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 carrier contains mineral oil and polymers and may also include an adsorbent. 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.