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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