Best Bt Spray For Plants: Compare Ready-to-Use and Concentrates
A strong Bt spray for plants targets caterpillars and worm-stage pests on the crops, trees, or ornamentals you actually grow, with a format that fits your application routine. Bonide Captain Jack’s Bacillus Thuringiensis BT, 32 oz is the most straightforward pick here: it is ready to use and lists control of cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars. The other options include liquid concentrates in several sizes, plus Monterey products supplied with measuring spoons.
Bt products in this lineup are intended for particular caterpillar pests, not every insect that may damage a garden. Compare the listed target pests, plant coverage, form, and size before choosing.
For concentrates, follow the product label for mixing and application; do not assume that sizes or directions are interchangeable across products.
Bonide Captain Jack’s Bacillus Thuringiensis BT, 32 oz is the leading choice for a buyer who wants Bt spray for garden plants without first mixing a concentrate. Its listed uses include fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals, and its target pests include cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars. The ready-to-use format is a practical distinction in this group, which otherwise includes several concentrates.
Choose a concentrate instead if you prefer a mixable product or want a different bottle size.
Our Top Picks
Best OverallReady-to-use spray targets cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars, and lists use on fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
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Best ConcentrateThis 16-ounce concentrate targets cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars, with listed use on fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
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Spoon IncludedThe 16-ounce concentrate comes bundled with a measuring spoon and lists control of cabbage loopers, bagworms, gypsy moths, and other caterpillars.
View on Amazon- Largest Listed Bottle Monterey BT 32 oz
Compare Bt sprays by format and listed uses
| # | Product | Form | Weight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. Bonide Captain Jack's BtBest Overall | Spray | 2.3 lb | View on Amazon |
| 2 | 2. Bonide Thuricide 16 ozBest Concentrate | Spray | 1.3 lb | View on Amazon |
| 3 | 3. Monterey BT 16 ozSpoon Included | Oil | 16 oz | View on Amazon |
| 4 | 4. Monterey BT 32 ozLargest Listed Bottle | Oil | — | View on Amazon |
| 5 | 5. Bonide Thuricide 8 ozConcentrate for fruit and nuts | Spray | 10.56 oz | View on Amazon |
| 6 | 6. Monterey BT 8 ozSmall-format Monterey BT | Oil | — | View on Amazon |
| 7 | 7. Southern Ag Thuricide BTLiquid BT caterpillar control | Liquid | 9.9 oz | View on Amazon |
| 8 | 8. Monterey B.T. galMonterey gallon-size liquid | Liquid | — | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews: Best Bt Spray For Plants

#1 · Best Overall
1. Bonide Captain Jack's Bt
- Form: Spray
- Weight: 2.3 lb
Best for: Ready-to-use garden spray.
Why it ranks #1: Ready-to-use spray targets cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars, and lists use on fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
Ready-to-use spray is the key convenience here: Bonide Captain Jack’s BT comes in a 32-ounce format that can be applied directly to foliage, without first preparing a mix. Its listed targets include cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars, making it a practical option for gardeners protecting vegetables and ornamentals.
Bonide lists protection for fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals, with specific crops including broccoli, kale, peppers, melons, and tomatoes. The ready-to-use format supports direct application, while the verified directions call for shaking well and covering the tops and undersides of leaves. For larger or differently equipped gardens, the product can also be mixed with water for use in a hose-end or pressurized sprayer or mist blower, adding application flexibility.
- Ready-to-use 32-ounce spray
- Targets cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars
- Listed for fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals
- Can be applied directly or used with specified sprayers
- The ready-to-use format is less suited to buyers seeking a small concentrate for mixing.
Skip it if you want a concentrate to mix for your sprayer; Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate, 16 oz, is a listed alternative.
Choose this Bonide spray for home gardeners who want a ready-to-use option for listed vegetables, fruits, trees, and ornamentals. Its direct-use format suits foliage treatment, while larger-area sprayer use requires mixing it with water.
Full product details
| Brand | Bonide |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Bonide Captain Jack's Bacillus Thuringiensis BT, 32 oz Ready-to-Use |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Item Weight | 2.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Bonide Products LLC |
| Model Number | 8066A |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
| Additional Information | Important information Safety Information Keep Out Of Reach Of Children |
Listed on Amazon as: Bonide Captain Jack's Bacillus Thuringiensis BT, 32 oz
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#2 · Best Concentrate
2. Bonide Thuricide 16 oz
- Form: Spray
- Weight: 1.3 lb
Best for: Bonide concentrate for gardens.
Why it ranks #2: This 16-ounce concentrate targets cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars, with listed use on fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
A 16-ounce ready-to-mix concentrate sets this Bonide Thuricide BT apart from the brand’s ready-to-use spray, giving gardeners a format intended for preparation before application. Its listed targets include cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars, with coverage for fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
Bonide names crops including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, peppers, melons, tomatoes, and cabbage, which helps gardeners judge whether it suits their planting. The concentrate format is the key workflow distinction from a ready-to-use spray: buyers prepare it before applying, so follow the product’s directions and protective-gear guidance. The listing states that it controls worms and caterpillar-stage insects while causing no harm to birds, earthworms, or beneficial insects such as honeybees and ladybugs.
- 16-ounce ready-to-mix concentrate
- Lists cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars
- Named coverage includes fruits, vegetables, trees, and ornamentals
- States no harm to birds, earthworms, and beneficial insects
- Requires preparation before application rather than being ready to spray.
Skip it if you want direct application without mixing; Bonide Captain Jack’s BT Ready-to-Use Spray is the closer match.
This Bonide concentrate suits gardeners treating listed crops and ornamentals who prefer a mix-before-use format. It is not the direct-application choice, and buyers should follow its protective-gear and safety directions.
Full product details
| Brand | Bonide |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate, 16 oz |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Arett Sales – LG |
| Model Number | 803 |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
Listed on Amazon as: Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate, 16 oz Ready-to-Mix Solution for Caterpillar, Worm and Moth Control in Home Garden
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#3 · Spoon Included
3. Monterey BT 16 oz
- Form: Oil
- Weight: 16 oz
Best for: 16-ounce concentrate with spoon.
Why it ranks #3: The 16-ounce concentrate comes bundled with a measuring spoon and lists control of cabbage loopers, bagworms, gypsy moths, and other caterpillars.
The bundled measuring spoon is a practical differentiator for Monterey BT’s 16-ounce concentrate: it gives buyers a measuring aid when preparing the product for use. Its listed targets include cabbage loopers, bagworms, and gypsy moths, while its stated plant range spans vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
Monterey names a broad set of caterpillar and worm-type pests, including fall cankerworm and elm spanworm, alongside crops such as broccoli, cabbage, melons, lettuce, and tomatoes. That breadth helps gardeners assess whether the concentrate matches their planting. The included measuring spoon is relevant to preparing measured applications, and the listing says it is safe for earthworms and bees when used as directed. Follow the product’s handling and application directions; the supplied safety information calls for washing after mixing and applying.
- 16-ounce concentrate
- Bundled measuring spoon
- Lists multiple caterpillar and worm-type targets
- Named vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals in plant coverage
- The supplied details do not specify a dilution ratio.
Skip it if you want a ready-to-use spray without measuring; Bonide Captain Jack’s BT Ready-to-Use Spray is the better fit.
Choose this Monterey concentrate if you want its listed pest and plant coverage and a spoon included for measuring. It suits buyers comfortable preparing applications; consult the full directions for dilution and safe handling.
Full product details
| Brand | Monterey |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Oil |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Monterey |
| Model Number | LG 6332 |
Listed on Amazon as: Monterey BT – Bacillus Thuringiensis for Organic Worm and Caterpillar Control Bundled with Measuring Spoon – Concentrate for BT Spray – 16 oz
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #4: Its 32-ounce size is the largest among the listed Monterey bottles, and the product lists use on vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
The 32-ounce bottle is the defining feature of Monterey B.t. Bacillus Thuringiensis with Spoon, giving buyers the largest listed size among the Monterey options here. Its stated coverage includes several caterpillar and worm-type pests across vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals, with a measuring spoon included.
Monterey lists cabbage loopers, bagworms, gypsy moths, fall cankerworms, and elm spanworms among its targets, with plant coverage including broccoli, cauliflower, melons, lettuce, and tomatoes. That breadth can help a gardener compare one product against a mixed planting. The included spoon supports measuring during preparation, while the supplied safety information calls for washing after mixing and application and wearing safety glasses or goggles. The 32-ounce format is the distinguishing choice for buyers comparing the listed Monterey sizes.
- 32-ounce bottle
- Measuring spoon included
- Lists multiple caterpillar and worm-type targets
- Named coverage includes vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals
- The 32-ounce format is a larger quantity than Monterey’s listed 8- and 16-ounce options.
Skip it if you need a smaller listed Monterey bottle; Monterey B.t. Caterpillar & Worm Killer, 8 oz with Spoon, offers a compact option.
Choose this Monterey product if its broad listed plant and pest coverage matches your garden and you want the 32-ounce format with a spoon. Its larger size may not suit buyers seeking a smaller bottle.
Full product details
| Brand | Monterey |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Oil |
| Manufacturer | Monterey |
| Model Number | LG 6334 |
Listed on Amazon as: Monterey B.t. Bacillus Thuringiensis, 32 oz with Spoon
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #5: The 8-ounce concentrate names red-humped caterpillars, cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, and other pests, with use on fruits and vegetables.
Listed coverage for nuts as well as vegetables and fruits distinguishes Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate, 8 oz, for gardeners managing varied plantings. Its named targets include red-humped caterpillars, cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, and tent caterpillars, giving buyers specific pests to compare against their garden needs.
Bonide lists almonds, apples, pears, cherries, grapes, oranges, celery, broccoli, cabbage, and pecans, plus shade trees and ornamentals. That range is useful for shoppers whose plantings extend beyond vegetables. The 8-ounce product is described as a liquid concentrate, so it is a prepare-before-use option rather than a ready-to-use spray. Its listed targets also include omnivorous leaf rollers, making the pest list another practical way to check whether it fits the intended use.
- 8-ounce liquid concentrate
- Lists fruit, nut, vegetable, tree, and ornamental coverage
- Names cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, and tent caterpillars
- Also lists red-humped caterpillars and leaf rollers
- This concentrate is not a ready-to-use spray.
Skip it if you want a ready-to-use option for vegetables and ornamentals; Bonide Captain Jack’s BT Ready-to-Use Spray fits that workflow.
Choose this Bonide concentrate if your garden includes listed fruits or nuts and its named caterpillar targets match your needs. Its 8-ounce format requires preparation, so it is not the direct-spray option.
Full product details
| Brand | Bonide |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate, 8 oz |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Item Weight | 10.56 ounces |
| Manufacturer | BFG Supply |
| Model Number | 802 |
Listed on Amazon as: Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate, 8 oz Ready-to-Mix Solution for Caterpillar, Moth and Worm Control in Lawn and Garden
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #6: This 8-ounce Monterey product includes a spoon and lists caterpillar targets plus use on vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
An 8-ounce bottle with a measuring spoon gives this Monterey B.t. Caterpillar & Worm Killer a smaller listed format than its 16- and 32-ounce Monterey counterparts. The product names a wide range of caterpillar and worm-type targets and plants, making it relevant to gardeners who want that coverage in a more compact bottle.
Monterey lists pests such as cabbage loopers, bagworms, gypsy moths, fall cankerworms, and elm spanworms, as well as vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, melons, and lettuce. That range helps buyers match it to both edible crops and ornamentals. The supplied spoon supports measuring, while the product’s directions emphasize washing after mixing and applying and wearing eye protection. The 8-ounce size is a useful distinction for shoppers comparing Monterey’s listed package sizes.
- 8-ounce bottle
- Measuring spoon included
- Lists multiple caterpillar and worm-type pests
- Named coverage includes vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals
- The 8-ounce format provides less product than Monterey’s listed 16- and 32-ounce sizes.
Skip it if you want a larger listed Monterey bottle; Monterey B.t. Bacillus Thuringiensis, 32 oz with Spoon, offers that size.
This Monterey option fits gardeners seeking its listed pest and foliage coverage in an 8-ounce format with a measuring spoon. Consider whether that quantity suits your application needs, and follow its handling and eye-protection directions.
Full product details
| Brand | Monterey |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Oil |
| Manufacturer | Monterey |
| Model Number | LG 6328 |
Listed on Amazon as: Monterey B.t. Caterpillar & Worm Killer, 8 oz with Spoon
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #7: It is a liquid biological insecticide with the same active ingredient as Dipel, but the supplied details give fewer target pests and plant uses.
A liquid Bacillus thuringiensis formulation is the defining feature of Southern Ag Thuricide BT, giving buyers a clearly identified biological insecticide for certain caterpillar pests. The 16-ounce pint bottle is a straightforward choice for gardeners comparing BT liquids, though the supplied product details do not specify application directions or a crop list.
Southern Ag identifies this product as a biological insecticide made from a bacterium toxic to certain pests, and says its active ingredient is the same as Dipel: Bacillus thuringiensis in liquid form. That information helps shoppers seeking a BT liquid rather than a different type of pest control. The listing provides a 16-ounce pint bottle, but does not give target species, supported plants, or mixing and application instructions, so its stated fit is narrower than products with those details.
- Biological insecticide formulation
- Identifies Bacillus thuringiensis as the active ingredient
- Liquid form
- 16-ounce pint bottle
- The supplied details do not name target caterpillar species or supported plants.
Skip it if you need a listed crop range and application directions; Bonide Captain Jack’s BT Ready-to-Use Spray specifies both.
This is a fit for shoppers who specifically want a liquid BT biological insecticide and value knowing its active ingredient. Choose another listing if you need stated target pests, plant coverage, or application guidance before purchase.
Full product details
| Brand | Southern Ag |
|---|---|
| Included Components | 1 bottle |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Weight | 9.9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Southern Ag |
| Model Number | 13022 |
Listed on Amazon as: Southern Ag Thuricide BT Caterpillar Control, 16oz – Pint
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #8: The listing identifies a Monterey liquid Bt product and a gallon format, but supplies no target pests, plant uses, or application details.
The gallon-size title distinguishes Monterey B.T. gal from the smaller bottles in this roundup, making it the listed large-format option for shoppers seeking Monterey BT. Its supplied specifications identify the product as a liquid and mark it organic; the available details do not provide pest targets or plant coverage.
The listing supplies three concrete identifiers: Monterey as the brand, a gallon-size title, and liquid as the item form; it also lists organic as a special feature. Together, these facts help buyers distinguish its format and stated attribute when comparing products. However, no target insects, supported plants, mixing directions, or application method are provided in the supplied details. Buyers should use the complete product information to establish whether it suits their garden and how it should be applied.
- Gallon-size title
- Liquid item form
- Organic listed as a special feature
- Monterey brand
- The supplied details do not identify target pests or supported plants.
Skip it if you need named caterpillar targets and crop coverage; Monterey B.t. Bacillus Thuringiensis, 32 oz with Spoon, lists both.
This Monterey listing fits shoppers focused on a gallon-size liquid with organic listed as a feature. Because target pests, plant coverage, and application directions are not supplied here, verify those details before choosing it for a specific garden.
Full product details
| Brand | Monterey |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Special Features | organic |
Listed on Amazon as: Monterey B.T. gal
View on AmazonWhy Bt may miss the pest you see
Bt is a targeted choice for listed caterpillar and worm-stage pests, so it may not address damage caused by unrelated insects. The products here name targets such as cabbage loopers, hornworms, tent caterpillars, bagworms, and diamondback moths; a damaged leaf alone does not identify which pest is present. Check the plant and pest against the product label before spraying, rather than treating every chewing insect as a Bt target.
A second common failure is incomplete leaf coverage: Bonide Captain Jack’s Bt directs users to shake well and apply to the tops and undersides of leaves. Caterpillars feeding on untreated foliage may not encounter the product.
Follow the specific label for mixing and application, and avoid assuming that one product’s directions apply to another. The supplied listings do not establish a shared retreatment interval or rain-resistance claim, so consult the exact label for those details.
Ready-to-use versus concentrate: the format trade-off
The key trade-off is application convenience versus having to prepare a diluted spray. Bonide Captain Jack’s Bt is explicitly ready to use, while Bonide Thuricide 16 oz and 8 oz are described as ready-to-mix concentrates. Monterey offers 8-, 16-, and 32-ounce products, with measuring spoons included in the listed 8- and 16-ounce packages; check each product label to confirm mixing instructions.
The product title or bottle size alone does not tell you how much finished spray a concentrate makes, since the supplied information does not give dilution rates. Nor does a larger concentrate bottle guarantee it suits your sprayer or garden routine.
Choose ready-to-use when you want to skip measuring and mixing; choose a concentrate when you are comfortable following its dilution directions. In either case, use only as directed and observe the listed safety instructions.
How to Choose Bt Spray for Plants
Ready-to-use or concentrate
Choose the format that matches how you want to prepare and apply the spray. Bonide Captain Jack’s Bt is a 32-ounce ready-to-use spray, while Bonide Thuricide products are listed as ready-to-mix concentrates; the Monterey products are concentrate-style products with spoons included on the 8- and 16-ounce listings. Concentrates require you to follow the product-specific mixing directions, while ready-to-use avoids that step.
A gardener treating a few plants who wants to spray directly may prefer the Bonide ready-to-use option. Someone who already has a sprayer and is comfortable measuring may prefer a concentrate.
The supplied listings do not provide dilution rates, so do not estimate finished-spray volume from bottle size alone.
Bottle size and application needs
Compare the listed size with the amount of foliage you need to treat, while remembering that concentrate size is not the same as ready-to-spray volume. Options include Monterey 8, 16, and 32 ounces, Bonide concentrates at 8 and 16 ounces, and Bonide Captain Jack’s Bt at 32 ounces ready to use. Monterey B.T.
gal is identified as a gallon product, but its listing gives little application detail. A small garden or limited treatment may suit an 8-ounce concentrate; more extensive needs may point toward a larger listed bottle, provided the label fits your use.
If you prefer not to mix, compare ready-to-use volume directly rather than assuming a concentrate bottle will cover a particular area.
Target pests and plant coverage
Start by checking whether the product names the caterpillar or worm pest affecting your plants and lists the plants you intend to treat. Bonide Captain Jack’s Bt names cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars and lists fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals. Monterey lists pests including cabbage loopers, bagworms, and gypsy moths, with uses on vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals.
Bonide Thuricide 8 oz names red-humped caterpillars, diamondback moths, and leaf rollers, among others. These details vary: Southern Ag provides less target and plant information in the supplied listing, and Monterey B.T.
gal supplies none. For a known pest on a named crop, favor a listing with an explicit match; verify the label before application.
Which Bt spray should you choose?
For a straightforward, ready-to-use option with listed garden and ornamental uses, choose Bonide Captain Jack’s Bt. If you want a concentrate from a brand with listed targets including hornworms and tent caterpillars, Bonide Thuricide 16 oz is the strongest fit. Choose Monterey BT 16 oz if a bundled measuring spoon matters, or Monterey BT 32 oz if you want its larger listed bottle size.
For a smaller concentrate, consider Bonide Thuricide 8 oz or Monterey BT 8 oz; the latter also lists a spoon. Southern Ag Thuricide BT is a liquid biological insecticide, but its supplied details are less specific about target pests and plants.
Monterey B.T. gal is last because its listing provides little beyond liquid form and gallon size. Match the exact label to your pest and plant before buying.
Related Buying Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How should Bt spray be applied to leaf surfaces for caterpillar control?
Follow the specific product label for application directions and coverage. Check that the label identifies your plant and target caterpillar, then apply as directed to the relevant leaf surfaces. The products here differ in format and listed uses, so do not assume that one product’s directions apply to another.
How often should Bt be reapplied after rain or new plant growth?
Use the product label to determine whether and when to reapply after rain or as plants grow. Reapplication directions can vary by product, and the supplied listings do not specify a schedule. Check the exact label rather than assuming a fixed interval or applying more often than directed.
Which caterpillars does Bt control, and which garden pests require another treatment?
The listed Bonide Captain Jack’s product targets cabbage loopers, hornworms, and tent caterpillars; other listings describe caterpillar, worm, or moth control. Bt is presented here for caterpillar-related pests, not as a general treatment for every garden pest. Confirm that the exact label names your pest before choosing a product.
How do I choose between ready-to-use Bt and concentrate?
Choose ready-to-use Bonide Captain Jack’s if you want to avoid mixing a concentrate. Choose a concentrate if you prefer a mixable product; several options are listed as concentrates or ready-to-mix solutions. Compare the exact product label and bottle size, and follow its mixing directions rather than assuming products are interchangeable.
What should I check on the label before buying Bt for a plant?
Check that the label covers both the plant and the pest you intend to treat. The listed uses vary: Bonide Captain Jack’s includes fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals, while other listings provide different levels of detail. Verify directions and permitted uses on the exact product label before buying or applying.
Final Words
For the simplest route, choose Bonide Captain Jack’s ready-to-use Bt, whose listed uses include fruits, vegetables, shade trees, and ornamentals. If you prefer a concentrate, Bonide Thuricide 16 oz is the strongest fit when listed hornworm and tent caterpillar targets matter. Consider Monterey’s spoon-bundled options or smaller bottles for those preferences.
Compare the exact label with your plant and pest before deciding; listings vary in how specifically they identify targets and uses.





