The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Heat-killed Burkholderia rinojensis strain A396 (cells and spent fermentation media)
- Chemical class
- Microbial insecticide; IRAC Group UNB, bacterial agents (non-Bt) of unknown or uncertain mode of action, which lists Burkholderia spp.[2]
- Mode of action
- IRAC Group UNB: Bacterial agents (non-Bt) of unknown or uncertain mode of action: Burkholderia spp.[2]
- Signal word
- Venerate XC Bioinsecticide (MBI-206 EP; also Venerate, Venerate H&G and other brand names): Caution[1]
How a killed bacterium kills insects
The home and garden directions say it controls insects by enzymatic breakdown of the exoskeleton and by interfering with molting, killing through contact, ingestion or both.[1]
Rotation with other insecticides
IRAC notes that its UN groups, including UNB, are exempt from its rule against rotating within a group, since members don't share a known target site.[2]
Where it is used
Spray when pests are present but before they cause visible damage. Newly hatched larvae, nymphs and other immature stages are the best targets.[1]
Test a few leaves first and watch for leaf burn or distortion over 2 to 4 days before treating whole plants.[1]
For grubs, pre-water dry lawns with thatch, keep thatch to half an inch or less, and spray in late summer or early fall when grubs are small.[1]
If you plan to release beneficial insects in your garden, the label suggests checking with an extension specialist or the manufacturer before treating the whole garden.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venerate XC Bioinsecticide (MBI-206 EP; also Venerate, Venerate H&G and other brand names)[1] | Pro Farm Group, Inc. | 84059-14 | 94.46% | liquid concentrate | Caution |
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venerate XC Bioinsecticide (MBI-206 EP; also Venerate, Venerate H&G and other brand names) | Vegetables, fruit, nuts, ornamentals, houseplants, trees, shrubs and flowers (home and garden) | Aphids, whiteflies, mites, mealybugs, scales, thrips, loopers, armyworms, hornworms, tent caterpillars, plum curculio, stink bugs | 1–2 tbsp product per gallon of water[1] Use only pressurized hand-held sprayers, hose-end sprayers or spray trigger bottles for the home sublabel. |
| Venerate XC Bioinsecticide (MBI-206 EP; also Venerate, Venerate H&G and other brand names) | Lawns, turf and ground cover | Bluegrass billbug, annual bluegrass weevil, chinch bugs, armyworm, webworms, cutworms | 1.5–3 tbsp product per gallon of water[1] That's 0.75 to 1.5 fl oz per gallon, sprayed at 1 gallon per 250 square feet. Watering in isn't needed for these pests. |
| Venerate XC Bioinsecticide (MBI-206 EP; also Venerate, Venerate H&G and other brand names) | Lawns, turf and ground cover | White grubs, including Japanese beetle, green June beetle, May or June beetles, masked chafers and Oriental beetle | 6–12 fl oz product per 1,000 sq ft[1] Mix in at least 2 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet and irrigate afterward to wet the thatch and top inch of soil. Target first- and second-instar grubs. |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word CAUTION: causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid getting it in eyes or on clothing, and wash with soap and water after handling. Professional handlers also wear eyewear, gloves and a particulate respirator.[1]
Pets
The label's hazard statement for humans and domestic animals is moderate eye irritation. Professional sublabel directions keep unprotected people out of treated areas until sprays have dried.[1]
Bees and pollinators
To limit exposure to bees and other pollinators, don't apply while bees are foraging, and don't let spray drift onto blooming crops or weeds they are visiting.[1]
Fish and water
Don't let it run into storm drains, ditches, gutters or surface water. Rinsing equipment over the treated area helps keep it out of water bodies.[1]
Common questions
- How much Venerate XC per gallon?
- 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of water for garden foliar sprays, and 1.5 to 3 tablespoons per gallon for surface lawn pests.[1]
- Can Venerate be used on houseplants?
- Yes. The home and garden sublabel lists houseplants along with vegetables, fruit, ornamentals and trees.[1]
- Is Venerate XC organic?
- The master label lets the product be marked for organic gardening, organic lawn care and organic production.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “MBI-206 EP (Venerate XC) master label label, EPA Reg. No. 84059-14 (EPA-stamped, Feb. 2, 2026).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/084059-00014-20260202.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Insecticide Resistance Action Committee, “IRAC Mode of Action Classification Scheme, Version 11.5 (Feb. 2026).” irac-online.org/documents/moa-classification/ (accessed 2026-10-06)