A live bacteria product including dormant viable bacteria suspended in a liquid carrier. The liquid carrier is sufficiently devoid of moisture so that substantially all of the bacteria will remain in a dormant state for several months or until applied to the target host. The liquid carrier has a moisture content of less than one percent and preferably has a moisture content of less than one-tenth of one percent. The carrier contains mineral oil and a suspension agent and may also include an adsorbent. The suspension agent may be polymers such as synthetic polymers. The product is stored and shipped in a plastic bag and is sprayed onto its target host or the like. The moisture and pH of the target host then activates the bacteria.
