers before they hatch and tunnel, inject Btk into the stems about 1.5 inches above the soil line as soon as plants begin to flower. Repeat this treatment every 10 to 14 days throughout the growing season. Combine with Physical Removal: If you already see extensive damage and wilting, you can surgically slit the stem lengthwise to extract the white larvae (grub), and then mound moist soil over the wounded area to encourage the stem to re-root. Treating plants that are already infected may be a bit of an uphill battle. The best defense for your plants is to protect them by treating them early and often with our Summit Biological Caterpillar and Webworm Control by spraying not only the leaves but most importantly for this pest, the stems of the plants near the ground as this is where the Squash Vine Borer infects your plants. The adult moth lays eggs near the base of the stem. When they hatch, the larvae (grubs) chew into the stem and consume the plant tissue to burrow their way inside. Once this happens, as you now know, you are fighting an uphill battle. We wish you the best in fighting off this infestation. I hope that the information I have shared is helpful in recovering your squash vines.

A: Yes, this product will kill milkweed caterpillars if they ingest it. The active ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (BTK), is a biological larvicide that specifically targets leaf-eating caterpillars (Lepidoptera).

A: No. Woolly bear caterpillars will die if they ingest this product which means you would need to spray the foliage they are eating, but it will not prevent Woolly bear caterpillars

A: Yes, but you must use more that the average dosage in order to control army worms

A: Yes, this product is effective against bagworms when the caterpillars are small, typically between 1/8 to 1/4 inch. For the best results, treatment should generally begin in May and may require four to five applications to achieve full control.

A: No, this product should not be sprayed over ponds

A: The active ingredient, BTK, is very effective when the caterpiller inside the bag are very small. The best time to spray is when the bagworm caterpillars are small - 1/8 to 1/4 inch. It may now be too late in the season to effectively treat bagworm with this product. Generally treatment should start in May and 4 or 5 treatments may be need to control the bagworms.