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Bacillus thuringiensis
israelensis (Bti)
Microbial Larvicide
n Larvicides are biological or chemical
insecticides applied to breeding habitats to kill mosquito larvae before they
mature into adults and disperse.
n Low toxicity rating: The EPA registers pesticides according to
three levels of toxicity: Caution
(low), Warning (moderate), or Danger (high). Bti is classified at the lowest
level of toxicity.
n How it works:
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) is a naturally occurring microorganism that produces substances toxic
to insects. Bt israelensis (Bti) is a
subspecies that targets mosquitoes, blackflies, and
some midges. The Bti product is not a contact
poison; it works by disrupting digestion, and must be eaten by insects to be
effective. Bti does not cause disease epidemics in insect populations.
n Where to use: For control of mosquito larvae in outdoor
areas. Most commonly used in irrigation
ditches, roadside ditches, marshes, flood water, standing ponds, woodland
ponds, pastures, catch basins, storm water retention areas, sewage lagoons, or
animal waste lagoons. The label instructions must be followed for
the specific product being used.
n Application:
Bti
is generally applied by placing the product in standing water, and is effective
up to 30 days. The label instructions must be followed for
the specific product being used. It is a
violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its
labeling.
n Pesticide application registration
or license: According to the Kansas Department of
Agriculture, government agencies are not required to be registered or licensed
to apply this product on land owned, leased, or operated by the governmental
entity. Government agencies are required
to have a government agency registration to apply this product upon private
property. Individual private property owners may apply this product upon their
own private property without a license.
Private businesses that apply this product for hire are required to be
commercially licensed.
n Risks to humans:
According to the EPA, Bti does not pose
risks to human health when used according to label directions. Direct contact with eyes or skin may cause
irritation.
n Risks to the environment:
According to the EPA, Bti does not pose
risks to wildlife, nontarget species, or the
environment when used according to label directions. Bti may produce toxic chemicals that are released from the
larval insects. Larvicide manufacturing
is designed and monitored to minimize the presence of these toxins.
n Brand names:
Able™, Biobit®, Cutlass™, Dipel®,
Foray®, Javelin®, Summit, Thuricide®, Vectobac®.
All information obtained from Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)and