BT, Spinosad, or both?

obijohn

Well-Known Member

• Sep 2, 2022

• #1

Saw my first budworm egg hanging on a leaf this morning, they tend to be attached on a little thread instead of directly on the leaf.

I've used Spinosad in the past, kills them as well as thrips, whiteflies and Spider Mites. I also know BT is good for Budworms, but not so much with other common pests. With Spinosad I made sure I got some in the buds as well as leaves. If I use BT, can I also spray direct into the buds without fear of but rot from the moisture?

 

Budzbuddha

Well-Known Member

• Sep 2, 2022

• #2

Spinosad and pyrethrum are broad spectrum insecticides - meaning they cover a wide range of garden pests. You can alternate treats with products but it is better to start with one upfront to establish control and the other for “ maintenance / preventative “.

 

obijohn

Well-Known Member

• Sep 2, 2022

• #3

AFAIK there are no worms yet, just an egg I found - so I know they are coming. From what the product label on BT says, it needs to sprayed on worms, not eggs. Think I'll stick with Spinosad for now and use BT if I see worms down the road. For preventive maintenance, should I spray directly inside the buds as well as leaves, or just leaves and the outside on buds? Spinosad will help ensure I don't get a Spider mite infestation, and get rid of thrips and whiteflies (although those are not a real issue ATM

 

Budzbuddha

Well-Known Member

• Sep 2, 2022

• #4

Are they outdoors ?

Summertime is bug peak time. Spinosad and I believe “ garden safe “ or Monterey are good options . Don’t forget DIY ISO spray options for ANY “ eggs “ it punches thru the waxy coating. Then you can water mist off the corpses. My go to for insecticide resist bug bastards.

 

obijohn

Well-Known Member

• Sep 2, 2022

• #5

Yup, outdoors. It's been ages since I used BT so I forget some of the specifics. Spinosad has usually worked well, although there were times I'd see budworms and rot/poop in a few buds. I chalk it up to not keeping on top of things

 

Lizard0420

Well-Known Member

• Sep 2, 2022

• #6

With bt don't they have to eat it then bacteria kills them?

 

Bertha99

Member

• Sep 4, 2022

• #7

obijohn said:

Saw my first budworm egg hanging on a leaf this morning, they tend to be attached on a little thread instead of directly on the leaf.

I've used Spinosad in the past, kills them as well as thrips, whiteflies and Spider Mites. I also know BT is good for Budworms, but not so much with other common pests. With Spinosad I made sure I got some in the buds as well as leaves. If I use BT, can I also spray direct into the buds without fear of but rot from the moisture?

Click to expand...

I believe those are lacewing eggs. They look like little white balloons. They're very beneficial to you plants so don't kill them.

Lacewings | University of Maryland Extension

Lacewings are delicate green or brown insects, excellent predators of aphids and other small insects.

extension.umd.edu