[indifferent]

Well you must have not used the dunks correctly then. They are Baccilus Thurensis Israelensis (probably spelt that wrong) and BTi has been proven to work very well against gnats. i had one of the worst imaginable infestations last year and Bti wiped it out in 2 weeks with diligent application every 2-3 days.

This was what happened to a fresh sticky trap in 3 days, 2 weeks later, not one gnat to be found, so BTi does work.

Dunks don't suck, digitalhippy sucks.

that last pic is very cool ^
I hate gnats , I hope these dunks work quick .

Sorry THC it takes about 4 weeks for it to work in soil. It is not a fast cure, but it is best used as a preventative in the first place. It do work though.

I ain't tried no hydro, but others say it works well in hydro for them.

I think sometimes people give up too early on.

I wont give up , I understand its organic and takes a bit .

[indifferent]

The BTi, being an organism, needs time to build up a population, but once it's established, it will really go to work on the gnats.

Some people just buy into the 'more, now, faster, bigger, better' mentality that companies like AN promote and if they don't see near-instant results then they just say 'it sucks'.

A clean grow room is important as well, gnats will survive on stray plant matter and patches of dampness so keep everything clean, no dead leaves or moisture on the floor, etc. Treating the medium with Bti but having dirty spots in the room where the gnats can survive is pointless.

So once a colony of Bti is established, the used soil could be dumped onto an outdoor pile of dirt or something and the colony would keep growing?

I am fascinated with this subject.

[indifferent]

I think so, makes sense that once the organism is well established in the soil it would just keep on as long as the conditions allowed.

from wikipedia:

Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis (Bti) is a group of bacteria used as biological control agents for larvae stages of certain Dipterans. Bti produces toxins which are effective in killing various species of mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and blackflies, while having almost no effect on other organisms. Indeed this is one of the major advantages of B. thuringiensis products in general is that they are thought to affect few non-target species.

Bti strains possess the pBtoxis plasmid which encodes numerous Cry and Cyt toxins, including Cry4, Cry10, Cry11, Cyt1 and Cyt2. The crystal aggregation which these toxins form contains at least four major toxic components but the extent to which each Cry and Cyt protein is represented is not known and likely to vary with strain and formulation. Both Cry and Cyt proteins are pore forming toxins; they lyse midgut epithelial cells by inserting into the target cell membrane and forming pores.[1]

Commercial formulations include "Mosquito Dunks"/"Mosquito Bits." It is also available in bulk liquid or granular formulations for commercial and public agency use.

Here is the US EPA Fact Sheet on Bti:

Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215 (006476) Fact Sheet
Related Information

* Regulating Biopesticides
* Active Ingredient Index

Information related to this page:

* Federal Register Notices









Issued: October 1998

On This Page

1. Description of the Active Ingredient
2. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods
3. Science Findings
4. Labeling
5. Summary of Required Data
6. Additional Contact Information

1. Description of the Active Ingredient


* Generic Name of the Active Ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215


* Trade and Other Names: BTI Technical Powder Bioinsecticide


* OPP Chemical Code: 006476


* Year of Initial Registration: 1998


* Pesticide Type: Microbial Insecticide


* U.S. and Foreign Producers:

Ecogen, Inc.
2005 Cabot Blvd. West
Langhorne, PA 19047-3023

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2. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods


* Target Pests: Mosquito larvae


* Registered Uses: Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215 is a manufacturing use product designed for production of end-use products for mosquito control. The end-use sites are for outdoor use only and include irrigation ditches, roadside ditches, flood water, standing ponds, woodland pools, snow melt pools, pastures, catch basins, storm water retention areas, tidal water, salt marshes, and rice fields.


* Application Timing: Application timing is not specified because the registered product is for manufacturing use only.
3. Science Findings
1. Microbe Description

The active ingredient for Ecogen BTI Technical Powder Insecticide is identified as Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215. The microorganism produces five cry toxins with Dipteran activity: cry4A, cry4B, cry10A, cry11A, and cytIA.

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2. History

The original strain isolate for EG2215 is ONR-60A (Goldberg and Margalit, 1997) which is identical to strain HD567 from the H. Dulmage USDA collection (Dulmage, Beegle, Barjac, Reich, Donaldson, and Krywienczyk, 1982). Samples can be obtained from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Entomopathogenic Bacillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
3. Taxonomy

All Bacillus species are rod-shaped, endospore-forming aerobic bacteria. Strain EG2215 consists of large sporangia (at least 1.0 by 3.0) and vegetative cells. Strain EG2215 contains spores that are ellipsoidal, paracentral, do not distend to the sides of the sporangium, and require oxygen for sporulation. When grown on NSM agar, the colonies were opaque, cream colored, round, flat, and with a dry smooth texture. The crystal is the portion of the bacteria that gives it insecticidal properties and identifies the bacteria as Bacillus thuringiensis. Flagella are assumed to be present because the cells are motile. The resident plasmids contained in strain EG2215 include: ~135-, 105-, 75-, 68-, 10.6-, 4.9-, 4.2-, and 3.3- megadaltons.
4. Toxicology


1. Toxicity/Pathogenicity Data

The acute oral toxicity/pathogenicity, acute pulmonary toxicity/pathogenicity, and acute intravenous toxicity/pathogenicity data requirements for Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215 were satisfied via the cite-all method. The Agency does not anticipate any toxicological or pathogenic problems with Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215. However, to confirm these expected results, the Agency will require that the registrant perform an Intraperitoneal injection study as a condition of registration. The assay must be performed with mice using three doses (106, 107, 108 CFU per animal). If this test reveals significant mortality, the Agency may require additional data. All registrants of products with Bacillus thuringiensis are currently required to perform an Intraperitoneal assay. In addition, to qualify for an exemption from tolerance, Ecogen must follow the production control measures outlined in 40 CFR 180.1011 to demonstrate lack of contaminants.
2. Product Specific Data

Ecogen BTI Technical Powder Bioinsecticide, containing Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215 has been supported with data from other Bt kurstaki products. Ecogen has cited the manufacturing process for Condor OF, a product containing Bt kurstaki. To confirm the lack of potential irritation in the final technical product, the Agency will require that an eye irritation study (81-4) and a dermal irritation study (81-5) be completed as a condition of registration. Until these tests are completed, all products containing Bt israelensis strain EG2215 are considered Toxicity Category II for eye irritation and must be labeled as such

Acute Oral Toxicity/Pathogenicity - Rat (81-1)
This study was cited from the Ecogen product CutlassTM WP; MRID# 413342-01

CLASSIFICATION: ACCEPTABLE-TOX CATEGORY IV

Acute Inhalation Toxicity - Rat (81-3):

This study was cited from the Ecogen product CutlassTM WP; MRID# 413342-01

CLASSIFICATION: ACCEPTABLE-TOX CATEGORY IV

Primary Eye Irritation - Rabbit (152A-14):

This study was cited from the Ecogen product CutlassTM WP; MRID# 423608-01

CLASSIFICATION: ACCEPTABLE-TOX CATEGORY II (see above)

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5. Human Health Effects


1. Risks Posed by Potential Residential, School or Day Care Exposure

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis strain EG2215 is labeled as a manufacturing use product for formulation into end-use products that may have outdoor residential uses. However, the toxicology of the active ingredient indicates that there will be minimal to nonexistent nondietary risk to children present from use sites allowed in end-use products formulated from Bt israelensis strain EG2215. The toxicology of Bt subspecies israelensis is well established. Thirty years of widespread Bacillus thuringiensis use has produced no confirmed reports of immediate or delayed allergic reactions to the delta-endotoxin itself despite significant oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure to the microbial product.

FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA shall assess the available information about consumption patterns among infants and children, special susceptibility of infants and children to pesticide chemical residues and other substances with a common mechanism of toxicity. In addition, FFDCA section 408 provides that EPA shall apply an additional tenfold margin of exposure (safety) for infants and children in the case of threshold effects to account for pre- and post-natal toxicity and the completeness of the database unless EPA determines that a different margin of exposure (safety) will be safe for infants and children. In this instance, based on all the available information, the Agency concludes that infants and children will consume only minimal, if any, residues of this microbial insecticide and that there is a finding of no toxicity. Thus, there are no threshold effects of concern and, as a result the provision requiring an additional margin of safety does not apply. Further, the provisions of consumption patterns, special susceptibility, and cumulative effects do not apply.

The registrant is required to report any hypersensitivity reactions as a result of the product's use when and if they occur.
2. Effects on the Endocrine System

The active ingredient is a microorganism. The Agency has considered, among other relative factors, available information concerning whether Bacillus thuringiensismay have an effect in humans similar to an effect produced by a naturally occurring estrogen or other endocrine effects. No known toxins or metabolites of Bacillus thuringiensis have been identified to act as endocrine disrupters or immunotoxicants. Therefore, adverse effects to the endocrine or immune systems are not expected.
3. Potential for the Transfer of the Pesticide to Drinking Water

Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis is formulated for use on mosquito arvae in aquatic habitats. Although this product will be labeled for direct application to water, end-use products formulated from Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215 must be labeled with the following statement "Do not apply directly to treated, finished drinking water reservoirs or drinking water receptacles." This labeling language should reduce the potential of this product being applied directly to drinking water.

Bt is ubiquitous in many soils throughout the world. Bt is not known as an aquatic bacterium, and therefore, is not expected to proliferate in aquatic habitats. Although the potential exists for some minimal amount of the applied Bt to enter ground water or other drinking water sources, the amount present would in all probability be undetectable or at least several orders of magnitude lower than those levels tested for safety. Also, drinking water is not screened for Bt as a potential indicator of microbial contamination or as a direct pathogenic contaminant. The municipal treatment of drinking water would further reduce the possibility of exposure to Bt through drinking water. Therefore, the Agency considers the potential of significant transfer of Bt israelensis strain EG2215 to drinking water as minimal to nonexistent.
4. Aggregate Exposure From Multiple Routes Including Oral, Dermal, and Inhalation

Bacillus thuringiensis is a naturally occurring soil bacterium. Anyone coming in contact with the soil is likely to be exposed to this microorganism. Because the health risk is expected to be negligible for oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure routes, as previously indicated, aggregate exposure by these routes, from naturally-occurring populations in the soil and from the use of pesticidal products, should not pose a threat to human health.

To further mitigate risk due to inhalation, all end-use products containing Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis strain EG2215 will be required to include the following statement on the label (this statement is required for all end-use Bt products):

"As a general precaution when exposed to potentially high concentrations of living microbial products such as this, all mixer/loaders and applicators not enclosed in cabs or aircraft must wear a dust/mist filtering respirator meeting NIOSH standards of at least N-95, R-95, or P-95."
6. Food Quality Protection Act Requirements

No unreasonable adverse effects to human health are expected from the use of Bt israelensis strain EG2215. No tolerance is needed since Bt israelensis strain EG2215 is covered by the exemption from the requirement of a tolerance per 40 CFR 180.1011. The Agency has considered this Bt isolate in light of the nine safety factors listed in the Food Quality Protection Act and made a determination of reasonable certainty of no harm. In short, the Agency has not identified any subchronic, chronic, immune, endocrine, or non-dietary cumulative exposure issues as they may affect infants and children or the general population.
7. Ecological Effects

The non-target data requirements for Bt israelensis strain EG2215 were bridged from data submitted for other Bt israelensis registrations. Bt israelensis strain EG2215 has been positively identified as a typical Bt israelensis and it is unlikely that the toxicology of this microorganism will differ from other strains of Bt israelensis. However, the Agency is concerned with the potential presence of heat labile exotoxin produced during the manufacturing process for all Bt active ingredients. For this reason, a Daphnia study (with a 10 day exposure period) will be required as a condition of registration for Bt israelensis strain EG2215. Should this test show significant lethality, a dose response Daphnia test must be performed to derive an LC50. Pending the results of this assay, further non-target species testing may be required by the Agency.

A summary of Bt israelensis toxicity to non-target organisms is presented below:

Toxicity to Terrestrial Animals

Birds: mallard duck and bobwhite quail (154-16)

Cited studies indicate that Bt israelensis is not toxic or pathogenic to either of these species after acute or subacute testing.

Non-target insects: green lace wing larvae, parasitic hymenoptera, predaceous Coleoptera (154-23)

Cited studies indicate that Bt israelensis shows little to no toxicity in any of the tested species.

Non-target insects: honey bee (154-24)

Cited study demonstrates that Bt israelensis has minimal toxicity to honey bees.

Toxicity to Aquatic Animals

Freshwater fish: trout and bluegill (154-19)

Cited studies indicate no toxicity or pathogenicity associated with Bt israelensis.

Freshwater invertebrates: Daphnia (154-20)

Cited study indicates that Bt israelensis is moderately toxic to Daphnia. The use rates of all end use products formulated from Bt israelensis strain EG2215 will be evaluated prior to registration to determine the risk to non-target aquatic invertebrates.

Estuarine and marine animals: grass shrimp, sheepshead minnow, copepod (154-21)

Cited studies indicate no toxicity or pathogenicity in these species associated with Bt israelensis.

Toxicity to Non-target Plants

Since the Agency is not aware of any evidence that Bacillus thuringiensis causes any adverse effects to plants, the risk to non-target plants (including terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic species) is minimal.

Toxicity to Mammals

Based on the mammalian studies cited in the health effects assessment and the history of thirty years of safe Bt use, the risk to mammalian wildlife should be minimal to nonexistent. However, an Intraperitoneal injection study will be required as a condition of registration specifically for Bacillus thuringiensis strain EG2215. This test is part of the product characterization to demonstrate lack of mammalian toxicity in the Technical Grade of the Active Ingredient (TGAI).

Risk to Endangered Species

Based on the toxicity and exposure data for Bacillus thuringiensis, there should be no risk for endangered mammals, birds, plants, and noninsect aquatic species. All endangered/threatened insect species that are susceptible to the Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis endotoxins may be adversely affected if exposed.
8. Environmental Fate and Ground Water Effects

Exposure assessments on this type of microbial pesticide are not performed unless significant human health or ecological effects issues arise in the Tier I studies (40 CFR 158.690 (c)). Since Tier II studies were not triggered, there is no requirement for environmental fate data.
9. Efficacy Data

Bacillus thuringiensis strain EG2215 is registered as a manufacturing use product only. It will ultimately be used to formulate end use products for mosquito control. Since Bt israelensis strain EG2215 is a manufacturing use product and bears no label claims for end use and direct application for control of mosquitoes, efficacy data was not required. However, any end use products formulated from Bt israelensis strain EG2215 for control of mosquitoes must be registered separately and will be subject to efficacy data requirements.
4. Labeling
1. Endangered Species

Currently, the Agency is developing a program ("The Endangered Species Protection Program") to identify all pesticides whose use may cause adverse impacts on endangered and threatened species and to implement mitigation measures that will eliminate the adverse impacts. The program would require use restrictions to protect endangered and threatened species at the county level. Consultations with the Fish and Wildlife Service may be necessary to assess risks to newly listed species or from proposed new uses. In the future, the Agency plans to publish a description of the Endangered Species Program in the Federal Register and have available voluntary county-specific bulletins. Because the Agency is taking this approach for protecting endangered and threatened species, it is not imposing label modifications at this time. Rather, any requirements for product use modifications will occur in the future under the Endangered Species Protection Program.
2. Required Environmental Hazards Statement on the End-Use Product Label

All end-use products formulated from Bt israelensis strain EG2215 will be required to have the following statement:

"Do not discharge effluent containing this product into lakes, streams, ponds, estuaries, oceans or public waters unless this product is specifically addressed in an NPDES permit. Do not discharge effluent containing this product to sewer systems without previously notifying the sewage treatment plant authority. For guidance, contact your State Water Board or Regional Office of the EPA."
5. Summary of Required Data

All hypersensitivity incidents must be reported to the Agency when/if they occur.

As a condition of registration (due within 6 months of registration), the registrant of Bt israelensis strain EG2215 is required to conduct a Daphnia study with a 10 day exposure period using a maximum hazard dose. This test is required of all registrants of Bt products to ensure that their manufacturing processes has been optimized to sufficiently prevent production of significant amounts of heat labile exotoxins. Should this test show significant lethality, a dose response Daphnia test must be performed to derive an LC50. Pending the results of this assay, further non-target species testing may be required by the Agency.

As a condition of registration (due within 6 months of registration), the registrant of Bt israelensis strain EG2215 is required to conduct an Intraperitoneal injection study. This test is required as part of the product identity data requirements (151A-12C) to demonstrate lack of mammalian toxicity in the Technical Grade of the Active Ingredient (TGAI). The assay should be conducted using mice with three doses (106, 107, 108 CFU per animal) and mortality should be recorded. If the results from this test show significant mortality, additional data may be required by the Agency.

As a condition of registration (due within 6 months of registration), the registrant of Bt israelensis strain EG2215 is required to submit the results from a mosquito bioassay to verify the potency (ITU) of the toxin. This test, part of the product characterization, is needed specifically for the toxin and was lacking from the original submission.

As a condition of registration (due within 6 months of registration), the registrant of Bt israelensis strain EG2215 is required to complete an eye irritation study (81-4) and a dermal irritation study (81-5). These studies are required to confirm lack of irritation in the final technical product. Until these tests are completed, all products containing Bt israelensis strain EG2215 must be labeled with Toxicity Category II statements for eye
VII. Additional Contact Information:

Ombudsman, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)
Office of Pesticide Programs
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20460

[DIGITALHIPPY]

Originally Posted by LolaGal

... It is not a fast cure, but it is best used as a preventative in the first place. ....

now that ill totaly agree with.
gnatrol is the same BTi but with no medium wasting space, u get more bacillis then in a dunk. come powdered like michorizzal.

soapwater (cheap, non antibacterial soap) as a spray seams to kill more gnats then bti, considering the dunks have to kill larva.
kill at 2 stages of life, not one.

using dunks as directed is ineffective. put in a bucket of water? does nothing for the medium infected with larva.

"using this product in a way not as directed is in violation of federal law" ...


indifferent....you just follow me around talking shit? grow the fuck up...really. ive seen people trash on you all over this forum you trying to compete with someone? your mommy didnt pay much attention to you?
please, go have another bowl....

im picturing a female grower with dunks as her pasties ! lol
but there's a hole in the middle

[fink]

Hey indifferent did you find these for sale in the UK or did you source a different BT product?