Milky Spore Powder

Milky Spore Powder, manufactured by St. Gabriel Organics, is a select, one-time-application, ready-to-use powder that targets the larvae of Japanese Beetles. 

It contains the active ingredient Bacillus Papillae 0.02 %, a natural bacterium that will not harm other insects when feeding on the product or food crops. Once ingested, the spores within this product will quickly multiply inside the grub, killing it from within. Another unexpected benefit is that it helps to rid your lawn of unsightly brown spots.

Milky Spore Powder provides a long-term Japanese beetle grub solution for up to 20 years, making it an economical product. It is safe to use on grassy areas at any point in the season and remains dormant until feeding activity begins, eliminating the next wave of infestation. 

Tools Needed

This product is ready-to-use and can be used right out of the container or it may be applied with a push spreader. However, a dispenser tube may be needed to release the powder from the container more easily.

How to Use

• Step 1: Locate areas where insects are traveling and hiding, then calculate the size of the area you wish to treat in square feet. To do this, measure the length and width of the treatment area in feet, then multiply them together (length x width = square footage). Milky Spore Powder is recommended to be applied at a rate of one level teaspoon every 4 feet along rows four feet apart on the ground between plants or on top of grass. Apply 10 oz. of product to treat a 2,500 sq. ft. area. For 4,000 sq. ft., use 1 pound of Milky Spore Powder. For 10,000 sq. ft., use 2.5 lbs. of Milky Spore Powder. For one acre of lawn, use 10 pounds of this product.
• Step 2: Evenly shake the Milky Spore Powder from the container or dispenser tube until plants and grass have even coverage on the top of leaves and on the ground in between plants. Once applied, water the powder gently for about fifteen minutes.

Where to Use

Milky Spore Powder can be used on lawns, grassy areas, ornamental gardens, flower beds, mulched beds, and ground cover beds.

When to Use

This product can be used any time of the year when the ground is not frozen. Typically, this will be in spring through summer, when insect activity is most frequent. For best results, apply during spring and late summer/early fall. It is best to apply before the grubs hatch and when the ground is not frozen.

Late fall applications are not recommended because Japanese beetle grubs may be burrowed deeper into the soil to avoid cooler weather conditions and not make much contact with the product material.

Apply on calm, warm days when rain is not expected for 24 hours.

Safety Information

Milky Spore Powder is safe to use around children or pets when applied according to the product label. Always make sure to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when mixing or applying this product.

Special Considerations

Uniform, highly efficient control cannot be expected until the entire treatment area, including the ground between grass and plants, has been treated with Milky Spore Powder. Reapplications may be necessary if the product is not applied correctly or is blown or washed away by rainfall within 24 hours of application.