Continuation of Bacterial Controls
Bacillus popilliae or Milky Spore
In the 1950s the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) employed the use of a newly discovered natural pest control product developed by Dr. Samson Robert Dutky in and around the Washington, DC area — including the White House lawns. The product was called Milky Spore Disease, scientifically known as Bacillus popilliae. The product was discovered to be very effective in controlling the larval grubs of the Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica.
Since that time, many bacterial products containing this spore have been produced under various trade names. In the early 1990s, due to certain unusual circumstances, B. popilliae was largely unavailable. Now, however, it’s back in full force — the original manufacturer is at it again.
Here are some facts concerning the use of this product:
- It is a useful and effective control of Japanese beetles, but can take a considerable amount of time to effectively control large numbers of pests, even though it starts working on the feeding grubs as soon as it enters their realm. It’s wise to start a Japanese beetle control program with parasitic nematodes (see soil pest controls) or other control first. As always, we cannot recommend the use of Japanese beetle traps (they may attract both mating pairs, but may not capture them all).
- Control, once achieved, can last an incredibly long time. 20-30 years of unsupervised control is not uncommon. This is true even in the coldest areas of the contiguous states; freezing will not negate this products effectiveness. If the grubs are controlled, the spores will lie dormant in the soil until more host material becomes available. Typically, only one application is needed for the life of the lawn unless heavy rains wash the product away before it has a chance to work its way into the soil. Another factor which may necessitate an additional application would be if the product has leached too deeply into the soil — below the soil strata just under the sod where the beetles’ larvae hang out before pupating and emerging as adults.
- B. popilliae can be used anywhere there are Japanese beetle grubs: vegetable gardens, lawns, even golf courses. Even though it is safe to use just about anywhere, it is not recommended for use on pasture lands.
During the spring and fall, when the grubs are present in the soil and feeding, apply one level teaspoon of Milky Spore Disease powder in spots every three feet, in rows three feet apart — creating a grid-like network. This product can be applied to the surface of the lawn, then watered in (it is not effective until it reaches the root zone). We’ve heard that more closely located “spots” or digging it in is required under certain circumstances, but the manufacturer says this is not so.
You can also get a dispenser tube if you’re doing a large yard it may make sense. With it you can take one pace, shake the tube slightly once, take another pace, repeat, and make a grid that way — beats stopping or bending down. In either case, 10 oz. treats 2500 sq. ft. of surface; 40 oz. (2.5 lbs.) treats 10,000 sq. ft.; 10 pounds per acre. One teaspoon full every three feet.
You may purchase Milky Spore Powder, and tube, online now!
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Insecticidal Pathogens
Nosema locustae
Nosema locustae (noh-seem-ah lo-KUS-tay-ay) is an important pathogenic, protozoan insecticide used and labeled as a control of 58 grasshopper species and the Mormon cricket. It will also suppress the black field cricket and a species of pygmy locust. It affects no otherliving creatures.
N. locustae is a disease-carrying spore which must be ingested by the target organism. To promote ingestion, N. locustae spores are mixed with a flaky wheat bran which grasshoppers find irresistible — more so, in fact, than the protected crop. The mixture consists of approximately 1 billion microscopic spores per pound of bran.
Once ingested, N. locustae spores breakdown as soon as they reach the grasshopper’s midgut. When the spores break down, the disease, through the normal processes of nutrient absorption, enter the grasshopper’s circulatory, excretory, and reproductive functions. The grasshopper’s disfigurement and/or death will ensue.
50% of the grasshoppers who ingest this tainted bran will die from the disease. The other 50% will pass the disease on to subsequent generations; they, too, will be infected and either pass the infection on or die. 100% of those which consume the bran will become infected, and thus show a marked reduction in feeding.
Another way N. locustae is effective through the grasshopper’s willingness to partake in cannibalism — which further spreads the disease.
If you see 8 grasshoppers per square yard, your crops may be endanger, or at least according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you have a population, you should apply one or two of the brands we offer. Which, depends upon the size of the treatment area. If grasshopper populations are excessively high i.e., greater than 40 per square yard, 1-2 repeated applications in the same season should be considered. In fact, since our trials of this product in the past two years, we have to recommend that everyone try multiple applications. We no longer feel, contrary to manufacturer’s recommendations, that a single shot is enough. Much will depend on the species you have, too. We don’t know what works best with what and ask that you experiment — then tell us the right dosage to use.
Grasshoppers do not undergo complete metamorphosis (development process): they molt through 6 nymphal instars (stages), and do not have a larval and pupal stage as do many insects. The most desirable time to apply N. locustae and its carrier bait is during the early stages: 2nd and 3rd instars (when grasshoppers are up to ½" long). The best areas to apply this tainted bait is in south-facing areas with sandy soil. These are good breeding/hatching grounds, and young 2nd and 3rd instar grasshoppers will be present in high numbers.
Application methods vary according to the size of the area to be treated. They range from hand broadcasting, to hand-held spreaders, to ATV hopper/spreaders, to trucks, tractors, and even aircraft.
Apply bait in the morning when the temperatures are above 60°F and no rain is forecast so the grasshoppers are in the eating mode, and have time to do exactly that — rain will make the bran unpalatable and ineffective. Spread the bran at a consistency of no less than 25 flakes per square foot. On average a 1 pound of bran bait will treat 1 acre. Grasshoppers will eat the bait quickly.
You may purchase Nosema locustae bait online now!
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