It is hardy and can survive adverse weather. It is subject to biological controls, therefore, it cannot harm the ecosystem. Although the perfect bioinsecticide does not exist, a more than suitable candidate does. This candidate is a fungi or bacteria that secretes a large amount of the enzyme chitinase. All arthropods, including insects, mites, spiders, centipedes and millipedes, have chitin in their exoskeletons.
Chitin is a cellulose-type polymer that is the outside armor coat of an arthropod.
If this armor is penetrated, the insect can die of dessication, infection, or starvation. Chitinases degrade chitin. A chitinase enzyme preparation can attack adult insects, their eggs, larva and pupa. No other biological or chemical control agents can target multiple life stages of an insect. Chitinase-secreting fungi and bacteria are not common.