Question 1

What are the "insecticidal toxins" listed in the active ingredients?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient is Bti, ( Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies Israelensis) the bacteria is  registered with EPA and the strain is BMP 144  the solids, spores and insecticidal toxins is the Bti.  This is the way the USEPA wants the active ingredient to be listed on the label.  There are no other toxins in the product besides the bacteria Bti.  All other ingredients are inert or none active

Question 2

What are the instructions to using this product?

Accepted Answer

The label instructions read: "Sprinkle one teaspoon per 25 square feet or one tablespoon per 75 square feet (1/2 lb. per 2178 square feet) over the surface of the containerized water found around the home. MOSQUITO BITS should be applied uniformly. A seven to fourteen day interval between applications should be employed. Longer periods of mosquito suppression will be obtained with subsequent use of MOSQUITO BITS. MOSQUITO BITS can be applied to areas that contain aquatic life, fish and plants. Can be applied to areas used by or in contact with humans, animals, horses, livestock, pets, birds or wildlife. DO NOT APPLY TO finished, treated human drinking water sources."I have found the bits to be absolutely wonderful for ground that stays wet after it rains: flower pots, areas under overhanging bushes, or simply where the sun does not dry things quickly. If you have drainage ditches that do not keep standing water, but the soil stays wet for awhile, these are great. If you have a lot of land, the 20 lb. tubs are perfect for refilling the shaker container (30 oz.).

Question 3

can you use this product in a 10' "blow up" type pool? I find knats and mosquitos floating in there even with the filter and clorine tablets!

Accepted Answer

Not sure...back of the label says it's okay for unused swimming pools. But it also says to avoid contact with eyes. I'd give them call to be sure. 800-222-1222

Question 4

Will this harm cats or indoor pets?

Accepted Answer

EPA. gov labeling:  https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/006218-00086-20161109.pdf
It states "Do not apply directly to treated, finished drinking water reservoirs."  It does note that it may be used in "areas used by or in contact with humans, animals, horses, livestock, pets, birds, or wildlife," but I'd say that USED BY OR IN CONTACT WITH part is not explicitly endorsing safety in drinking water. The "Dunks" product also by Summit has the same "drinking water" warning and specifically excludes animal drinking water --> "For Prevention and Control of Mosquito Larvae, Place DUNKS® Only in the Following Contained Standing Water Sites  ...  Other Standing Water Sites Described Elsewhere on This Label, EXCLUDING Water Associated with Food and Feed Plants, Animal Drinking Water..." (Caps for emphasis mine).

The general feeling I get from quick internet search n reads is that they haven't found evidence that the product harms any animals when ingested, and to make the claims they do (that it IS safe to use in water that animals may get into/submerge/lick off themselves/occasionally swallow) they had to provide some evidence of that, but they are not willing to go so far as to do the testing to be sure it is safe for animals to ingest CONSISTENTLY over a LONGER period of time, since it's not what they designed it for + testing costs money.   So you have to weigh the risk benefit for yourself (and your pets) essentially, but just wanted to post and clarify that their own EPA labeling application for both Bits and Dunks does NOT endorse safe to use in drinking water.

Active Ingredients	Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. sad Strain SUM-4218 salid, spores, and 2.86% insecticidal toxi
Asin	B0001AUF8G
Best Sellers Rank	#16,070 in Garden & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Garden & Outdoors) #651 in Insect Control
Brand Name	SUMMIT
Country Of Origin	USA
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (33,358) 4.4 out of 5 stars
Global Trade Identification Number	00018506001179
Item Form	Granules
Item Type Name	SUMMIT CHEMICAL CO 117-6 30OZ Mosquito Bits
Item Weight	848 g
Manufacturer	Summit...reponsible solutions.
Model Number	117-6
Part Number	117-6
Specification Met	EPA
Target Species	Insects
Unit Count	30.0 Ounce
Upc	018506001179

Mosquito Dunks Bits (30 oz)

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