200 Maine, Suite B | Lawrence, KS  66044 | Phone: 785/843-3060 | Fax: 785/843-3161

 

 

 


Methoprene (Altosidā)

Insect Growth Regulator 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).  Methoprene is classified at the lowest level of toxicity. 

 

n   How it works:  Methoprene is a chemical compound that mimics the action of an insect growth-regulating hormone.  When eaten or absorbed on contact, it prevents larvae from maturing into adults.  It has no effect on mosquitoes that have already reached the pupa or adult stages. 

 

n   Where to use:  For control of mosquito larvae in outdoor areas.  Most commonly used in storm drains, catch basins, roadside ditches, fish ponds, ornamental ponds and fountains, other artificial water-holding containers, waste treatment and settling ponds, abandoned swimming pools, tires, pastures, meadows, swamps and marshes, tree holes, woodland pools, and floodplains.  The label instructions must be followed for the specific product being used.   

 

n   Application:  Generally applied by placing briquets, pellets, or granules in standing water.  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, methoprene does not pose unreasonable risks to human health when used according to label directions.

 

n   Risks to the environment:  According to the EPA, methoprene does not pose unreasonable risks to wildlife or the environment when used according to label directions.  Toxicity to birds, fish, and freshwater invertebrates is low, and it is nontoxic to bees.

 

n   Brand names:  Altosid®.

 

 

All information from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and

National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC).  Revised June 2006.