Pine processionary caterpillar treatment Bacillus thuringiensis 20 g

Pine processionary caterpillar treatment – Bacillus Thuringiensis

The pine processionary caterpillar (*Thaumetopea pityocampa*) is a formidable pest that causes severe defoliation of pines, weakening the trees and making them more vulnerable to diseases and other pests.

The pine processionary caterpillar treatment CP Jardin contains a biological insecticide based on Bacillus thuringiensis (kurstaki strain), a micro-organism naturally present in soil. This natural treatment works by ingestion: once consumed, it causes the caterpillars to stop feeding, leading to their elimination within a few days.

It targets only caterpillars when they are feeding on the needles (stages L2 to L3). This product respects beneficial insects and biodiversity.

When and how to treat pine processionary caterpillars?

To be effective, the pine processionary caterpillar treatment must be applied when young caterpillars hatch from the eggs and start eating the needles.

In France, this is generally between September and November, depending on the region. Application should be carried out as early as possible after egg hatch, on young caterpillars visible in groups, at the top of the tree or on the tips of branches.

Dosage and frequency

The box contains 20 g of powder, with a 4 g measuring scoop.

Step-by-step application

1. Pour half a litre of water into a sprayer
2. Measure the product with the included scoop
3. Stir for about 1 minute
4. Top up with the remaining water
5. Spray generously over the entire pine crown, wetting the needles
6. Apply when the caterpillars are at stage L2 or L3 (active and feeding)
7. Repeat the treatment 10 days later if necessary

Pro tips 🌲

• Treat at the end of the day, as caterpillars feed mostly at night
• Use a sprayer with a fine nozzle for even application
• Do not treat during rainy periods or in strong winds
• Install a pheromone trap from May to monitor moth flights

Frequently asked questions

I have caterpillars in procession in my garden—can I spray directly on them?

No. Bacillus thuringiensis only works by ingestion. When they are on the ground in procession (stage L5), the caterpillars no longer feed. The pine processionary treatment is useless at this stage.

How do I know when to treat?

Set up a processionary moth pheromone trap from May. When the first moth is caught, allow about 4 to 6 weeks for the eggs to hatch. The pine processionary caterpillar treatment should be applied 2 months after detecting the flights, generally between September and November.

When should you treat with this product against caterpillars?

treat only when the caterpillars are eating the needles.

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Regulatory information: Approved name: Dipel DF Jardin - MA No.: 2150417 - Bacillus Thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki strain ABTS - 351 1.17 10¹³ CFU/kg - Water-dispersible granules (WG). Authorisation holder: Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe SAS, Parc d'affaires de Crécy - 10A rue de la Voie Lactée, St Didier au Mont d'Or.