Btk has a proven safety record with people, pets, birds, fish, livestock, and other insects such as bees; and has been registered and re-registered many times by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the U.S., to use on more than 200 food and fiber crops.
Btk only works under the conditions present in the stomach of insects in the caterpillar stage of development. This condition is not present in the stomachs of humans, mammals, fish, birds, or honeybees.
Btk only works under the conditions present in the stomach of insects in the caterpillar stage of development. This condition is not present in the stomachs of humans, mammals, fish, birds, or honeybees.
For Btk have any effects, caterpillars must be actively feeding within approximately two weeks after treatment, they must eat the Foray, and they must be susceptible to the bacteria. The MDA works with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify and evaluate impacts to any threatened or endangered species, and ensure that no sites of sensitive, threatened, or endangered species of moths and butterflies overlap with Foray treatments.
For Btk have any effects, caterpillars must be actively feeding within approximately two weeks after treatment, they must eat the Foray, and they must be susceptible to the bacteria. The MDA works with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify and evaluate impacts to any threatened or endangered species, and ensure that no sites of sensitive, threatened, or endangered species of moths and butterflies overlap with Foray treatments.
No, Btk/Foray will not harm vehicle paint or outdoor structures and can be easily washed off. The spray may be more noticeable on dark-colored vehicles. If it’s left in the sun for several days, the residue may dry and become harder to remove. In that case, rehydrate the area by placing a towel soaked in soapy water over it for a few minutes before wiping clean. You may need to use a bit more effort if the spray has been sitting for a while.
No, Btk/Foray will not harm vehicle paint or outdoor structures and can be easily washed off. The spray may be more noticeable on dark-colored vehicles. If it’s left in the sun for several days, the residue may dry and become harder to remove. In that case, rehydrate the area by placing a towel soaked in soapy water over it for a few minutes before wiping clean. You may need to use a bit more effort if the spray has been sitting for a while.
IMPORTANT MANAGEMENT UPDATE
For decades, a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), ten states, and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Forest Service, the national Slow the Spread (STS) program has effectively reduced the spread of spongy moth populations; an invasive and destructive forest pest, by greater than 60%. The MDA has used aerial spongy moth management to protect our state from devastating forest damage and significant economic losses.
Due to budget uncertainties and significant allocation delays within the USDA Forest Service, the MDA was notified that Minnesota would not receive the federal funding needed in time for proper implementation of Btk aerial management operations. This forced the MDA to cancel all Btk management for 2025, which was 12 high-priority spongy moth infestations in five Minnesota counties totaling 2,752 acres.
Specifically, these cuts affected treatments in Anoka, Carlton, Itasca, St. Louis, and Winona counties, and the cities of Coon Rapids, Grand Rapids, and Winona.
As a result, the MDA removed all proposed Btk management areas from our treatment map and closed all Btk email/text notification signups.
The MDA is still moving forward with all mating disruption (product SPLAT GM-O) treatments. The MDA will continue to work within our state program to monitor spongy moth populations and to advocate for the best possible management strategies in the future.
SPLAT GM-O is completely non-toxic and harmless to humans and animals. All the ingredients in SPLAT GM-O are listed by the EPA's as safe and allowable for use in organic food production.
Scientific research shows that SPLAT GM-O is not harmful to humans. Individuals with a weakened immune systems or serious food allergies may choose to avoid any potential for exposure by staying indoors during and at least 30 minutes after the treatment, or leaving the area during the application.
