🌿 Natural/Organic Active: Beauveria bassiana (entomopathogenic fungus)

Aprehend β€” Beauveria bassiana (Biological)

Aprehend uses Beauveria bassiana fungus to kill bed bugs including pyrethroid-resistant populations. How the contact-transfer mechanism works and why it's used by professionals for chemical-sensitive accounts.

βš–οΈ Educational use only. PestControlBasics.com is not a licensed PCO. The label is the law under FIFRA. Always read your complete product label before mixing or applying. Full disclaimer β†’ | βš—οΈ Mixing Calculator β†’

🏷️ Brand Names β€” Same Active Ingredient

⚠️ Don't buy duplicates. All products below contain Beauveria bassiana (entomopathogenic fungus) as the active ingredient. Buying two different brands is buying the same pesticide twice β€” they differ only in price, concentration, and formulation type.
Aprehend
BioTech Pest Management (Penn State) Β· Oil-based spray with fungal spores Β· Beauveria bassiana strain BotaniGard 22WP related
Professional β€” licensed PCOs only
BotaniGard 22WP
LAM International Β· Wettable powder β€” general pest Β· 22% Beauveria bassiana
Professional
Mycotrol O
LAM International Β· Suspension concentrate Β· Beauveria bassiana
OMRI Organic

🎯 Target Pests

βœ“Bed Bugs (including all pyrethroid-resistant strains)βœ“Cockroaches (BotaniGard)βœ“Whiteflies (BotaniGard)βœ“Aphids (BotaniGard)βœ“Thrips (BotaniGard)

πŸ”¬ How It Works

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic (insect-killing) fungus that occurs naturally in soil worldwide. When a bed bug walks through a treated surface, fungal spores adhere to the waxy cuticle. The fungus germinates, penetrates the cuticle, and colonizes the insect internally β€” causing death within 3–7 days.

The transfer mechanism is the key innovation: Unlike chemical insecticides, Aprehend is applied in thin bands that bed bugs walk through. Infected bed bugs then return to the harborage and transmit spores to other bed bugs β€” creating secondary kill without those bed bugs contacting the treatment band. This is why Aprehend is highly effective against pyrethroid-resistant populations: resistance mechanisms do not protect against fungal infection.

βš—οΈ Mixing & Application Rates

Aprehend is applied by licensed professionals as thin bands β€” not broadcast sprayed. Mix fresh, use immediately.

Bed bug band treatment (professional application)
Applied in 25–50mm wide bands
Licensed PCO application only. Applied as thin bands along bed legs, baseboards, behind headboards, and known travel routes. Bed bugs must walk through the band β€” do not broadcast spray. Aprehend is the preferred treatment for chemical-sensitive accounts (hospitals, assisted living, schools) where conventional pesticide use is restricted.
Example
0.5 oz
per gallon
βš—οΈ Mixing Calculator
Enter your sprayer size and target rate β€” get the exact amount to pour. Backpack, hand sprayer, hose-end, or skid unit.
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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • Very low mammalian toxicity β€” Beauveria bassiana is not pathogenic to humans or vertebrates
  • Safe for use in sensitive accounts where conventional pesticides are restricted
  • Fungal spores may cause respiratory irritation in very sensitive individuals β€” wear mask during application
  • Store refrigerated β€” live biological product has limited shelf life
  • Professional application required β€” Aprehend is not a consumer product

πŸ“„ SDS / Label Resources

Aprehend SDS and full efficacy data available from BioTech Pest Management and Penn State Extension. Research documentation on Beauveria bassiana is extensive β€” university extension publications are the best reference.

πŸ“„ CDMS Label Database πŸ›οΈ EPA Label Search

πŸ› Pests This Treats β€” Learn More

Click any pest to view its full identification guide, biology, and treatment options.

πŸ› Aphid β†’ πŸ› Bed Bug β†’ πŸ› Cockroaches β†’ πŸ› Flies β†’ πŸ› Scales β†’ πŸ› Thrips β†’ πŸ› Ticks β†’ πŸ› Whiteflies β†’

🌿 Environmental & Ecological Impact

🐝 Bees / PollinatorsLOW
🐟 Fish / Aquatic LifeNONE
🐦 BirdsNONE
πŸ• Mammals / PetsNONE
🦐 Aquatic InvertebratesLOW
πŸ’‘ Entomopathogenic fungus β€” natural biocontrol. Very target-specific. No chemical residues.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is aprehend beauveria safe for pets?
Follow the product label. Keep pets out of treated areas until completely dried (2–4 hours for sprays). Once dry, treated surfaces pose minimal risk to dogs and cats.
Q: Can I use aprehend beauveria indoors?
Check the specific product label β€” formulations vary. Baits and dusts often have indoor labeling; concentrates and granulars are typically outdoor.
Q: How long does aprehend beauveria last after application?
Residual varies by formulation, surface type, weather, and UV exposure. Indoor applications last longer than outdoor. Check the product label for re-application intervals.
Q: What should I do if exposed?
Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. For eye contact, rinse 15–20 minutes. For ingestion or severe symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Have the product label available.

πŸ“‹ Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

πŸ“‹

Aprehend β€” Safety Data Sheet

View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.

Aprehend Safety Data Sheet page 1
πŸ“„ Aprehend β€” Safety Data Sheet Β· View the complete SDS document above or download below
βš–οΈ Educational use only. PestControlBasics.com is not a licensed PCO. The label is the law under FIFRA. Always read your complete product label before mixing or applying. Full disclaimer β†’ | βš—οΈ Mixing Calculator β†’
πŸ“š Sources: EPA Pesticide Labels Β· NPIC Pesticide Info
Published: Jan 1, 2025 Β· Updated: Apr 7, 2026
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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional and cross-referenced against EPA, university extension, and manufacturer technical data. Last reviewed: April 2026.