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Adult Mosquito Control Pesticides

Zenivex E4

What is Zenivex® adulticide and how is it used? 

 

Zenivex® contains a pesticide called Etofenprox, a member of the category of pesticides called non-ester pyrethroids, which are synthetic versions of pesticides produced by chrysanthemum flowers called pyrethrins. Zenivex® does not require a synergist such as piperonyl butoxide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified Etofenprox as a reduced risk pesticide. It poses a low risk to human health and the environment when used properly as part of an integrated mosquito control program. As formulated in Zenivex® adulticide, Etofenprox is considered a non-carcinogen, non-teratogen and non-mutagen. 

 

Zenivex presents a minimal risk to humans, pets and non-target species. Etofenprox presents a low toxicity to birds and dried foliar residues are not harmful to honeybees. Applications occur after sunset when honeybees aren’t active. Zenivex E4 is toxic to fish, but buffer zones are in place to avoid spraying around fish habitat.

 

This pesticide kills mosquitoes effectively, yet biodegrades rapidly in the presence of sunlight and/or microorganisms.

 

Etofenprox is readily found in flea and tick prevention treatments for dogs and puppies, and at much higher concentrations than what is used for mosquito control.

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Suffolk is applying Zenivex E4 at a rate of around 1 oz. per acre, which is equivalent to about two tablespoons per acre. The active ingredient, etofenprox, makes up 4% of that amount, therefore, less than 1/10th of a tablespoon of the active ingredient is being applied per acre.

An Ultra Low Volume sprayer located in the back of a pick-up truck is used for the mosquito control effort. The average droplet size of the spray falls between 10-30 microns. A micron is 1/25,000 of an inch. For perspective, human hair is 100 microns. 

Mosquitoes are the target. Being that mosquitoes are so small, only a small amount of Zenivex E4 is needed to reduce mosquito populations. The small amount needed to reduce mosquito populations is not expected to have negative impacts on non-target animals or the environment. 

 

 

EPA Information on Mosquito Control

https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol

 

Label and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

-Zenivex E4

Larval Mosquito Control Pesticides

Bti

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 is Very Low

Bti:

  • is highly specific for mosquito and black fly larva

  • is applied directly to mosquito-producing habitats

  • produces no toxic residues – risk to groundwater is low

  • is non-volatile (doesn’t release vapors)

  • is harmless to beneficial aquatic organisms, including insect predators

Efficiency as a Pesticide

  • Bti is applied to larval habitat to kill mosquitoes before they become pests

  • Bti produces rapid knockdown and mortality in mosquitoes, usually within 24  hours after application

  • Bti is not persistent in the environment, so the chance of resistance developing is low

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Altosid

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

  • Altosid is an insect growth regulator

  • the active ingredient, Methoprene, is an insect juvenile hormone mimic

  • Insect juvenile hormone affects the development of the insect to its adult stage (metamorphosis)

  • 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 is low

  • Altosid is applied directly to mosquito-producing habitats

  • Altosid produces no toxic residues – risk to groundwater is
    low

  • Altosid is non-volatile (doesn’t release vapors)

Efficiency as a Pesticide

  • Altosid is applied to larval habitat to kill mosquitoes
    before they become pests

  • Altosid offers control for up to 30-150 days (depending on the formulation), providing long term control of mosquitoes

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