Margaret Roberts Biological Caterpillar Insecticide by Kirchhoffs | 50g.

This is a biological insecticide for leaf-eating caterpillars in the home garden. The active ingredient is Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (32 000 IU/mg). Young caterpillars eat sprayed leaves, stop feeding within about a day, then die and drop off in 3–4 days (longer in cold weather).

It is not a broad-spectrum poison. It targets larvae of moths and butterflies that chew leaves. Bees, birds, fish, pets, wildlife and most beneficial insects are not the target. It can harm young butterfly caterpillars, so do not spray plants that adult butterflies are using for eggs.

Edible crops may be harvested after application according to the pack. Wash produce before eating. Handle the granules with care: they can irritate skin and eyes. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

What you can use it on:

Pests listed on the product: American bollworm, lily borer, diamond-back moth caterpillar, semi-looper (Plusia), leafroller, lawn caterpillar. Other retailers also list lucerne caterpillar and pine tree emperor moth larvae among leaf-eating Lepidoptera.

Crops and plants listed: vegetables, fruit, flowers, bulbs, lawns, herbs and cannabis. Typical home-garden uses include cabbage and other brassicas, tomatoes, roses, clivias and lilies, lawn patches chewed by lawn caterpillar, and leafy herbs.

It only works if the caterpillar eats treated foliage. Spray both sides of leaves while larvae are small and still feeding. It will not knock down adult moths or butterflies on contact.