Monterey® Garden Insect Spray - 1gal - OMRI Listed®

Monterey® Garden Insect Spray 1gal — OMRI Listed® | Spinosad | Fast-Acting Biological Insecticide

Monterey Garden Insect Spray contains Spinosad — a biological insecticide derived from the naturally occurring soil actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Spinosad works through contact and ingestion, disrupting insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to cause rapid paralysis and death. It is fast-acting, odorless, and effective against a broad range of chewing and some piercing insects including caterpillars, leafminers, codling moth, tent caterpillars, gypsy moth, thrips, and borers. Also labeled for fire ant control in lawns and outdoor areas. OMRI Listed for organic use.

Key Features & Benefits

• Spinosad Active Ingredient: A naturally derived biological insecticide with a unique mode of action — activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and GABA-gated chloride channels simultaneously, causing rapid paralysis. Distinct from conventional insecticides, reducing cross-resistance risk in IPM rotation programs.
• Fast-Acting: Spinosad provides rapid insect knockdown after contact or ingestion — visible results typically within hours of application.
• Odorless Formula: Unlike many botanical and oil-based insecticides, Monterey Garden Insect Spray is odorless — suitable for use in high-occupancy environments, enclosed spaces, and near-harvest applications.
• Broad Pest Spectrum: Controls caterpillars, leafminers, codling moth, tent caterpillars, gypsy moth, thrips, borers, and more. Also effective against fire ants in lawns and outdoor areas.
• Wide Crop Range: Labeled for outdoor ornamentals, lawns, vegetables, and fruit trees.
• OMRI Listed® for Organic Gardening.
• 1gal — Concentrate.

Pest Control Spectrum

Controls: Caterpillars, Leafminers, Codling Moth, Tent Caterpillars, Gypsy Moth, Thrips, Borers, and more. Also controls Fire Ants in lawns and outdoor areas. See label for complete pest list.

Who Should Use This

Home gardeners, organic growers, landscape managers, and nursery operators managing caterpillar, leafminer, and thrips pressure on vegetable crops, fruit trees, and ornamentals. Spinosad is one of the most trusted OMRI Listed insecticides for caterpillar control — particularly valued for its fast action, odorless formula, and distinct mode of action for resistance rotation programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spinosad?

Spinosad is a biological insecticide derived from Saccharopolyspora spinosa — a naturally occurring soil actinomycete. It disrupts insect nervous systems through a unique dual-receptor mechanism, causing rapid paralysis and death.

Is Monterey Garden Insect Spray safe for bees?

Spinosad can be toxic to bees when wet. Apply in the early morning or evening when bees are not actively foraging, and allow the spray to dry before bees access treated plants. Once dry, Spinosad residues have reduced impact on adult bees.

Can I use this to control fire ants?

Yes. Monterey Garden Insect Spray is labeled for fire ant control in lawns and other outdoor areas. See the product label for specific rates and application methods for fire ant management.