Bacillus

thuringiensis Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring soil bacteria that is widely used as an environmentally-friendly insecticide. It produces substances called "cry proteins", which are toxic to a range of insect pests but harmless to most beneficial species such as bees, butterflies, and earthworms. When used as an insecticide, Bt is sprayed directly onto the crops and breaks down quickly in the environment. Bt is an effective and economical way to control a variety of insect pests without the need for more harmful synthetic chemical insecticides. It is used by organic farmers, home gardeners, and professionals alike. In addition, Bt is being studied as a way to control diseases such as African sleeping sickness, river blindness, and Dengue fever.