⚖️ Educational use only. Always read and follow the full product label — the label is the law under FIFRA. Full disclaimer → | ⚗️ Mixing Calculator →
🏷️ Brand Names — Same Active Ingredient
DiPel DF — Valent BioSciences — professional WDG
Thuricide — Certis — consumer liquid concentrate
Javelin WG — Certis — professional WDG
Dipel PRO DF — Valent — higher concentration
🎯 What It Kills
✓ Caterpillars ONLY — Lepidoptera larvae✓ Cabbage Looper✓ Imported Cabbageworm✓ Tomato Hornworm✓ Gypsy Moth✓ Fall Armyworm✓ Bagworm✓ Spruce Budworm
⚙️ How It Works
Bt kurstaki produces Cry1A proteins that destroy caterpillar gut lining. Completely selective — only caterpillar larvae are affected. Non-toxic to humans, mammals, birds, fish, and bees. OMRI-listed.
⚗️ Mixing & Application
Thuricide: 1–3 tsp per gallon. DiPel DF: 0.5–2 lb per 100 gallons. Spray leaves thoroughly — caterpillars must eat treated foliage. Reapply every 5–7 days and after rain.
Example
0.5 oz
per gallon
⚗️ Mixing Calculator
Enter your sprayer size and target rate — get the exact amount to pour. Backpack, hand sprayer, hose-end, or skid unit.
⚠️ Safety
- ⚠ Not effective against adult butterflies or moths — larvae only
- ⚠ Bt kurstaki does NOT work against Colorado potato beetle — need Bt tenebrionis
- ⚠ Resistance has developed in some populations
- ⚠ Degrades rapidly in UV — apply in evening
🐛 Pests This Treats — Learn More
Click any pest to view its full identification guide, biology, and treatment options.
🌿 Environmental & Ecological Impact
⏱️ Residual & Re-entry Timeline
🔹
Apply
Follow label mixing and application rates
🔸
Re-entry: 4 hours
Keep people and pets out of treated area
🟢
Effective period: 3–5 days
Active residual — killing or repelling target pests
🔄
Reapply
Re-treat when pest activity returns or residual expires
🔄 Alternatives & Related Products
Same chemical class or different approaches to the same pests.
🔄Bt Israelensis
Same class: Microbial
↔️Same class: Microbial
Pyrethrin
Different approach: Botanical Pyrethrin
↔️Different approach: Botanical Pyrethrin
Boric Acid
Different approach: Inorganic
Different approach: Inorganic
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is bt kurstaki 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 bt kurstaki indoors?
Check the specific product label — formulations vary. Baits and dusts often have indoor labeling; concentrates and granulars are typically outdoor.
Q: How long does bt kurstaki 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.
📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
DiPel DF — Safety Data Sheet
View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.
📚 Sources: EPA Pesticide Labels · NPIC Pesticide Info
Published: Jan 1, 2025 · 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.