Milky Spore Powder

Paenibacillus popilliae, formerly Bacillus popilliae

Control Japanese beetle grubs with this easy-to-use bacteria-based insecticide.

Milky Spore is available in 2 formulations. This powder formulation is a one-time application. to achieve guaranteed control. The Milky Spore granular program is 6 treatments over 2 years for 10 year guaranteed control.*

Milky Spore uses the naturally occurring bacterium, Paenibacillus popilliae. This bacillus primarily targets Japanese Beetle grubs, the soil-dwelling larval stage, before they become the destructive adults. These grubs target lawn and garden soil, causing unsightly damage to turf and crop loss where they are active. Once applied, Milky Spore must be ingested by the grubs as they feed. The more spores that are in the area, the greater the chance of infection. Once ingested, Milky Spore kills grubs within approximately 3 weeks and continues to propagate while Japanese Beetle grubs are active.

Key Features:

Target-specific meaning it is safe for use around people, pets and beneficial insects.
Considered harmless to food crops.
Aids in keeping digging mammals out of the treated area by limiting their food source.
Not affected by freezing or other adverse environmental conditions.
Compatible with most fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other lawn chemicals.

Coverage Rate: Milky Spore Powder

10 oz for 2,500 sq. ft.
1 lb for 4,000 sq. ft.
2.5 lbs for 10,000 sq. ft.
10 lbs per acre

Also available in granular form.

When To Use: Milky Spore Powder is a one-time application.

Milky Spore's effectiveness can be enhanced with the use of beneficial nematodes - specifically NemaSeek. This species of beneficial nematode actively seeks out grubs in the soil and spreads the Milky Spore as they do so. Apply Milky Spore dry, then water in the NemaSeek for complementary control of pests in your soil.

Additional Information:

Japanese Beetles, Milky Spore and Soil Inoculation

*When used as directed. Guarantees provided by manufacturer, not ARBICO Organics. See label under DOCS tab for more information.

This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman)

One-time application needed. Please note that Milky Spore begins working as soon as applied so long as grubs are feeding. This means spring and autumn applications of Milky Spore are most effective because the grubs are most active at that time. Don't forget that beneficial nematodes are great for seasonal control of the Japanese Beetle. They are effective on a broad range of in-soil pest insects and they will help to more effectively distribute the powder form of Milky Spore.

How Apply Milky Spore Powder:

Shake container to fluff powder.
Place 1 teaspoon of Milky Spore Powder every 4 feet so that you create of grid of the powder. Can be applied using a Dispenser Tube.
Water lightly.

If you are using beneficial nematodes for grub control, lay out the Milky Spore in a grid pattern first. Then, water in the nematodes. The beneficial nematodes will help disperse the bacillus through the soil. Refer to the Application Rates below for recommended treatment area.

Soil remains inoculated from 10 to 20 years from application.

Application Rate:

10 oz treats 2,500 square feet.
40 oz treats 10,000 square feet.

Environment: Outdoors, Crops, Orchards & Vineyards, Nursery, Greenhouse, Container Plants

Storage: Store in original container.

25 lb and 50 lbs sizes required to ship via UPS Ground

Cannot Be Shipped To: CA,OR,WA

What's In The Package: In efforts to improve sustainability, Milky Spore Powder may be packaged in clean, recycled materials.

Warning & Toxicities:

Do not inhale any powders.

Shelf Life: Indefinite when stored in a cool, dry place.

Active Ingredients/Guaranteed Analysis:

Spores of Bacillus popilliae*.....0.02% (w/w)
Other Ingredients.....99.98%
*Equivalent to 1x10⁸ spores/g.

Product Label

SDS

Instructions Video

Reviews

Write a review

Sadly, it didn't work...

Jun 24, 2024 | By Carmella

I used this in combination with the NemaSeek, applied both exactly as directed, but sadly, the Japanese beetles are back with a vengeance.

Dragonfly

Oct 13, 2023 | By carl

Second year here that I'm using mikly spore. Can't tell yet, used it up north and it worked well. It takes a while to become effective. I will see in two more seasons. I now live in N. Carolina.

moles

Dec 9, 2022 | By Marley

Just what you want. Less activity from the moles.

Fast Delivery

Nov 21, 2022 | By Anne DeVries

Product can in eco-friendly packaging and fast delivery exactly as ordered.

Milky Spore to the Rescue

Jul 21, 2022 | By Amy Lynn L Monette

Have been fighting lawn grubs for past three years, using commercial insecticides and even a professional service. So far everything has only been a temporary solution and the grubs seem to come back with other approaches. Have applied the Milky Spore Powder with Nemaseek for the best results so far. Looking forward to the milky spore taking over and creating a hostile environment for future years. I finally have a nice-looking lawn, mid-season, and hope for long-range resolution using organic methods so my pets and grandkids can enjoy the yard.

try it - it worked 4 me

Nov 15, 2021 | By john

It does what it say it does... kills grubs.

Milky Spore results

Aug 22, 2021 | By carl

Have used milky spore in the past and eliminated Japanese grubs for the most part. Should be good for seven years as they multiply in ground , I usually apply every two years. Has saved a lot of plants from looking like swiss cheese.

Very good product

Jun 3, 2021 | By ALAN K K SUE

Totally satisfied.

Easy to use no need to reapply

Aug 30, 2020 | By Rebecca

Product is easy to apply though somewhat time consuming. Plenty to cover my 1650sqft garden and lawn 10ft around perimeter. This is the first year using it, as we had lots of Japanese beetles and the traps did little to nothing, so I can't comment on how quickly or well it works. I am hopeful that this will help reduce the population of Japanese beetles, and that due to the high number of adults this year there will be enough grubs to spread it around the soil. Good news is that I don't have to reapply and the bacteria will live in the soil as long as there are grubs

Great Product, works as promised

Oct 24, 2018 | By Charla M Abbott

I used this to treat a grub infestation with great success! Arbico Organics not only offers all the products needed for a home gardener, but total phone/email support on use of the product. I called twice for assistance and received expert advise that allowed me to rid my garden of the pesky bugs!

Great service

Oct 21, 2018 | By Bill Nobles

Product was delivered on time as promised at price better than competition!

Results of 1st year

Apr 4, 2014 | By Dan Buckley

My neighbor and I used milky spore last two years over 7.5 acres. Can tell where the untreated areas are. Bug hatch was way down. Great results.