Mosquito pesticides are NOT “As safe as chrysanthemum flowers.”

Scientific studies show that toxic pesticides:

• Increase risk of cancer and neurotoxic effects.
• Poison pets, pollinators, and beneficial wildlife.
• Can be replaced by safer products and practices.

The two types of pesticides used in spraying adult mosquitoes include synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphates. Scientific studies show that both types are dangerous, especially to vulnerable populations. Ironically, the same population that is most susceptible to severe encephalitis is also
at risk of getting sick from pesticides — the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. A study conducted by the National Research Council found that pregnant women, infants, and children also have a greater risk of getting sick from pesticides.

Pesticide spraying is also harmful to ecosystems and wildlife. Adulticides pose well-documented threats to wildlife, birds, fish, shellfish, and beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and dragonflies, which prey on mosquitoes. As discussed below, pesticide spraying often kills other types of mosquito predators, too.
Furthermore, wildlife and ecosystems depend on mosquitoes for their survival.

The CDC states that spraying pesticides intended to kill adult mosquitoes is usually the least efficient mosquito control technique. Preventive measures such as removing breeding areas are much more efficient in eliminating mosquito threats.

Instead of relying on harmful and ineffective chemical controls try these instead :

1. Eliminate breeding areas : Seek out and drain all standing water at least once a week to interrupt breeding cycles. Be thorough! Check areas like gutters, tires, tarps, and drains. Fill holes or depressions with sand or mortar, or drain after rain. Don’t give mosquitoes a place to hide –trim back overgrown vegetation!
2. Use biological controls & build biodiversity : For water you can’t drain (bird baths, ponds, rain barrels) use biological controls to target mosquito larvae. Use products with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), also called mosquito dunks. Stock ponds with mosquito-eating fish (i.e. minnows or bluegills). Encourage mosquito predators such as birds, dragonflies and frogs.
3. Spread the word : The more neighbors that participate in safe practices, the more successful the community’s efforts will be!

BONUS : Call your township and ask to have your property added to the “do not spray” list.

Learn more! @ beyondpesticides.org/mosquitoes