Larval Mosquito Control Pesticides

Bti

NOTE: EPA toxicity levels are grouped into four categories: (IV) relatively non-toxic, (III) slightly toxic, (II) moderately toxic, and (I) highly toxic. Bti is rated as relatively non-toxic (IV). By comparison, caffeine would be labeled moderately toxic (II).

FACTS ABOUT BTI

• Bti is a microbial insecticide
• Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis is a rod-shaped bacterium which releases a toxin crystal when it reproduces
• This crystal is only toxic to mosquitoes, black fly, and a few related species
• Bti is considered relatively non-toxic to humans and other mammals

Toxicity to people: LOW RISK

• found to be a non-irritant to skin & eyes
• not found to be oncogenic (tumor-producing)
• not found to cause birth defects

Toxicity to non-targets:

other mammals – essentially no risk

birds – essentially no risk

fish – essentially no risk

bees – essentially no risk

other invertebrates – low to none for most other invertebrates, including other insects. However, Bti has been found to affect dixids, chironomids, and ceratopogonids.

Environmental Risk
1. Bti is highly specific for mosquito and black fly larvae
2. Bti is applied directly to mosquito-producing habitats
3. Bti produces no toxic residues – risk to groundwater is low
4. Bti is non-volatile (doesn't release vapors)
5. Bti is harmless to beneficial aquatic organisms, including
insect predators
Therefore: ENVIRONMENTAL RISK IS VERY LOW

Efficiency as a Pesticide
1. Bti is applied to larval habitat to kill mosquitoes before
they become pests
2. Bti produces rapid knockdown and mortality in
mosquitoes, usually within 24 hours after application 3. Bti is not persistent in the environment, so the chance of resistance developing is low

Altosid

NOTE: EPA toxicity levels are grouped into four categories: (IV) relatively non-toxic, (III) slightly toxic, (II) moderately toxic, and (I) highly toxic. Altosid is rated as relatively non-toxic (IV). By comparison, caffeine would be labeled moderately toxic (II).

FACTS ABOUT ALTOSID

o Altosid is an insect growth regulator
o the active ingredient, Methoprene, is an insect juvenile hormone mimic
o Insect juvenile hormone affects the development of the insect to its adult stage (metamorphosis)
o Altosid is considered relatively non-toxic to humans and other mammals

Toxicity
to people: LOW RISK

found to be non-irritating to skin & eyes

found to be non-sensitizing to skin

not found to be oncogenic (tumor-producing)

not found to cause birth defects

Toxicity to non-targets:

other mammals – essentially no risk

birds – essentially no risk

amphibians – slight to moderate risk

fish – slight to moderate risk

bees – essentially no risk

other invertebrates – potentially high for other aquatic insects

and some aquatic invertebrates

Environmental Risk
1. Altosid is applied directly to mosquito-producing habitats
2. Altosid produces no toxic residues – risk to groundwater is
low
3. Altosid is non-volatile (doesn't release vapors)
Therefore: ENVIRONMENTAL RISK IS LOW

Efficiency as a Pesticide
1. Altosid is applied to larval habitat to kill mosquitoes
before they become pests
2. Altosid Briquets release effective doses of pesticide for
up to 30 days, providing long term control of mosquitoes

EPA FACT SHEETS:

Questions and Answers: Pesticides and Mosquito Control

For Your Information: Larvicides for Mosquito Control

For Your Information: Synthetic Pyrethroids for Mosquito Control

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

-Anvil 10+10
-Vectobac 12AS
-Vectobac G
-Vectolex WSP
-Altosid Pellets WSP

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