1. How It Works
Milky Spore is an organic pest control product that specifically targets the grubs of Japanese beetles. The “milky” part of the name comes from the milky white spore bacteria, Paenibacillus popilliae, that the product contains. Once ingested, the milky spore bacteria multiply inside the grubs, killing them and then releasing more spores back into the soil, which can then kill more grubs. This cycle makes Milky Spore a long-term solution for controlling Japanese beetle populations.
2. Usage
Milky Spore is straightforward to use. It’s generally applied to the soil, where it’s ingested by the grubs. It’s important to note that the full effect of Milky Spore may not be seen until 2-3 years after initial application, as the product needs time to populate the soil thoroughly. One application can last up to 10 years, so its upfront cost is worth it.
3. Targeting Specific Pests
It’s a highly specialized product, so if Japanese beetles are your main concern, Milky Spore could be an excellent addition to your pest control strategy.
