West Nile Virus/Mosquito Management

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As local pesticide spray programs targeting adult mosquitoes with West Nile virus continue throughout the U.S., it must be recognized that these spray programs are of very limited efficacy. That is, spraying is NOT an effective or efficient way to prevent death or illness associated with insect-borne West Nile virus.

A large part of this has to do with understanding the life cycle of mosquitoes and their biology. Another large part of this has to do with the inability, especially in an urban environment, to hit target insects with typical ground spraying from trucks or by aerial application.

While recognizing the public health threat of West Nile virus (WNv) and other mosquito-borne diseases, and given the limited efficacy of adulticidal sprays, or pesticides meant to target adult mosquitoes, it becomes even more important to recognize the public health hazards associated with widespread pesticide exposure. The pesticides most commonly used across the country are neurotoxic and have been linked to cancer and other illnesses. People with compromised immune systems, chemically sensitive people, pregnant women, and children with respiratory problems, such as asthma, are particularly vulnerable to these pesticides and will suffer disproportionately from exposure.

Mosquito Management: The FundamentalsFundamentals

Management Strategies and Alternatives

• Public Health Mosquito Management Strategy for Decision Makers and Communities
• Five Steps to Stop the Spraying
• The Truth About Mosquitoes, Pesticides and West Nile Virus
• Backyard Mosquito Management
• Least Toxic Mosquito Repellents

Efficacy of Adulticides

• Ineffectiveness of Pesticides at Controlling Mosquito Populations
• West Nile Virus and Mosquito Control (David Pimentel)
• Efficacy of Resmethrin Aerosols Applied from the Road for Suppressing Culex Vectors of West Nile Virus (Michael R. Reddy, Andrew Spielman, et al. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. Summer 2006, 6(2): 117-127)

Chemical Toxicity and Health Effects for Commonly used Mosquito Pesticides

• Chemicalwatch Factsheet: Synthetic Pyrethriods
• Pesticide Gateway: Resmethrin
• Pesticide Gateway: Permethrin
• Pesticide Gateway: Synergist Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO)
• Pesticide Gateway: Malathion
• Pesticide Gateway: Naled
• Pesticide Gateway: DEET
• Pesticide Gateway: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
• Surveillance for Acute Insecticide-Related Illness Associated with Mosquito-Control Efforts -Nine States, 1999--2002 (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC, July 11, 2003/52(27);629-634)
  

If you are concerned about the spraying of pesticides in your community or local environment, want a copy of Beyond Pesticides' organizing packet, or want to get involved in any way, please act now and contact Beyond Pesticides (202) 543-5450.