Bio-Insect Control
A biological insecticide based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and neem extract. Low chemical residue, safe for beneficial insects, and approved for use on organic-certified farms. Ideal for the pre-harvest period and export crops with strict MRL requirements.
How to Use
Target the Right Pest Stage
Bio-Insect Control works best against young larvae (1st–3rd instar caterpillars). Apply when eggs are hatching or as soon as you see small larvae. It is less effective against large, mature caterpillars and has no effect on adult insects.
Mix the Solution
Shake the bottle well before use. Add 25–50 mL per 10 litres of water. Mix gently — excessive agitation can degrade the Bt spores. Add a non-ionic spreader-sticker adjuvant (0.1%) to improve adhesion on waxy leaf surfaces.
Apply in the Evening
Bt degrades rapidly in UV light. Apply in the late afternoon or evening (after 5 PM) so spores remain active overnight when caterpillars feed most actively. Early morning application is second best.
Thorough Leaf Coverage
Caterpillars must ingest the Bt — they die only after eating treated leaf material, not by contact. Cover all leaf surfaces thoroughly, especially growing tips where young larvae feed first.
Repeat Frequently
Because it degrades in UV light and rain washes it off, Bio-Insect Control requires more frequent application than synthetic insecticides: every 5–7 days, or after heavy rain events. Monitor pest pressure closely.
Storage of Mixed Product
Use mixed solution within 4 hours. Do not store diluted product. Undiluted concentrate should be kept in a cool, dark place (below 25°C) — heat and light degrade Bt viability. Shelf life: 18 months if stored correctly.
Key Features
Safe for Pollinators
Bt and neem have no effect on bees, beneficial wasps, or predatory insects when applied correctly. Safe to use on flowering crops during off-peak pollination hours.
Zero Pre-Harvest Interval
Can be applied the day of harvest with no residue concern — critical for fresh produce going to export markets or direct-to-consumer sales.
Organic Certified
Approved for use in certified organic production systems. Acceptable under EU Regulation 848/2018 organic standards for crops destined for European markets.
Resistance Breaking
Rotate Bio-Insect Control with synthetic insecticides to break resistance cycles in bollworm and armyworm populations — a growing problem in East Africa.
Low Mammalian Toxicity
Extremely safe for farm workers, children, and livestock. Bt has been used safely in agriculture for over 50 years with no known human health risks at field concentrations.
Environmental Safety
Breaks down naturally in soil and water without persistent residues. Does not bioaccumulate in the food chain — an important advantage over organochlorine alternatives.
Best Practice Tips
- Combine with pheromone traps to monitor adult moth flight peaks — apply Bio-Insect Control 3–5 days after a moth flight peak when first-instar larvae are present.
- For Fall Armyworm (FAW) on maize, apply directly into the whorl (funnel) of the plant where larvae hide during the day — pour or spray 5–10 mL of concentrate directly into the whorl.
- If caterpillar pressure is very high, start with LUNA Smart Pesticide for quick knockdown, then switch to Bio-Insect Control for ongoing management and pre-harvest applications.
- Check the production date — Bt products lose potency over time. Only purchase from suppliers who store products in cool, shaded conditions.
