.png)
Mosquito Management and Insect-Borne Diseases
|
Quick Links Least Toxic |
As local pesticide spray programs targeting adult mosquitoes with West Nile virus continue throughout the U.S., and with the new emergence of the Zika virus, it must be recognized that 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 diseases.
The ineffectiveness of spraying to kill mosquitoes has to do in part with their life cycle, and in part with the mechanics of actually knocking down target insects — especially in urban environments. Spraying is typically done as ground spraying by trucks or as aerial application by aircraft.
Personal testimony of successful policy change
The Zika virus, West Nile virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases are recognized public health threats. But given the limited efficacy of adulticidal sprays, or pesticides meant to target adult mosquitoes, it becomes even more important to understand the public health hazards associated with widespread pesticide exposure.
This has become especially timely given the current discussion over the potential use of DDT to combat the Zika virus (see Zika virus: Is DDT an option, published on CNN.com). Researchers have linked DDT exposure to impacts on fertility, immunity, hormones, and brain development; the pesticides most commonly used in the U.S. to target mosquitoes 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.
Beyond Pesticides has reached out to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with concerns about the use of insecticides, such as naled (including its degradation product dichlorvos [DDVP]) and synthetic pyrethroids, to combat Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases. You can read our letter to EPA here, and EPA's response here.
Video credit: Barbara DeGraves Studio, Artist | Photographer | Gardener finding Inspiration for my Art from Nature,
Bowling Green, KY
Mosquito Management: The Fundamentals
Management Strategies and Alternatives
-
The city of Boulder, Colorado has updated its mosquito management plan to recognize forces leading to an increase in mosquito populations and their ecological management. The city's website includes Living with Mosquitoes and Ecological Mosquito Management.
- Public Health Mosquito Management Strategy for Decision Makers and Communities
- 5 Steps to Stop the Spraying
- The Truth About Mosquitoes, Pesticides, and West Nile Virus
- Backyard Mosquito Management
- Least Toxic Mosquito Repellents
- Mosquito Doorknob Hanger
- Mosquito Control and Pollinator Health
- Back to the Future: Communities are doused with pesticides in response to West Nile Virus outbreak (including commentary and action strategies)
- Beyond Pesticides' comments on Wolbachia pipientis for mosquito control
Efficacy of Adulticides
- With Zika Virus, Widespread Pesticide Spraying Not the Long-Term Solution, says Entomologist
- 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 of Commonly Used Mosquito Pesticides
- ChemicalWatch Factsheet: Synthetic Pyrethroids
- 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 contact Beyond Pesticides at 1.202.543.5450.